Bought Thought Thread 06/09/06(SPOILERS)

[Darthphere]

I aways guessed Roy would be the first to do that.

Roy has at least 10 more years of ass tappage to pull that off.

 

[Colossal Spoons]

Damn, I've clearly been underestimating Boosters level of pimpage.

 

[hippy fascist]

52 Week 18-52 has finally IMO started to get the engines going as this issue continues its streak of solid, actual relevant issues. This issue explores the discovery of Dr. fate's helmet and its purpose. Detective Chimp seeks out Ralph Dibny to investigate this as the helemt has already killed a man. Along with the Shadowpact, they go to Egypt and Ralph has a conversation with the helmet as the Shadowpact looks on dumbfounded, as he speeds off with helmet in hand. In other news, Black Adam rewards "Charlie" and Montoya for stopping the terrorist child at his wedding, though Montoya is too busy doing the dirty dirty with a person of the female equation. Overall great issue really seemed like possibly the best so far. Booster's wedding was comedic and sad at the same time and look forward to see where this Daniel Carter crap goes. 8/10

You make it sound like an episode of the bold and the beautiful

 

[Darthphere]

You make it sound like an episode of the bold and the beautiful

Thats what it is pretty much.

 

[hippy fascist]

guess it'll be easier that way if they need to retcon it later

http://www.ultimatedallas.com/episodeguide/season8p16.jpg

 

[Marcdachamp]

My store didnt have it for me this week.

Mine either. Did it get delayed? I haven't seen ONE review. Come on, someone had to buy it! It's PAD!

 

[SouLeSS]

Nightwing was good this week. Why? Because it got rid of the meta-nightwing chick, continued to keep nighttodd away, and had Dick feeling that NYC just isn't the right place for him. That and Roy was making fun of his name. "Wheres your wings?" classic. I'm thinking the next creative team came in and said "This is the script. You can have your name on it, but this is what is going to happen. If you dont like it, we will eat your face off."

 

[PWN3R]

Super small week. Only got four books.

I'm too lazy to write real reviews right now so I just rambled up thoughts. Is rambled even a word?


Detective Comics #823
This week was a letdown. Last two issues have been so solid, I was really excited for this issue, but it was just overall a meh for me. Really letdown, the first half of the issue was kinda good, but the second half with the "monster" was lame IMO. Despite that, it have several cool moments with Ivy and Robin, and Riddler's tv spot, enjoyable issue, just not as good as the last two. 6/10

52#18
Bobo, oh my sweet Bobo, how I love thee. The detective chimp needs his coffee! Loved this issue, 52 has been a solid series but its finally starting to pick up alot. This issue we see that Ralph recovered from his "breakdown" and Black Adam likes to hand medals out during sex - its how he rolls. Dr. Fate is "dead" and by the end of the issue Ralph ends up with the helmet. Good stuff, loving this series o so very much.Plus Question gets an origin story which is awesome, I really like these alot. 9/10

Uncanny X-Men #478
Tan's art has gotten so much better, like whatever he is on, he needs to share the wealth with other artists. The team is still in space, stops by a fueling station, long story short, its a trap, Warpath inches further on the road to becoming Wolverine, and "The Blade of the Phoenix" is released. I wonder what that is, next issue shows a sword handle so, hmmm. I'm liking Bru's run, if you need an X-fix, and can't wait for Astonishing, or hate Bachalo's art(like me) this is the book. 8/10

Agents of Atlas #2
Gorilla man is a neat character. "I'm a freaking Gorilla" "Sup" loved those lines. We learn more about the team in this, and how the Gorrilla Man came to be. This is a odd book, but by odd I mean its totally different from every "tie-in" right now and thats good. I was hesitant on this series, but gave it a try, and recommend that you do too. 8/10

 

[PWN3R]

Action Comics #842-Busiek and Woods, what a creative team. I wish they would stay on the title longer but of course thats not going to happen. The Auctioner or whatever his name is on Earth and auctioning off The Satue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower among other things to off world bidders, thats until he finds a more valubale iten, Metahumans. As he traps Superman up along with others like The Veteran and Bluejay, Nightwing and Fiestorm team up to help theme scape. A very entertaining issue, with some of the best covers ever, even with The Simpsons reference. Great run on Actions which I will be sad to see end. 9/10

Yeah I know, the last couple of covers rock.

 

[Colossal Spoons]

^Yeah, Warpath has adopted the "kill now, ask questions later" policy that Wolverine holds dear.

 

[Dread]

I'll admit that this was probably Dini's poorest of his three DETECTIVE issues so far, but I still enjoyed it. They're episodic, and as such have their ups and downs. At least it wasn't "Critters". And I still think it made a nice little Batman story. I could easily see other writers milking it for 3-5 issues.

 

[SonOfCthulhu]

This has to be my favorite week of picking up books in over three months. Not one title disappointed me. Additionally it felt a bit like a homecoming of sorts.

52 #18 – Leaving the space team out this issue was a plus, while pulling in the cameo of Shadowpact was a great way to kick off Dibney being handed the reigns of Dr Fate. After my initial qualms, I’ve really warmed up to Detective Chimp. The character is written so well here and in the Shadowpact book that it overcomes the silliness of his concept. I also appreciated the brief appearance of DC’s House of Mystery. Anyone know where it was seen last? Last time I saw it was the early issues of Sandman, but it’s had to crop up since then, right? Glad to see Dibney isn’t being written out of the series too. The Skeets storyline is odd. To get my dig in at DC, why should they replace him unless they can find an untapped minority segment to wear the Booster Gold costume. Yes, that might be a bit to harsh a volley to aim at DC. Hands down best moment was The Question during Black Adam/Renee Montoya’s little confrontation. I love the way he’s depicted with the huge grin on his face but purposefully not staring at Renee or the other naked woman. Then to top that, the writers get him to be the voice of reason, directing Adam and Renee’s misplaced aggressions back on to Intergang. The Question out-cools the whole room. 9/10

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-man #12 – Peter David hasn’t lost his touch for integrating humor into a dramatic/action piece. We get a movie reference, a Batman joke, a host of other quips and even clever visual gags along with our buy-one, get-two free Mysterio storyline. This issue the mystery deepens because we know the identity of Mysterios one and two, but Mysterio three takes off his fish bowl to reveal the he’s Quentin Beck, albeit the worse for ware after having taken a gun blast to the head. Great read from my all-time favorite Hulk scribe. 9/10

Atom #3 It must be the Byrne art that keeps me so happy with this book. Lord knows that Gail Simone is taking the story in some unconventional directions. And what kind of a Cthulhu Mythos fan would I be if I protested any mythos beastie appearance anywhere too loudly?

Bookending this issue is the introduction of a new villain, Dwarfstar, a psychopath who reads poetry while killing people. Seems a shadowy figure has given him a belt with the same size adjusting powers as Ray’s. And at the end of the issue, Ryan’s friend Dr. Potter comes home to find Dwarfstar in his living room holding a Rambo knife on him while threatening to read him poetry. This is the non-odd part of the story if you can believe it.

Ryan meanwhile has encountered M’Nagalah, also known as the tumor or cancer god, a great old one that first made an appearance back in Swamp Thing #8. What’s She/He/It doing here? It wants Ryan to abandon his fight with the odd backwards talking micro-aliens. Ryan isn’t convinced nor is he about to merge with the nasty one-eyed octopus thing, which leads to a running escape from the sewers with M’Nagalah and the aliens trying to capture him. The battle does net Ryan a particle drive you could hold in one hand (bet we’ll see that again) which he hands off to Dr. Kettering for study, and the thought that Ivy Town is nexus point for a clash of magic and science.

Ryan’s next day in class is no better as he starts off late. While being helped by Amanda Turner, he’s given a lecture on fraternization between staff and students by Professor Zuel. Dr. Zuel’s a tall redhead who as soon as ‘manda’s out of sight, makes her own play for Ryan by scooping him up, full on French-kissing him (allowing him to thought bubble about what a nice tongue piercing she has) and then telling him that she’ll pick him up for a double feature at the local drive-in that evening. Ryan makes it to class a bit out of sorts to say the least.

More surprisingly is that Ryan does go out with Dr. Zuel the evening, the double feature being “Attack of the She-Devil” and “Terror in Tunnel Thirteen.” Zuel throws herself at Ryan even worse in the car and even makes veiled references to his size changing powers. All is revealed when Ryan touches her back. Zuel has been marked by the cancer god and she suddenly bursts out of the car (naked, gasp) as the new Giganta. Ryan shrinks down but Zuel captures him in a glass sphere and swallows him whole. She scares off the remaining drive-in crowd, crumples the screen and tromps off to parts unknown.

Then a group in puritan dress walks up and buys tickets to the second feature, each one saying “Hail the cancer god.” Turns out “Terror in Tunnel Thirteen” is a replay of Swamp Thing #8 (to a degree) and these guys are crazy cancer god cultists. Their dialogue alone is worth a few chuckles (“Behold the unholiest of swamp creatures”, “That suit looks kinda false…”, “Two thumbs way, way up”, and “I am so downloading this illegally!”) but then to see M’Nagalah show up to watch and comment took it over the top.

So three books in and do I miss Ray still. Sure, but I like what is going on with this book as opposed to say Blue Beetle which I feel is too generic. Simon is taking advantage of Ryan’s single status in ways that couldn’t be done with Ray Palmer. Ray’s been too damaged by love right now for the storyline above to work with him in the center chair. I’d love to see Dr. Palmer return, but I’m interested in Ryan enough to keep watching. As long as Byrne remains the artist, I don’t see a reason to jump ship yet. 7/10

Beyond #3 - The mini that everyone wishes was ongoing. Yes, Marvel, B & C listers can carry a title if you give them a good enough story/art. What a story that is too. Our group subdues Dragon Man only to begin bickering about what to do next. More of Deathlok’s story comes out. The Space Phantom is revealed. The entire storyline has great potential and we have three issues to go. I’m intrigued. 9/10

Mystery in Space #1 - I should hate this book. Captain Comet was a character I despised in his 80-90 incarnation. I actually had a book where he saved the day by feeling color with is fingertips. What kind of hero has that as one of their lame-ass powers. This series also has Al Milgrom inking a portion of it and while he’s competent, I find his style to be a bit heavy-handed. So why do I love it?

Jim Starlin is writing (and doing some art, too). Starlin is one of my favorite authors. He has been since Gilgamesh II. He handles heroes differently than other writers. He doesn’t go Alan Moore dark and realistic, yet his characters are edgy and three-dimensional. He takes care in laying things out. So I expect great things from the book because he’s manning the helm. Also I didn’t realize till Wednesday of last week that the book would resurrect The Weird. The four issue mini done back in the 90’s was one of my favorites. It cemented my love of Bernie Wrightson’s art, which until that point I had pigeon-holed as only good for horror comics. Great story by Starlin on that one and a unique character who’s arc ripped your heart out. Now he’s back!

As for the book itself: it lives up to the hype. Starlin pens two stories here (and draws one!), intertwining the resurrection of The Weird with the ongoing storyline of Captain Comet. Comet is more an intergalactic butt-kicker here than the tame version I remember. The art is crisp and clean. Even the background on The Weird fills in the gaps for those who didn’t pick up his original series. Comet is being used by an intergalactic corporation for some unknown purpose is the sum of the plot right now. But this is all build up and I completely trust Starlin. Go get this book now! 10/10

 

[Phaedrus45]

Man, the Seahawks barely pulled out that win. But, they always stink on their first game. 1-0, baby!

Bought:

Omac #3
Atom #3
Jonah Hex #11
Detective Comics #823
Creeper #2
Mystery In Space #1
Batman - Journey Into Knight #11
52 - Week 18
Outsiders #40
Marvel Adventures - Spider-Man #19
Agents Of Atlas #2
Marvel Team-Up #24
Beyond #3
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #12
Punisher #37
Uncanny X-Men #478
X-Men - Phoenix: Warsong #1
1602 - Fantastic Four #1
Spider-Man - Black & Blue & Read All Over #1

First Thoughts:

Omac #3: Of all the Brave New World titles, I think this is my least favorite. I care nothing for the main character, the idea of fighting for control over an entity trying to take over your body has been done numerous times before, and after three issues, I can barely see anything that would capture a reader's imagination. Issue #3 will probably be my last. 4/10

Atom #3: Actually, I finally read issues 1-3 all together, and unlike Omac, I'll be sticking with this title for a while. Byrne really associates himself with stories that not only center on a main character, but also treats the secondary characters as necessary compontents to the main story. I'm not always thrilled with his art, but the writer, Simone, does wonders for this "all new Atom." The only thing that disappoints me is that so many DC characters are being, or have been, replaced. Atom is just another in a long line of character either MIA, dead, or retired in the DCU that get replaced by some younger version, joining the likes of Blue Beetle, Ion, Batgirl, and very soon, Booster Gold. It seems to be all that DC knows how to do now. 8/10

Jonah Hex #11: In this issue, Jonah teams up with El Diablo in another stand-alone story. Not only is this issue nice with a tale of a hanging gone wrong, but it also gives us a clue into the future death of Hex. Jonah Hex is a consistent good read, and a book inwhich a reader can pick up anytime and not be lost. 8/10

Detective Comics #823: With only ten comics coming out for Marvel this week, they've forced me to pick up others from the competition to give me my weekly fix. This stand-alone tale is one that I had dropped after OYL was done, but interested me for the art of Ivy within. In fact, there is a one page spread of Poison Ivy with barely anything on that is very well drawn. In this issue, we get the first issue and origin of Harvest, and a good indication that this bad guy might return in the future. The story is well told, and the only downside is that so many of the Batman main titles read much, much too quickly. Most I finish in about 5 minutes. 8/10

Creeper #2: A decent Brave New World title, but kind of annoying how the previous Creeper seems to be replaced with this new origin. I wonder if I'm suppose to totally ignore the original? The art in this book reminds me of Spawn at times, and it does get pretty graphic in its depiction of violence. Not a home run, but it scores enough for me to make sure I pick up all six issues of this miniseries. 7/10

Mystery In Space #1: Not much really happens in this first issue that couldn't have been told in about 4 pages. All that happens is we get a long narration of what has happened to Captain Comet in the past, leading up to a final page for his surprising return. Also included, is the return of another costumed hero/Villian???, The Weird. I don't remember him, but it sounds like he has an interesting history, too. This said, I've always loved Jim Starlin and his space adventures he writes. It's just that this is almost more of an issue #0, and I'll have to hold off judgement on how well I'm going to enjoy it until at least next issue. 7/10

Batman - Journey Into Knight #11: One of my favorites mini/maxi-series from Batman, it mainly focuses on the non-supervillian type of stories that the main titles have really gone away from. This issue, though, centers on The Joker coming into the mix, and it all will lead into the final issue next month. This, unlike the main titles, is not a quick read, and this issue finally brings us back to the first six-issued story that the title started us off on. I'm really hoping that when the tpb comes out, more fans will pick it up and realize how good of a story Helfer and Huat put out from Bruce Wayne's first year as Batman. It's one I've highly recommended for some time. 9/10

52 - Week 18: This book remains just as good, but it finally hits a lowpoint in dealing with the probable replacement for Booster Gold. I loved how Montoya deals with her grief, I love the art of each issue, I think it's great that the new Dr. Fate is possibly going to be Ralph Dibny; but, as I've said, I'm seriously tired of DC continuing to just replace their superheroes with younger, newer replacements. It makes me glad I'm a Marvel junkie, because even though I might not like Iron Man currently, I read him for the superhero AND the man behind the costume. It just goes to show that DC might put out a great comic, like Infinite Crisis, they still keep jumping through the same old ropes. 8/10

Outsiders #40: Usually one of my favorite comics, for some reason this title is starting to bore me. Maybe it's because they've been dealing with Mallah and the Brain for too long; but, the story and the characters were really dull this issue. 6/10

Marvel Adventures - Spider-Man #19: I know, it's not saying much, but this is the best issue of Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man ever. It's written by Peter David, and has a great sense of humor, especially with the interaction between Gwen Stacy and Fin Fang Foom. But, I will admit that's it. Read it in your comic store, because it's quickly forgettable. And, Marvel needs to put out a memo for writers to stop using Fin Fang Foom this year. It seems like I've read him about ten times this year, already. To put it simply, it's a cute story, but that's it. (And, this title is usually so bad, that a simple, cute story does make it the best story ever.) 7/10

Agents Of Atlas #2: A new team from Marvel which is supposedly an old team from the 50's. It's not the best comic Marvel has put out, but it does keep my interest, and they don't do the DC thing of replacing an older, existing hero, like Marvel Boy, with some new version. I'm sure after the 8 issue mini is finished, most will forget about it. But, it does have some interesting characters and a decent storyline. 7/10

 

[Phaedrus45]

I forgot to point out something that came to mind with 52 and Shadowpact. As everyone knows who read 52 this week, the Shadowpact show up. But, in the Shadowpact series, we are told that the Shadowpact disappeared for a year within a barrier. I always understood that the Shadowpact disappeared for that year right after Infinite Crisis, and are now back on the scene, making their comic current with stuff currently happening within the DCU. So, from their new series, their appearance in 52 shouldn't have happened. Anyone with any insights, or do I have the timetable down wrong?

 

[MyPokerShirt]

It might be a cleu as to the true nature of 52 and this missing year

 

[SonOfCthulhu]

I forgot to point out something that came to mind with 52 and Shadowpact. As everyone knows who read 52 this week, the Shadowpact show up. But, in the Shadowpact series, we are told that the Shadowpact disappeared for a year within a barrier. I always understood that the Shadowpact disappeared for that year right after Infinite Crisis, and are now back on the scene, making their comic current with stuff currently happening within the DCU. So, from their new series, their appearance in 52 shouldn't have happened. Anyone with any insights, or do I have the timetable down wrong?

Good point. For any of this to work, they would have to enter the barrier right after this issue of 52 and then their OYL stores are delayed DCU time by 18 weeks.

 

[PWN3R]

good pic from the week:

 

[Marcdachamp]

good pic from the week:

Very nice.

So, I found a copy of 1602: Fantastick Four, so I know it came out. I didn't buy it, I just want to see someone review it so I know whether or not it's worth buying when the trade is released.

 

[Dread]

That is a good pic. Leonard Kirk is a good artist, half the reason I gave AGENTS OF ATLAS a try.

 

[Phaedrus45]

5 More Thoughts:

1602 - Fantastick Four #1: TOTAL SPOILER!!! ALL EVENTS FROM THE FIRST ISSUE TOLD!!! Well, it's better than New World...but, not by much. The plot is as follows: The Frightful Four came across an enchanted land with many riches, but also many pitfalls along the way. Doom discovers of this tale, and demands the storyteller and Medusa to take him to this place aboard his flying ship. Before he leaves, he flys over to England to kidnap Shakespeare and demand him to put to pen this adventure. Of course, Falstaff is being played by The Thing, and with a telescope, Reed also sees Doom capturing Shakespeare. Of course, Reed wants to help out, but a pregnant Sue Storm advises him she's pregnant, and they can't go. (BTW, Sue is invisible, but you can see the fetus in her stomach.) Finally, the art sucks just as bad as it did with New World.

Now, I cannot understand how Marvel got pitched this idea and went wtih it. The only thing I can think is that they have so few comics coming out right now, that they had to fill in the space with something. 5/10

Marvel Team-Up #24: Wow! I wasn't expecting that ending to Freedom Ring's tale. MTU #24, while not a par with the first 12 issues, was better than a lot of comics out there today. It will be missed, especially when it dares to be a bit different, as it was with this 5 issue story arc. My biggest problem with this book is the art. It almost distracts for the story. 8/10

Beyond #3: Now, even though I'm not a big fan of Scott Kolins' art, I am used to it after reading Annihilation. I love the twists and turns this story is presenting and how it's focusing on the lesser known Marvel heroes, almost the forgotten heroes from Marvel's past. Even the return of Classic Deathlok is great, because we've seen so many different versions being used lately. In fact, the biggest problem with this title is that 6 issues doesn't seem like enough. 8/10

Punisher #37: One of my favorite stories from the Punisher's book returns with General Zakharov seeking revenge for the Silo incident in Russia. This issue sets up the upcoming story well, and as Punisher likes to do, it involves various characters that will come together in the end. 9/10

Athena Voltaire #1: Another book I picked up due to Marvel putting out so little. I will say, right off the bat, that I won't make the mistake of picking up issue #2. Let's see if the story sounds familiar: The main character is an adventurer trying to outchase Nazis to an old relic that could change the entire complex of the War. (One of the main Nazis even has a large scar going down his face.) Each location leads the adventurer to another destination in order to find this ancient treasure. Yep, you got it; it's yet another blatant Indiana Jones rip-off, but with a Laura Croft twist by making the adventurer a hot female. You will not find a single bit of originality in the entire book. Steer clear of this mess. 2/10

 

[Phaedrus45]

Final Thoughts:

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #12: I loved Peter David on other comics, like The Hulk, but he just doesn't do it for me with Spider-Man. I love the idea behind this story, finally bringing back Mysterio and all the different versions; but, he makes the story so campy, that I come away with a bad after-taste. I understand he's trying to bring across the witty banter of Spidey, but the wit goes beyond just Peter's character. The whole story is filled with silliness, and it takes away from the drama. Also, I'm not a fan of the artist. Every guy has bulging muscles, and the picture of Mysterio on page 4 makes him into steroid man. 6/10

Uncanny X-Men #478: Even though I can't stand the idea of this third Summer's brother, I'm loving this story. It's great to have the X-Men back into outer space, and the action and interaction between the characters is really a lot of fun to read. I'm excited that this is going to be a real epic story, told in 12 parts. Plus, the art of Billy Tan is blends itself well with Brubaker's writing. 9/10

Spider-Man - Black & Blue & Read All Over #1: A throw away story with a reprint of the original unmasking of Spider-Man from Amazing Spider-Man #12. The story is too sappy, the artist tries too hard to give the characters a human look (in fact, in the picture of Aunt May unmasking herself, it looks more like he gave her a mustache than a wrinkley lip), and I've read reprints of AMS #12 too many times. Nothing to see here....move along, move along. 6/10

X-Men: Phoenix - Warsong #1: This comic probaby surprised me the most this week. It features the Cuckoos, one of my favorite mutants, because of the mystery surrounding them and their strange attitude. Right from this first issue, I'm hooked. Just from the cover, it's got one of the best teams you could put together, with Kitty, Peter, Logan, Emma, Scott, and Hank. Add that the mystery of the Cuckoos and what their relationship with the Phoenix will be, I'm on board and awaiting the next issue. The art is great, the writing even better. 9/10

Looking at my reviews, I'm giving the edge for Book Of The Week to X-Men: Phoenix - Warsong. Batman - Journey Into Knight was probably just as good, but I was expecting that, and Warsong ended up surprising me.

 

[Brainiac 8]

The Pheonix needs to be forgotten.


I liked that Brubaker acknowledged Annihilation in X-Men though. The Shi'ar would know about what's going on.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Wow. I just finished reading the other reviews, and am surprised so many people really didn't like Warsong. For me, I find the Cuckoo Sisters to be really fascinating, and their link to Emma, Kid Omega, and Phoenix would be very apparent and definitely worth exploring.

The other surprise was people like Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. I wish this series would die, and I find this some of Peter David's worst work. The whole idea of bringing back Flash in this "I've got amnesia" is the most morning soap opera element in a Marvel comic today. Heck, I enjoyed his Marvel Adventures Spider-Man this week more than FNS.

 

[Dread]

Wow. I just finished reading the other reviews, and am surprised so many people really didn't like Warsong. For me, I find the Cuckoo Sisters to be really fascinating, and their link to Emma, Kid Omega, and Phoenix would be very apparent and definitely worth exploring.

The other surprise was people like Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. I wish this series would die, and I find this some of Peter David's worst work. The whole idea of bringing back Flash in this "I've got amnesia" is the most morning soap opera element in a Marvel comic today. Heck, I enjoyed his Marvel Adventures Spider-Man this week more than FNS.

And I was surprised you didn't like SM:B&W&RAO, even though I admitted it's release was a bit awkward and smelt of just getting out another Spider-book this week. It wasn't perfect but it was a compact little Spider-Man story. But maybe that's because I don't read many of the main titles.

I just get tired of the endless rehashes of Phoenix. Never got the appeal of the Stepford Cuckoo's either.

If it makes you feel any better, PAD's FNSM technically has been seeing sales drop off slowly but steadily almost every issue.

 

[Phaedrus45]

And I was surprised you didn't like SM:B&W&RAO, even though I admitted it's release was a bit awkward and smelt of just getting out another Spider-book this week. It wasn't perfect but it was a compact little Spider-Man story. But maybe that's because I don't read many of the main titles.

If it makes you feel any better, PAD's FNSM technically has been seeing sales drop off slowly but steadily almost every issue.

I might have liked it better...but, it just seems that re-print just keeps getting reprinted, and the art really bugged me. Plus, those types of stories are good as filler, but not as a main buying point for a comic. I did like Mary Jane wearing Pete's Spidey top, though.