Dark Spidey
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- Jul 24, 2006
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Anyone else unhappy with this book to the point of dropping it? I know I am.
As a long time USM fan (I started collecting from the very first issue many years ago) I feel i've become as alienated from the characters I once knew and loved, as much as I can stand. My problems with this title have been building for a year or so now. If not longer.
In my opinion: Everything up to issue #50 of USM is pure classic (Yes, even the Geldoff arc). After that the stories were pretty hit and miss. While the quality of Bagley's superior artwork seemed to begin to deteriorate more and more with every other passing arc. This might have had something to do with him losing Art Thibert as Inker and the various new Colourists. But most likely i'd put it down to burn out through a desperate effort to break Stan and Jack's record.
But anyway. I thought the second part of "Cats and Kings" was okay (though not as strong as the first part).
Although I wasn't a big fan of the artwork in the "Ultimate Six" mini-series, I thought story-wise the arc was probably the best way to go in regards to doing an Ultimate Universe Sinister Six story. And thought it worked well.
I thought that "Hollywood" was fun. A great showcase for Ultimate Ock. Liked the development of Gwen's story. Though she came to terms with the whole thing way too quickly for my liking.
That "Carnage" was a horrible, horrible mistake. But could see where Bendis was coming from with Gwen and the whole death being at it's most powerful when premature and unexpected thing. Though considering it now it could also be seen as an easy way out for not knowing what to do with the Gwen character after her discovering Peter's secret.
I thought the stories making up the "Superstars" arc were much needed light relief after the trauma of the previous arc. Though overall failed to deal with emotional ramifacations of Gwen's death effectively.
I really liked "Hobgoblin". Pretty much can't find any fault with that one.
I liked the continuation of The Kingpin's story in "Warriors". Although that arc was just a little too long for me. However the upcoming related "Knights" arc may make this a more satisfying read.
I think it was the first "Annual" where I really began to lose my faith in this series. Mark Brooks fantastic artwork aside. It's one thing for Peter to break up with MJ because he loves her and doesn't want to put her in anymore danger through being Spider-man. But it's quite another thing to have him start dating Kitty Pryde based on the rationale that she can't be hurt! Not only is this logic kind of flawed as she's part the X-Men. A team of mutants who regularly place themselves in dangerous situations. But it's just completely and uncharacteristically insensitive towards MJ! Sure she might no longer come to any physical harm while being seperated from Peter. But what about emotionally? Not only has she got to deal with him breaking up with her, now he's already dating someone else! Sure the Peter/Kitty thing might have sounded like a cool idea to some, and while it may be all over now. It was this uncharacteristic insensitivety of Peter that rocked my loyalty to this book.
"Silver Sable". Though I thought this arc was entertaining in parts. The continuing thread of the Peter/Kitty relationship spoilt it for me. I think it would have been so much better to have just had a single, love sick Peter. Struggling to continue with his activities as Spider-man with his heart aching for Mary Jane. It also would have made their eventual reunion much more rewarding. As it is Peter will now come off as looking like even more of a jerk. This time inevitably hurting Kitty.
To me the "Deadpool" arc felt like the series was just killing time up to the landmark 100 issues point. A completely throw-away story in my opinion. In fact I feel an opportunity to give this story some much needed relevance was sorely missed. Upon seeing first hand that an X-Man's life is a far from safe one. Peter should have broken up with Kitty at the end of this arc, basing his decision using the same kind of logic he applied to his relationship with MJ! That he couldn't stand to see her get hurt. Or perhaps would Bendis reason, that even if Kitty did get hurt on one of her missions, it'd be okay. Because atleast it wouldn't be Peter's fault and therfore being freed of any kind of guilt Peter can live with that!! You see? This relationship just doesn't work. Except to only damage the integrity of our hero.
The "Morbius" two-parter again, just felt like filler to me. Another missed opportunity. A Morbius origin story could easily been fleshed out to a nice four-part arc with some depth.
I liked the second "Annual" alot. More nice art from Brooks. And the development of the Kingpin story puts everything in place for the "Knights" arc and makes it something to look forward to.
Then there's the "Clone Saga". How very typical that it would be this story that would polarise fans opinions so much. While I know that there's still an epilogue issue to this arc, like there was with the "Venom" and "Carnage" arcs. I feel that no matter what transpires in this issue, the damage to USM will already have been done and therefore won't make much difference to my following criticisms.
Okay, i'll start with what I did like about the "Clone Saga". MJ's transformation (and subsequent reversal) was just a waste of time. But I liked Ultimate Scorpion. I don't mind him being a clone of Peter. Gives the character some meaning. Mac Gargan never had much depth, in my opinion, and after the introduction of Eddie Brock and Venom as the new anti-spider-man in the 616, he became pretty obsolete anyway). I like the idea that Jessica Drew is also a female clone of Peter (and look forward to her inclusion into Jeph Loeb's The Ultimates). It makes her an all the more interesting characater to watch. No problem there either. I'm also pleased to see that MJ and Peter are getting back together again. Nice use of the Fantastic Four. The emotional reunion between Peter and his Father (although I suspected he was a clone all along and wouldn't make it out of the arc alive anyway). And the return of the ever evil Doctor Octopus. As not only the Masterplanner behind the whole thing. But also we're reminded of his unquestionable intellect. Something of which after his first two arcs, however great, I felt needed addressing. That this guy is a genius.
Now here's what I didn't like: The return of Gwen. I don't know what Bendis was thinking here. He should have just left her be. First she's killed off by Carnage. Now she comes back (as a clone!) and she is Carnage!? To me this was just another kick in the teeth for a Gwen fan. At best; she'll die again in the next issue like Richard Parker's clone did and we can begin to forget the whole sorry ordeal. At worst; Bendis will keep the clone around. Either way it's all bad.
Aunt May finding out Peter is Spider-man. I think this was poorly done. It seems that in the Ultimate Universe near enough everyone seems to get to know Peter's secret identity, where as 616 Spidey more or less was able to maintain his secret for years. And while could I tolerate MJ, Gwen and most of Ultimate Spidey's villains knowing it. As long as Aunt May wasn't in-the-know, there was still some reason for Peter to wear the mask. To protect her from his secret. Now what? At best; Bendis will have her develop some kind of amnesia after her heart attack and she'll forget Peter's secret. Therefore making the whole reveal meaningless, pointless and a waste of time in the first place. At worst; She'll wake up remembering that Peter is Spider-man and that will be the new status-quo. Something we already have in the regular Marvel Universe. And one less positive thing distinguishing the two versions of our hero. Again, either way it's all bad.
Lastly, the revelation of Doc Ock's new aspect to his powers. What rubbish. This was completely unnecessary! After the melting of his old tentacles there was more than one way he could aquire new ones. For example, he could have made it part of his deal with the CIA/FBI that as well as creating the clones for them, he also be allowed to work on a new set of tentacles. I don't find this implausible, not if we're already buying into the fact that the American Government would make a deal with him in the first place. There was just no need to turn him into Magneto-lite. No need what so ever.
And while there may be some who would say that as a long time USM fan I must have accepted the changes to Venom and more drastically Green Goblin in the Ultimate Universe. I would argue that what has happened to Ultimate Ock is a completley different thing altogther. Here's why: Not only did Ultimate Ock already have great spin on his powers; The unique pshycological connection/relationship he shared with his tentacles. Which has now been completley erased! More importantly, thoughout his many appearences is USM until now. Ultimate Doctor Octopus has shown no sign what so ever that he has any control over any metal other than that of his tentacles.
So my problem is not only that Bendis ruined probably the best Ultimate Spider-man villian by turning his unique powers into an inferior copy of someone elses. But that we are also supposed to believe that he had this ability the whole time. Merely chosing not to reveal or exploit it throughout his appearences in "Double Trouble", "Hollywood" and especially "Ultimate Six"!!!
I find this to be an inexcusable insult to all these years and bought issues, of continued loyalty towards this title. And so after the next arc, which I will get out of, again, loyalty to Bagley and his great body of work devoted to this book. I am dropping Ultimate Spider-man. Him leaving is the perfect jumping-off point from this book and I wouldn't be surprised to hear of other disappointed fans doing the same.
I'll always have the first #50 issues of USM to hold on to. Great stories. Great art. Great book. And i'm thankful for that much.
But now my hopes of a consistantly quality Spider-man series now rest purely with Jeph Loeb and J. Scott Campbell. After JMS and Joe Q use Loki's favor in their "One More Day" story to undo the events of both The Other and the Unmasking, first of course.
As a long time USM fan (I started collecting from the very first issue many years ago) I feel i've become as alienated from the characters I once knew and loved, as much as I can stand. My problems with this title have been building for a year or so now. If not longer.
In my opinion: Everything up to issue #50 of USM is pure classic (Yes, even the Geldoff arc). After that the stories were pretty hit and miss. While the quality of Bagley's superior artwork seemed to begin to deteriorate more and more with every other passing arc. This might have had something to do with him losing Art Thibert as Inker and the various new Colourists. But most likely i'd put it down to burn out through a desperate effort to break Stan and Jack's record.
But anyway. I thought the second part of "Cats and Kings" was okay (though not as strong as the first part).
Although I wasn't a big fan of the artwork in the "Ultimate Six" mini-series, I thought story-wise the arc was probably the best way to go in regards to doing an Ultimate Universe Sinister Six story. And thought it worked well.
I thought that "Hollywood" was fun. A great showcase for Ultimate Ock. Liked the development of Gwen's story. Though she came to terms with the whole thing way too quickly for my liking.
That "Carnage" was a horrible, horrible mistake. But could see where Bendis was coming from with Gwen and the whole death being at it's most powerful when premature and unexpected thing. Though considering it now it could also be seen as an easy way out for not knowing what to do with the Gwen character after her discovering Peter's secret.
I thought the stories making up the "Superstars" arc were much needed light relief after the trauma of the previous arc. Though overall failed to deal with emotional ramifacations of Gwen's death effectively.
I really liked "Hobgoblin". Pretty much can't find any fault with that one.
I liked the continuation of The Kingpin's story in "Warriors". Although that arc was just a little too long for me. However the upcoming related "Knights" arc may make this a more satisfying read.
I think it was the first "Annual" where I really began to lose my faith in this series. Mark Brooks fantastic artwork aside. It's one thing for Peter to break up with MJ because he loves her and doesn't want to put her in anymore danger through being Spider-man. But it's quite another thing to have him start dating Kitty Pryde based on the rationale that she can't be hurt! Not only is this logic kind of flawed as she's part the X-Men. A team of mutants who regularly place themselves in dangerous situations. But it's just completely and uncharacteristically insensitive towards MJ! Sure she might no longer come to any physical harm while being seperated from Peter. But what about emotionally? Not only has she got to deal with him breaking up with her, now he's already dating someone else! Sure the Peter/Kitty thing might have sounded like a cool idea to some, and while it may be all over now. It was this uncharacteristic insensitivety of Peter that rocked my loyalty to this book.
"Silver Sable". Though I thought this arc was entertaining in parts. The continuing thread of the Peter/Kitty relationship spoilt it for me. I think it would have been so much better to have just had a single, love sick Peter. Struggling to continue with his activities as Spider-man with his heart aching for Mary Jane. It also would have made their eventual reunion much more rewarding. As it is Peter will now come off as looking like even more of a jerk. This time inevitably hurting Kitty.
To me the "Deadpool" arc felt like the series was just killing time up to the landmark 100 issues point. A completely throw-away story in my opinion. In fact I feel an opportunity to give this story some much needed relevance was sorely missed. Upon seeing first hand that an X-Man's life is a far from safe one. Peter should have broken up with Kitty at the end of this arc, basing his decision using the same kind of logic he applied to his relationship with MJ! That he couldn't stand to see her get hurt. Or perhaps would Bendis reason, that even if Kitty did get hurt on one of her missions, it'd be okay. Because atleast it wouldn't be Peter's fault and therfore being freed of any kind of guilt Peter can live with that!! You see? This relationship just doesn't work. Except to only damage the integrity of our hero.
The "Morbius" two-parter again, just felt like filler to me. Another missed opportunity. A Morbius origin story could easily been fleshed out to a nice four-part arc with some depth.
I liked the second "Annual" alot. More nice art from Brooks. And the development of the Kingpin story puts everything in place for the "Knights" arc and makes it something to look forward to.
Then there's the "Clone Saga". How very typical that it would be this story that would polarise fans opinions so much. While I know that there's still an epilogue issue to this arc, like there was with the "Venom" and "Carnage" arcs. I feel that no matter what transpires in this issue, the damage to USM will already have been done and therefore won't make much difference to my following criticisms.
Okay, i'll start with what I did like about the "Clone Saga". MJ's transformation (and subsequent reversal) was just a waste of time. But I liked Ultimate Scorpion. I don't mind him being a clone of Peter. Gives the character some meaning. Mac Gargan never had much depth, in my opinion, and after the introduction of Eddie Brock and Venom as the new anti-spider-man in the 616, he became pretty obsolete anyway). I like the idea that Jessica Drew is also a female clone of Peter (and look forward to her inclusion into Jeph Loeb's The Ultimates). It makes her an all the more interesting characater to watch. No problem there either. I'm also pleased to see that MJ and Peter are getting back together again. Nice use of the Fantastic Four. The emotional reunion between Peter and his Father (although I suspected he was a clone all along and wouldn't make it out of the arc alive anyway). And the return of the ever evil Doctor Octopus. As not only the Masterplanner behind the whole thing. But also we're reminded of his unquestionable intellect. Something of which after his first two arcs, however great, I felt needed addressing. That this guy is a genius.
Now here's what I didn't like: The return of Gwen. I don't know what Bendis was thinking here. He should have just left her be. First she's killed off by Carnage. Now she comes back (as a clone!) and she is Carnage!? To me this was just another kick in the teeth for a Gwen fan. At best; she'll die again in the next issue like Richard Parker's clone did and we can begin to forget the whole sorry ordeal. At worst; Bendis will keep the clone around. Either way it's all bad.
Aunt May finding out Peter is Spider-man. I think this was poorly done. It seems that in the Ultimate Universe near enough everyone seems to get to know Peter's secret identity, where as 616 Spidey more or less was able to maintain his secret for years. And while could I tolerate MJ, Gwen and most of Ultimate Spidey's villains knowing it. As long as Aunt May wasn't in-the-know, there was still some reason for Peter to wear the mask. To protect her from his secret. Now what? At best; Bendis will have her develop some kind of amnesia after her heart attack and she'll forget Peter's secret. Therefore making the whole reveal meaningless, pointless and a waste of time in the first place. At worst; She'll wake up remembering that Peter is Spider-man and that will be the new status-quo. Something we already have in the regular Marvel Universe. And one less positive thing distinguishing the two versions of our hero. Again, either way it's all bad.
Lastly, the revelation of Doc Ock's new aspect to his powers. What rubbish. This was completely unnecessary! After the melting of his old tentacles there was more than one way he could aquire new ones. For example, he could have made it part of his deal with the CIA/FBI that as well as creating the clones for them, he also be allowed to work on a new set of tentacles. I don't find this implausible, not if we're already buying into the fact that the American Government would make a deal with him in the first place. There was just no need to turn him into Magneto-lite. No need what so ever.
And while there may be some who would say that as a long time USM fan I must have accepted the changes to Venom and more drastically Green Goblin in the Ultimate Universe. I would argue that what has happened to Ultimate Ock is a completley different thing altogther. Here's why: Not only did Ultimate Ock already have great spin on his powers; The unique pshycological connection/relationship he shared with his tentacles. Which has now been completley erased! More importantly, thoughout his many appearences is USM until now. Ultimate Doctor Octopus has shown no sign what so ever that he has any control over any metal other than that of his tentacles.
So my problem is not only that Bendis ruined probably the best Ultimate Spider-man villian by turning his unique powers into an inferior copy of someone elses. But that we are also supposed to believe that he had this ability the whole time. Merely chosing not to reveal or exploit it throughout his appearences in "Double Trouble", "Hollywood" and especially "Ultimate Six"!!!
I find this to be an inexcusable insult to all these years and bought issues, of continued loyalty towards this title. And so after the next arc, which I will get out of, again, loyalty to Bagley and his great body of work devoted to this book. I am dropping Ultimate Spider-man. Him leaving is the perfect jumping-off point from this book and I wouldn't be surprised to hear of other disappointed fans doing the same.
I'll always have the first #50 issues of USM to hold on to. Great stories. Great art. Great book. And i'm thankful for that much.
But now my hopes of a consistantly quality Spider-man series now rest purely with Jeph Loeb and J. Scott Campbell. After JMS and Joe Q use Loki's favor in their "One More Day" story to undo the events of both The Other and the Unmasking, first of course.
. if the fellow hypsters want another thread to vent bendis anger in then its cool.
). I checked out a couple of issues of the Clone Saga and called it quits. It book really wasn't giving me what I wanted, so I shelled out for some Spidey Essentials. Judging from what I've read about USM since I dropped it, I got out a good time.
