the plot: Peter and Aunt May arrive on the set of Mary Jane's movie, upon which Peter quickly explains why he was unable to meet MJ at the airport a short while back. The Parker family reunion is short-lived however when Peter and Aunt May learn that MJ's movie role is in a superhero movie called "Lobster-Man", and MJ recieves some curious advice about being the wife of a superhero from the star of the film.

Meanwhile, Carlyle, the man who ripped off Dr. Octopus' technology, is in California as well, and is quickly tracked down by Doc Ock in his hotel room. As the hotel is ravaged while the two fight, Spider-Man arrives to break up the fight, but is ganged up on by the two villains. Eventually Carlyle gets away, and Spidey is trapped beneath the collapsed hotel building.

the review: Goofy as the bit with Lobster-Man was, I loved Mary Jane's reaction to him. In fact, it'll actually go down as one of my favorite Spidey moments of the year. Just thought I'd mention that.

I forgot to mention this in my review of the last issue, but John Romita jr's artwork, which usually looks good anyway, has gotten even better lately. Some of the pages are works of art, and as unsatisfied as I may be with the stories in this book at times, I'll still pick it up for the artwork alone.

Let's see...what else..?

Oh yeah. Am I the only one dissapointed to see Ock back in his old green jumpsuit? I was hoping that he'd be wearing his snazzy three piece suit from last month this time around, but instead Dr. Octopus is wearing a version of his suit that looks even worse than the one with the metallic legs (what was that all about?). Even the suit from Peter Parker: Spider-Man #39-41 would have been better, even if I hate the way that one looks (not the way Mark Buckingham drew it, I just think it's a cheap looking suit.)

The cover. Did the job, but seemed kind of...bland, perhaps? I don't know. it reminds me a lot of a cover from a few issues back, but with different coloring. I don't know, it doesn't make me excited about the book at all, and seems kind of generic.

Carlyle as a new Dr. Octopus is also kind of boring, but at least he'll be gone after next month anyway, and it gives us an opportunity to see the real Ock in action. I wish we got to see Carolyn Trainer, Ock's protege and fill-in for a brief period, but that's not going to happen any time soon.

Oh, and I liked that Ock helped Spidey out at the end, but only after thinking it over. And then that he left Spidey behind because "he's not a civilian." Nice exchange.

Call me crazy, but I thought Amazing Spider-Man #44 had enough good moments to be worthy of *** out of *****.

send all email to John Cage
this page is best viewed at 800x600, so you can see everything.