Reviewer: Tim Byrne
Story Title: N/A
Written by: Todd Dezago
Art by: Logan Lubera
Inked by: Craig Yeung
Colored by: Hi-Fi
Lettered by: Dave Sharpe
Editor: MacKenzie Cadenhead
Publisher: Marvel Comics
I frequently think that I am the only person in the civilized world who actually reads any of the Marvel Age line of titles. Admittedly, I only read the Spider-Man series, having dropped the mediocre Fantastic Four fun after three or four issues.
As I think most people are aware, the idea of the Marvel Age titles is to re-work the original stories of Lee and Ditko for a 21st century sensibility, and hopefully a younger audience.
While a great theory, it struggles against the idea that the original stories are still available at an extremely economical price in the ‘Essential’ Collections. They still hold up moderately well from a child’s perspective (except maybe for some of Stan Lee’s ’60s’ dialogue).
Anyway, some of this issues have certainly been diverting, and I was particularly fond of the cute ending to the issue where Spidey was convinced not to quit by the Human Torch.
This issue is only a fairly loose adaptation of the original story, where Spider-Man juggles a reputation for cowardice with a confrontation with the Sandman and Aunt May’s ill-health. The writing is fine, although not as smile-worthy as some of Stan’s original ‘Spidey’ quips. The story is cute, and if any parents are thinking of buying this for their children, they could certainly do worse than the very worthy messages imparted by these titles.
Unfortunately, the art is pretty bland on these issues, possibly as a consequence of the fortnightly schedule on which these Marvel Age issues come out. Flat and functional would be the best words to describe the impression made.
Anyway, these books, and this issue, are cute and good for a quick read, but don’t trade in Amazing Spider-Man any-time soon.
