Reflections: Amazing Spider-Man #15 - Spider-Verse Epilogue

Story By: Dan Slott

 

Artist: Guiseppe Camuncoli

 

       Cover Art: Guiseppe Camuncoli

 

Publisher: Marvel Comics

 

Cover Price: $3.99

Spider-Verse is over! and I for one am very happy and satisfied at the ending. Ok maybe not the whole ending, but, this Epilogue issue was brilliantly put together and tied up all the loose ends to the entire arc. 

it even gave us a few surprises along the way. I'll bet there's a few people after reading this today that might think to themselves, perhaps they'd been too hasty with certain aspects of the story before the whole picture had been revealed. I know I'm one of them guilty as charged. 

After all over the course of this whole storyline I've slated Dan Slott, questoned roles of Peter Parker, wondered where the whole journey was taking us and even felt it was just a slaughterfest for the sake of being a slaughterfest. 

were'nt Credit where credit is very much due. I was wrong. for years Dan Slott has been telling readers wait till you have the full picture, before jumping to assumptions, and once again he has been proven right, with the closing of this storyline. I might also add that I would have in no way enjoyed this arc and story half as much as i did if the artists weren't Olivier Coipel and Guiseppe Camuncoli. The pair of them have provided some fantastic visuals to the illustrate the story Dan was telling, and once again the artwork in this issue was absolutely first rate.

Given the nature of the issue and the amount of surprises contained within. It would be wrong of me to reveal them in a review, as you should enjoy them first hand, however there are a few things I can mention. We finally get the showdown that was teased in Amazing Spider-Man #11, and this is a showdown you don't want to miss. As we finally get told and shown just who has always been the Superior Spider-Man.

There are set up's for some of the Spider's that survived this story, teasing that we will see them again, and that they have a role to play in the upcoming Secret Wars. 

There is a reveal that happens so quick in a blink and you'll miss it type moment that will, have some of you shaking your heads, whilst others will be whooping with joy.

As for the identity's of the Great Weaver and just who Karn is? that also gets solved in a clever twist. as is the set up for Peter Parker himself, as after coming through, this adventure realizes that he is capable of many things, and the final page is such a treat. 

This Epilogue, has made the arc. in fact I'm giving this a score of 9.5. it was really enjoyable fun and filled with a lot, of dialogue and action but at no point does it feel rushed.

So as Spider-Verse closes a new era, a new attitude has emerged for Peter Parker I hope it's one that continues, 

What are your thought's? did you enjoy the Epilogue? why not comment below. if you have enjoyed this article then web the +1 button in the face! and want to read more? then please subscribe via google+ or follow on twitter @TelFirth for blog updates or additionally like our Facebook Page The Man who Collects Spider-Man

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Review: Spider-Gwen #1 - Most Wanted pt1

 

 Story By: Jason Latour

Out Now

 

Artist: Robbi Rodriguez

 

       Cover Art: Rico Renzi

 

Publisher: Marvel Comics

 

Cover Price: $3.99

The most anticipated and hyped comic book release of the year is here! and was it worth the wait? in a word. yes..

It's very difficult to know where to start with this book, given the expectation's caused by the rip roaring success of Spider-Gwen's first appearance in Edge of Spider-Verse #2.

But all the elements of the character and the world she inhabits are back, and it's good to see. After always being on the periphery of the arc during Spider-Verse, I was eager for this series to begin, following what was delivered by the creative writing team in EOSV #2 it was always going to be a difficult task to flesh out her character during an arc filled with every other Spider-Man/Woman/Pig involved.

What this first issue does is give us a brief look back at the events within EOSV #2 and picks up Gwen's story three days after her return from battling alongside other dimensional Spider's against the inheritors.

This is now her story, it's her journey and we're coming along for the ride.However there is an fair bit of world building in this first issue, The Mary Jane's are searching for a new drummer, Captain Stacy has been replaced of the task force by Captain Frank Castle. and then there's an appearance by The Vulture.

I found the pace to this issue a bit slow, but then there's no point in rushing when building a new world. However the action moments are good fun, I really enjoyed how Gwen called out the Vulture for there encounter, preying on his ego to lure him into the open, after The vulture had attacked an injured a cop putting him in hospital. 

other things I thought were well done were, the references to the "youtube" video of the Mary Jane's song from EOSV #2 which i'm sure played a huge role in getting a eider audience for that book which then increased the popularity.

All in all, i found this, to be fun as we;re shown a deeper look into the supporting characters and there personalities, and maybe how that will play into the developing story as time goes on.I was glad to see that the personality that I enjoyed with her first appearance are still evident now she has her own series. and I hope that long continues.

I'm goung to say that this is a solid start for the series, it kept me interested and i'm looking forward to seeing where Latour and Rodriguez take the character as she attempts to find he place in the world,

I'd give this issue a solid 7.5. it fell just short of an 8 for me but i do still think it's a good book.

Do you have an opinion on "Spider-Gwen"? why not comment below. or click the button to follow on google+ or follow on twitter @TelFirth for blog updates or additionally like our Facebook Page The Man who Collects Spider-Man

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A Black Peter Parker? Why not.

Over the course of the last week, there have been numerous reports and rumours coming out, regarding the future developments of Spider-Man within the Marvel Cinematic Universe going forward.

over the last few day fans have been taking to social media whether that be Twitter Facebook, or comicbook website fan forums. To discuss comments made by current Spider-Man writer Dan Slott. 

Those comments by Slott were, that should, the future depiction of Spider-Man on the cinematic screen have a non-white Peter Parker. Then he would have no problem with that at all.

Many people have since had online discussions with Dan, over the topic. Some agreeing, some being less inclined to do so, 

I myself, have had such a discussion with a couple of people on social media just this morning. For the record. I agree with Dan Slott. There is absolutely nothing about the character of Peter Parker, that prevents an actor of any ethnicity from portraying him on the cinema screen. There is also in my mind, no coherent argument or case to be made that would suggest that Peter Parker should be white.

Looking back, the absolute beauty of the character Spider-Man, is the "Everyman" element. Stan Lee created the character to be accessible to "Everybody" It's one of the major reasons for the popularity of the character. Just who is he under the mask? who is in the skin tight costume? it could be you, me, Mahatma Ghandi. Well maybe not Mahatma as he was one for turning the other cheek, The point being you can't state that Spider-Man as a character is accessible to a world wide audience and could be anyone....but only if he's white. Sorry that just doesn't work.

There are also some stating that, race changing and diversity is fine in movies, Just as long as it doesn't touch "Iconic" characters. Just today someone said to me, by all means race change the supporting cast as much as you like, race change the villains too, but race changing "Iconic" characters is a trait that is just unacceptable.

Now it probably won't surprise you to learn, that person had no answer to my question of why? after all, Are the Fantastic Four not Iconic? they are seen as Marvel's first family and yet what's that Jonny Storm is going to be black?

Other arguments against a non-white Peter Parker, usually throw examples of well, why haven't they done it for Superman? why haven't we had a black Batman? well first of we have had a racially diverse Superman. not the character admittedly, but in terms of actor's portraying an "Iconic" character, We have in Dean Cain. who is in fact half Japanese.  As for why not a black Batman, I agree a black Batman is long overdue.

These are not adequate arguments against having a non-white Peter Parker though are they. It's petty whinging if we're being honest. In fact what it really is, is a fear of change. When why be fearful? if there was a black Peter Parker for example, then what a statement it would make. It would state here is one of the worlds most "Iconic" and recognizable hero's embracing diversity and equality. 

That is something that as a long standing Spider-Man fan, would make me immensely proud, a race changed Peter Parker leading the way, showing that race and skin colour makes no difference to the basic elements of his character. being the first and leading the way is something that Spider-Man is no stranger to. back in 1962, when Stan Lee pitched the idea of a teenage super-hero to his boss at Marvel. He was told, it won't work. No-one wants to read about a teenage superhero. Well here we are 52 years later still reading the exploits of Peter Parker. 

What are your thought's? why exactly are you for or against race changing Peter Parker? why not comment below. if you have enjoyed this article then web the +1 button in the face! and want to read more? then please subscribe via google+ or follow on twitter @TelFirth for blog updates or additionally like our Facebook Page The Man who Collects Spider-Man

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Look back Series: Ep 3, ASM #85 - And Now...The Secret of the Schemer

Episode 3 brings us to the first Kingpin story in my collection. Unfortunately for me it's the finale of a three part arc revolving around the conflict between the Kingpin and a new villain that was known as The Schemer.This issue has the actual reveal of The Schemer in the story and it's someone who late goes on to become a bigger threat to both  Spider-Man and The Kingpin during the later years.

This was an arc that was one of the final stories to be penned by Stan Lee, as his time as the writer was drawing to a close. Shortly to be succeeded by Roy Thomas whose first issue was Amaing Spider-Man #101.

Still I've actually only had this particular issue for around 3 years and yep, it's another E-bay pick up. For the age of the issue this is still in a fairly decent condition. a lower grade entry but very readable still. if fact I hadn't even read this issue until just a few short minutes ago. As I've previously said. that's the beauty of doing a series like this, it means I get to enjoy the issue's whilst composing my thoughts on them.Although I'll let you in on a little secret I do have every Issue of Amazing Spider-Man digitally up to issue #530, However this series is only regarding the hardcopy issue's I hold. I do read the digital version as not to compromise the integrity of the hardcopy version of the book. 

As for the Story arc itself it's am interesting tale, of deception and revelation. At some point during this issue every character is engaged in deceit, whether it be The Kingpin, Vanessa Fisk, The Schemer or even Peter Parker.

The issue picks up, with The Kingpin raging over the escape from his clutches by The Schemer who had managed to flee. The reason why the Kingpin is so perturbed is the perception that The Schemer had fled with Fisk's wife Vanessa. Who steps out of the shadows in an attempt to appease the crime lord,



Peter meanwhile is back at his and Harry's apartment studying when, captain George Stacy and Gwen show up as captain Stacy is intent on confronting Peter over the "co-incidences" which enable him to take Spider-Man's pictures in battles. Reasoning, that it's seems remarkable that Peter Parker should be the only photographer that finds himself in this unique position on a regular basis.

It is these aspects of early Spider-Man issue's that really bring home the complexities that Peter faces in maintaining a duel personality and the difficulties in keeping his identity secret. Ther have been none better in the entire history of the series than Stan Lee as writer who have managed to place Peter in a position where he's been consistently questioned about his connection to Spider-Man. Additionally few writers have been as equally adept at  displaying Peters quick thinking in adopting ways to throw said questioners of the scent as to their suspicions. 

In a previous issue this element of the book was illustrated by Peter, quickly constructing a Spider-Mannequin, in order to fool bugle reporter, Fred Foswell that his assumptions as to Spider-Man's identity were incorrect. In this issue however, the deception, is carried out in another manner 

 Using the topic of conversation to his advantage. Peter excuses himself, to his dark room undert he guise of having photo's to develop.

Captain Stacy, however clearly believes that his line of questioning has Peter hiding something, so informs the youngster that he and Gwen can wait till he's finished and they can continue their conversation.  

Once inside the dark room, Peter  puts his deception plan into action by changing into Spider-Man and entering the apartment through a window, pretending that Spider-Man is there to "Have words" with Parker of money that Peter owes him from their "photography deal" 

This wasn't the first time that, Peter used the old, Spider-Man and I have a financial arrangement, excuse as it was the same ploy used to throw Foswell of track previously. 


During this encounter Peter uses, the fear and distrust that the general public have of Spider-Man to play up the menacing role. in order to further distance Spider-Man from the Peter Parker persona.  

Gwen steps in to defend Peter, claiming that Peter wasn't even at the apartment and they themselves were about to leave. 

This plays very well into Peter's hands and uses the fortuitous, element of the encounter to also leave and track down The Schemer, as yet another well tried and tested ploy point of the "Lee era" plays out. That being the convenience of a situation working in Peter's favour to allow him the opportunity to get to work as Spidey, without raising any further suspicion.

 Meanwhile, back at the the Kingpin's apartment. Another person is also questioning how photo's of the previous issue's encounter have made their way into the Daily Bugle without, a photographer even being present, well not visably in any case. when the photo's display that a further deception had taken place, when a picture clearly shows Vanessa Fisk aiding the escape of The Schemer, leading to a further tirade from Fisk. 

Spider-Man, by this point had managed to track The Schemer back to his hideout and engages him in a battle, the culmination of which leads to the villain falling out of the warehouse and seemingly to his death. 

Spidey manages to save him and then proceeds to carry the Schemer to an address, where a reward is being offered for his capture.   

It's at this point that we discover yet another deception, and Spider-Man had in fact delivered the prone villain, not to the police as he thought but back into the clutches of the Kingpin. 

However the sting in the tale comes when, as Spider-Man is trapped beneath a magnetic steel net, The Kingpin attacks the Schemer. Demanding to know the connection between him and Vanessa, The Schemer reveals his identity to be that of Richard Fisk. the couple's son who was thought long dead by the couple. 

The shock places the Crime lord into an instant catatonic state, and during the confusion Spider-Man is able to make his escape through a nearby window, pondering if the Kingpin will be heard from again.

The ending for me seemed at little contrived and rushed and the ease in which Spidey was able to clib from under the net and escape felt a little cheap. granted I'd only read the finale so therefore had not been totally engaged through the arc. Nor did I feel any real shock over the reveal. I had only known of Richard Fisk as being "The Rose" so this was at least an interesting insight into the demons that drove him from the outset.     

 

So i hope you've enjoyed reading my views on this issue have you read this book? why not comment below. if you have enjoyed this episode then web the +1 button in the face! and want to read more? then please subscribe via google+ or follow on twitter @TelFirth for blog updates or additionally like our Facebook Page The Man who Collects Spider-Man

Thanks For Reading.

Look back Series: Ep 2, ASM #53 - Enter Dr. Octopus

Here we are again, with Episode 2 of this series, As stated previously I'm hoping to get a couple of issue's up on the blog per day. Primarily to try and keep it fresh and keep myself disciplined in terms of regular uploads. after all this is my day job, for what it's worth, Plus it's good for me as I get to re-read all these issues again. as many of them. I really haven't read for years. 

Honest, it's true. Take this issue here for example. I bought this very issue around six months ago via an auction on E-bay, I pretty much pick up all my Spidey comics from auction sites, and not always but on occasion, i do manage to get a bit of a bargain. This issue was in fact one of those times. 

I had been searching for some earlier books for my collection, I wanted some of the less significant books. to fill gaps and holes in the collection, but only at the right price. after all people are free to price their books at whatever they value them, however it's not an indicator as to actual value, A comic is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay. The trick i use to gain some of the lower numbered books is a tried and tested one and one that i'm, not likely to let you in on, Well that is to say it's pretty much all down to blind luck,

That was the case with this issue, especially for the grade i managed to get this one at, I mean a higher grade book will always sell for decent money, however it is possible to get mud grade books for a nice price for a buyer, let me just say this I've seen this book available on auction sites at a significantly higher price than I paid, or would ever pay, I'm a stay at home dad working on a budget here people.

Anyway so, for me this was the first time in around 30 years that I'd read this particular book. The first in a four part arc known as "Doc Ock Wins", in fact this was a story arc that was adapted and condensed by John Semper Jr the producer of the acclaimed 1990's cartoon "Spider-Man The Animated Series" I think the cartoon episodes were in season 3. 

Back to the issue at hand. Amazing Spider-Man #53. This was first published in October of 1967 and is the second of the only two Issues i have from the 60's. again this was the brain child of Stan Lee and John Romita Snr, it was also the first time that John Romita was to perform the artwork on Doc Ock. as the villain hadn't been seen within the pages of Amazing since Amazing Spider-Man #33 and the finale of the all time classic "If this be my destiny" arc. 

This book immediately refers back to the events of the last arc which featured the Kingpin for the first time. and after a time honiured frank exchange of views between Spidey and Jameson, Spider-Man heads of to classes at Empire State University. 

Once arriving at the campus, Peter quickly changes from his Spidey costume in the confines of an empty gym, just before he's spotted by Professor Miles Warren. 


Professor Warren invites Peter and Gwen Stacy to a science exposition after classes to witness a demonstration of a "Nullifier" which had been developed to "Nullify" missle attacks from enemy forces. 


Arriving at the expedition, Peter starts to get a familiar buzz from his Spider-Sense but is unable to verify where the danger lies. 

The Danger soon get made evident however when Doctor Octopus makes his presence known, and makes a grab for the Nullifier.


Peter takes full advantage of the confusion and sneaks off to change into Spider-Man. in a usual trope for this era of comics. Things like that however made them fun and it was always a game of what scenario would Stan the Man use as the distraction method to allow Peter to go change. In this Issue we get to see two of the ways in which situations would arise allowing Peter to make a discreet exit, although most of the time at least one supporting cast member would notice that Peter had once again gone missing. 

Spider-Man, prevents Doc Ock from stealing the Nullifier and manages to place a tracer onto the bespectacled villain as he uses the device to distract the wall crawler so he can make good his escape. to a secret warehouse where the narrative informs the reader just how Octopus managed to survive the previous encounter.  At this point Ock discovers the Spider-Tracer and constructs a plan to rid the world of Spider-Man once and for all. 

One of the great things about these early issues is that, at one stage of the issue the reader knows that one aspect of Spider-Man's Powers are going to be highlighted in some way to illustrate just how every aspect are as equally as important as the rest. 


For this Issue the highlighted power is The Spider-Sense, and the various uses the "early warning system" provides to the Spider-Man weaponry, For it is after Peter has used another well used distraction plot point to extricate himself from a social gathering at the coffee bean. he manages to use the Spider-Sense as a tracking receiver to locate Doc Ock. 

Via the aid of the Spider-Sense. Spider-Man gets a warnning blast of danger, though none seems prevalent, it's just as he's about to enter the warehouse that he spies his tracker in a place that it shouldn't be. 

Knowing that the figure below him must be a trap, Spidey drops a web ball, which springs the trap and Spider-Man manages to leap away before the warehouse explodes Seemingly in the eyes of Doc Ock Killing Spider-Man.

Ock then makes good his escape as he realizes that the authorities would now be seeking him following the failes attempt to steal the Nullifier, As meanwhile Spider-Man vows to find Ock before he can do more damage. 

So i hope you've enjoyed reading my views on this issue have you read this book? why not comment below. if you have enjoyed this episode then web the +1 button in the face! and want to read more? then please subscribe via google+ or follow on twitter @TelFirth for blog updates or additionally like our Facebook Page The Man who Collects Spider-Man

Thanks For Reading.

Look back Series: Ep 1, ASM #46 - The Sinister Shocker

Hi, and welcome to the first episode in this look back series. For the next few months i'll be aiming to introduce to you readers my entire back catalogue of Amazing Spider-Man Issues. 

Now this may be a bit of a never ending series, due to the sheer volume of books in the collection, not too mention the problem of the collection veing constantly added to by myself. but should hopefully by the time this series ends. (If it ends) it'll mean that I've completed my personal quest to own every issue of The Amazing Spider-Man, and you the reader will have hopefully enjoyed seeing long forgotten issue's once again or perhaps gained some knowledge from seeing the issues for the first time. Imspiring you to check them out for yourselves. 

Over the years there have been a number of forgotten tales and as time passes, more and more issues fall into this category. Here is the earliest book in my Spidey collection. Amazing Spider-Man #46. 

This issue was first released in March 1967. although. I've only had this issue for roughly twelve years. since my wife got me the issue for Christmas as a stocking filler back in 2003. It's not really in the best of conditions and it's been really well read, However I at the time was really grateful for this issue, as it was the earliest, well it also still is, twelve years ago however it was the earliest by some distance. 

The thing that makes this Issue significant and special is, the book is the first appearance of The Shocker. It aslo emcomapasses the origins of how Herman Schultz crafted his "Vibro-Shock" bracelets and his first two battles against our beloved wall crawler.

This is also the issue in which Peter Parker moves out of Aunt May's house for the first tie and into a new rented apartment with Harry Osborne and, also has his secret identity discovered by Frederick Foswell a reporter at the Daily Bugle.

The story was penned by the mighty Stan lee and the artwork beautifully crafted by John Romita Snr, the creative that that even by this point had given us Spider-Fans some all time classic issues such as the Green Goblin's revealed identity and also bringing Mary Jane into the fold as a full time supporting character.

The absolute beauty of this book is the simplicity of the story it tells. Back in the 1960's most of the Amazing Spider-Man issue's were single contained arcs, less convoluted and more straightforward. This issue starts with Spidey on a wall resting when it suddenly starts to shake. deciding to investigate he encounters a man in a yellow outfit cracking a safe. 

A quick battle ensues and Spider-Man loses to the mystery robber, partially hindered by his injured arm this was a feature of many a Spider-Man issue back in the 60's 

You must remember that at this time Spidey, was still a teenager and a lot of the stories had Peter Parker battling villains as  Spider-Man whilst dealing with a lot of the complexities of being a teenager during the 1960's. During this issue for example it shows the gang discussing Flash Thompson's departure to Vietnam after being drafted by the armed forces. 

There are a lot of pop-culture references relevant to the time. and a lot of the dialogue is geared around popular phrases that teens of the 60's tended to use. 

However none of this detracts from the storyline and it's a fun look at how the characters were presented to the readers of 1967. 

Following the first encounter in which Spidey suffers defeat, Peter heads to the Daily Bugle to ell pictures of the battle to J.J.Jameson. One thing that has never really changed in the Amazing Spider-Man series since 1963 is the relationship and banter between Peter and Jameson. this issue really highlughts the generation gap between the two. 

It also highlights that Peter was always quick thinking and at times had to think fast to get out of scraps of his own making. Highlighted in this issue by tricking Bugle reporter Frederic Foswell.

Foswell, curious as to how a teenager was able to get pictures of all Spider-Man's battles against super villains decided to follow Peter
. 
Thinking that Parker and Spidey had to have some sort of arrangement and a deal between the two. So Foswell trailed Peter throughout the day hoping to find proof as to his suspicions. 

Unknown to Peter he was being followed when he ducked into an alley to change and pick up the trail of The Shocker. 

Spying Parker go into an alley, Foswell is shocked when he sees Spider-Man emerge with no sign of Peter. He makes the assumption therefore that Peter Parker is Spider-Man. 

Peter, is alerted to being watched and sees Foswell, quickly darting back into the alley he constructs a plan to trick the reporter into believing his suspicions are incorrect.

 

With Foswell no longer tailing him, Peter is able to change into Spidey and track The Shocker to The Federal Reserve, where he finds Shocker in the middle of a robbery. 

Buoyed, by his earlier victory The Shocker is unperturbed by Spider-Man's arrival and their second battle commences. With Spidey using distraction measures to this time get close enough to Shocker and ably disarm the villain of his "Vibro-Shock" blasters. Thus defeating the would be bank robber. 

For a first appearance The Shocker really comes across well as a low level second tier villain. After all he's hardly a Doc Ock or a Green Goblin. heck, he's barely a second rate Electro, but at the time of his creation, Herman Schultz was a welcome addition and a break from the usual villain as the roster was being expanded.

Lets not forget this was still before any of the villains of today, and before Kingpin had even made his first bow. Which was to happen just four issues later in Amazing Spider-Man #50.

The thing i really love about this issue and of all of the Stan Lee issues i have, is the simplicity to the stories. the art by Romita Snr is still my favourite by some some distance. this to me is classic Spider-Man. it's what got me into reading the books and though it can be deemed dated it's also what keeps me coming back. 

So i hope yu've enjoyed reading my views on this issue have you read this book? why not comment below. if you have enjoyed this first episode and want to read more then please subscibe via google+ or follow on twitter @TelFirth for blog updates or additionally like our Facebook Page The Man who Collects Spider-Man

Thanks For Reading.

Review: Amazing Spider-Man #14 - Spider-Verse pt 6 Web Warriors

 Story By: Dan Slott

 

Artist: Guiseppe Camuncoli

 

       Cover Art: Olivier Coipel

 

Publisher: Marvel Comics

 

Cover Price: $3.99

Spider-Verse ends here, and what a ride. This review will contain spoilers, so if you've not read this issue yet. Then go run to your local Comic Store and demand that the guy sells you this as quick as is humanly possible. Then read it like you're The Flash. digest reflect and return to this review and tell me what you do or don't agree with and we can discuss like a group of cybernetic pals having a few beers and discussing the finer points of the story.

Though this issue does seemingly confirm the fate of a well loved Spider that met a demise in the last issue. it's left with enough sense that there could be a route back for that particular character i feel. This issue had it all. the pacing is jet propelled rocket fuelled speed and there is quite a lot going i in every panel and page. The tension felt is apparent as the Spider's finally take the fight to the Inheritors en masse. I shall however endevour to guide you through the issue and events as they happen. 

Firstly i feel that, after the first read through the final battle was really where Peter Parker comes into his own, within the tale of the story. I did say in a previous blog entry i was still waiting for Peter to contribute anything meaningful to the narrative and boy did I get what i wanted. This issue is centered around Peter's plan. and all the pieces fall neatly into place. My other fear was that the closing would feel rushed and that the battle would be over in a few short pages and yet my fears were not realised. I felt satisfied about how the day was won. about how intelligently victory was secured  How vital information was gained and used against the opponent the writing was first class from Dan Slott. not just this issue but the arc overall, yes at times it felt like the story was taking awhile to get going but once the set up's were over and the battle's commenced it was a thrilling read. Of course we still have the epilogue issue to come in a couple of weeks but that'll deal with the fall out of what happened in this issue. so what did happen in this issue? Well I'll tell you shall I.

The opening starts from the tail end of Amazing Spider-Man #13 with Silk, Jess, Anya and Spider-Gwen facing down Madam Verna and her Green Goblin hinting dogs. Help quicklu arrives in the form of the Peter led team that we saw hoing through the portal to Loomworld at the end of that issue and the final battle begins. 

Jessica informs Peter that the other Inheritors, have taken Silk to the ceremonial chamber to carry out the prophecy ritual, Ultimate Black widow spies the remnants of Kaine's costume and the Spider's fear that the Inheritors have all the pieces in place. 

Morlun is intent of performing the ritual himself following the demise of their father Solus killed by The Other in the last issue and cuts the dismembered body of The Other letting the blood flow onto the web of life. Beforehand he orders the other Inheritors to protect the chamber from the Spider's whilst he performs the ritual. though tells Daemos to stay with him. As the Inheritors race to face the Spider's they are confronted by the team headed by Miles Morales and Ultimate Spider-Man, as the action goes back to the chamber where Silk is cut and her blood flows onto the web. The Master Weaver extolling that the prophecy is almost fulfilled/ Morlun holds aloft the Scion and is about to cut him when Peter's team arrive in the chamber delaying the ritual.

SpOCK goes for Daemos and Peter takes on Morlun. This sequence has a brilliant blink and you'll miss it moment as Uncle Ben Seemingly ducks out of the fight and leaves via a portal.

The pace throughout this is as I said jet fuelled and the story switches to the battle between Miles's Team and the other Inheritors where another portal opens and Spider-Uk's team arrive along with Karn. 

At first the Inheritors believe their brother is there to help them, however as seen in Spider-Verse Team up #3 Spider-Uk's team had converted Karn to the Spider's cause playing on his insecurities and rejection  issues brought by his exile from Loomworld.

In apparent desperation Morlun makes a lunge to kill The Scion only to get hit in the face by the hoof of  Spider-Ham who informs him that he's been the victim of an old switcheroo and the Scion is safe. Morlun is perplexed as to how the prophecy is unraveling and Peter tells him it;s because of his plan.

Daemos has beaten most of the rest of the team when Migel O'Hara and Lady Spider arrive through a portal along with a fully functioning Leopardon. As Daemos is distracted Spider-Girl seizes her opportunity to face down Daemos. 

SpOCK kills the Master Weaver in a misguided attempt to stop the ritual from resuming however the Weaver is the builder of the web o life and now all reality and future is in jeopardy. Witnessin this Spider-Girl decides not to kill Daemos.

Morlun leaps at Peter and overpowers him and begins draining his life energy. Peter his the portal and teleports the pair of them to Earth 3145 or Radiation World. Morlun starts begging for his life  and Peter informs him there is a shelter before being rescued by Silk. 

The issue closes with the Spider's reflecting on their victory and forcing the other inheritors through the portal to Radiation world. imprisoning them.

As preciously stated this issue had it all. and the execution of the final battle was in my view very climactic. The ending was entirely satisfactory and emphasised why Peter Parker of Earth 616 is the one true Spider-Man with great writing and the wonderful art my score for this issue is a very solid 9.0

Do you have an opinion on "Spider-Verse Pt 6"? why not comment below. or click the button to follow on google+ or follow on twitter @TelFirth for blog updates or additionally like our Facebook Page The Man who Collects Spider-Man

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SPIDER-MAN Swings into the Marvel Cinematic Universe OFFICIAL!

Welcome to the Party Spider-Man, We think you'll like it here! - Steve Rogers

Well Who saw that coming then? I mean apart from practically everybody and anybody who'd really looked at the Sony e-mail scandal carefully, This was always going to happen once those leaked messages hit the public domain, both Sony and Marvel knew it. All that was left for the two companies to do was dot the T's and cross the I's or something of that nature.

However it's now happened, Spidey is back home, just let that sink in................The next time you witness Spider-Man on the silver screen it will be in a Marvel Studios movie. Now who really saw that coming? yeah me neither.

The deal, as it's announced will be what many of us thought it would be. Spider-Man is now a shared property between the two studio giants. Personally i see this as the best possible outcome. the biggest winners here are us the fans. After all look at what we get out of the deal.

According to the reports Spider-Man, will be making his bow in the MCU before a planned Sony reboot in 2017. Given that there are only 3 Marvel Studios films to be released before then are Captain America: Civil War, GOTG 2 and Doctor Strange. it's a no-brainer really to think that we will be seeing Spider-Man lining up with Captain America and Iron Man possibly also Falcon, Black Widow and Hawkeye in Civil War.

Now the news is official we as a fanbase should feel pretty pleased with ourselves. I'm not saying that fan pressure played a huge part in the decision making process, I do believe though that it played a part and had to be taken into consideration by both studio's. After all, unless you've been living in a cave for the last 3 months you can't have missed the thousands of blog entries, meme's and countless tweets imploring that this deal was made.

I myself was guilty in putting Meme's out there. I came up with this one that you may well have seen around the internet.

It on the face of of it then, would appear that Feige's threat of sending in Cap and the Howling Commando's worked. I wonder if a Sony exec saw what the Commando's were capable of in last weeks episode of Agent Carter? and thought "Shit, lets get this deal done"

All joking aside there are still things to be concerned with, regarding this deal. Such as it confirms that Andrew Garfield is out as the wall-crawler and future films and appearances will see a new actor wearing the webs. I believe this may be a bit of a gamble of sorts, I mean is it really necessary to have a third reboot? sixteen years after the first movie? which also leads to further questions of who will pick the person who will be the new Spider-Man? is it Sony or Marvel? I guess these are questions that will have been thrashed out in the meetings.

Secondly, are the audience going to be enthused for yet another Spidey reboot at all? certainly not if it includes another retelling of the origin. how many times can it be told, not too mention neither film series has got it quite tight. Admittedly Sam Raimi's Spider-Man was the closer of the two. There was however the idea muted that a new Spider-Man film would start with the wall crawler already in place and focus once more on Peter Parker's life in High School. I'm not sure if i want to see more of that either.

Thirdly, who are the villains going to be? so far in five Spider-Man movies we've had Goblins in three of them. Surely this new reboot will not have Goblins. I mean i'm all Goblined out and again not one of them have ever got close to accurately portraying the Green Goblin on screen. we've also had The Lizard a brief snippet of Venom and Rhino as well as a weak Electro and Sandman and Doctor Octopus.

Spidey, has probably the most diverse and one of the largest villains roll call in comics history so i hope that we get to finally see some other antagonists and for the love of god please don't make them all have a personal connection to Peter Parker, sometimes baddies are just bad.

Although a shared deal now opens up various opportunities and possibilities for Marvel and Sony going forward, as surely this deal would also allow a crossover of villains, and vice-versa. Could this see Spider-Man now going up against people like Kingpin? could the Avengers show up to take on The Sinister Six?

Why not let me know your thoughts on this momentous news. what do you make of the deal, are you celebrating or lamenting? do you have thoughts on who could play Spider-Man? what Villains do you think he should face? why not comment below. or click the button to follow on google+ or follow on twitter @TelFirth for blog updates or additionally like our Facebook Page The Man who Collects Spider-Man

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Just what is Peter Parker's role? - Spider-Verse opinion.

Last night, just as i was falling asleep, i had a thought. Oi, no sniggering at the back. It has been known to happen from time to time. I had been reflecting on what the closing last two issues of Spider-Verse had install for us. the culmination of the last 3 months of story telling is about to come to it's epic conclusion.Yet one thing keeps reverberating around my head. Where is it all leading? what was the ultimate payoff? 

Now, please don't assume that I haven't enjoyed this event, as i have immensely. The whole arc had been a lot of fun and perfectly mixed tension with lightheartedness. The whole entirety of the story had been a great ride and a wonderful adventure. It has given Spider-Man/Men/Women/Pigs/Monkey's  such a tough time. Which isn't that the point of being a Spidey fan. we want to see our hero overcome the most overwhelming odds. To face down the huge threats and come out victorious. 

However still this nagging thought echoes through my mind. Was it really necessary to have Peter Parker lead the Spider-Army? I mean, just think about it for a moment. Go on.....I'll wait. 

Here's the thing. waaaaaay back in the summer of 2014 at the announcement launch for Spider-Verse. We were told that that when Dan Slott approached "The powers that be" that they loved the story and the idea, but they thought it needed to be a Peter Parker story and that, Peter needed to be brought back from the "dead" in order for it to be told. 

Now, since we've had the return of Peter, which was handled very well i might add. I'm not too sure if Dan Slott really was fully onboard with bringing him back for this tale. After all it's known that he had in mind two years worth of stories and adventures for The Superior Spider-Man.

We've seen over the last few months, plenty of excellent storypoints of Spider-Verse being played out and notable Spider's have had their moments to shine and drive the story forward by taking the lead in some very notable moments, yet none of them have been carried out by 616 Peter Parker. So I'm confused, as even in the story we're told that Peter is The one who should lead due to his uniqueness, being the Spider-Man who had previously defeated Morlun twice before. and yet during the course of this tale, that uniqueness has been shown to be not that unique. 

I mean, so far we've had Kaine kill Solus and Lord Jennix, SpOCK kill Daemos, Miguel O'Hara has directly contributed to a death of Daemos, Silk has managed to inflict harm upon Brix and Brie and finally even Ultimate Black Widow killed Lord Jennix. We've also seen a group of Spider's manage to convince one of the inheritors Karn to turn against his family and join their fight for survival. Ben Reilly managed to destroy the cerebral hub at the cloning facility which now negates the Inheritors ability to place their conciouness into a respawned clone body. 

Peter, isn't even one of the "chosen" as Silk is the Queen, Kaine is The Other, and Baby Ben is the Scion. so as you can see I'm really struggling to see what part Peter Parker has to play within the narrative other than Just being there because.........Well because what exactly? yes I think we are all well aware that Peter is the true Spider-Man, but when is he going to actually start behaving like Spider-Man. 

So far, what has Peter done throughout Spider-Verse? beyond punch Superior Spider-Man in the face and have a minor skirmish, not a lot. Even in the last issue of Amazing Spider-Man he failed to convince Alternate Ben Parker to join the Spider-Army, that was left to SpOCK to carry out. in fact since he's return what has Peter Parker done at all? he's just become a pale shadow of himself and you could even argue that he is at fault for setting adventure up in the first place by releasing Silk from the containment facility in the first place, in an act of unbelievable irresponsibility.

This all could just be part of the storyline of course and at the last Peter will finally act like Spider-Man in a display that redeems his reputation in the eyes of many fans and restores his uniqueness, that has sorely been lacking in this arc. However the worrying thing here is that the solicit for Amazing Spider-Man #14 (Released 11.02.15) states that it's Superior Spider-Man that has a secret plan to win the war. 

Now I'm hoping, that at some point during this issue that Peter Parker finally acts like the hero we all know and love. finds a way to stop the massacre, as the role of Peter is threatening to derail this arc for me. as so far Spider-Man of Earth 616 has been nothing more than a body in the crowd. 

For too long Peter Parker has been a supporting character in his own book and it's time it stopped now. it's time he reminded everyone just why He is Amazing. 


Do you have an opinion on what will happen at the end of Spider-Verse, a theory on just what Peter's role is? why not comment below. or click the button to follow on google+ or follow on twitter @TelFirth for blog updates or additionally like our Facebook Page The Man who Collects Spider-Man

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