Post by goldenfist on Feb 28, 2008 9:59:00 GMT -5
Here's what Ign.com reviewed on Ultimate Spider-Man #119.
While an Ultimate version of Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends will probably illicit some well-deserved groans from fans, the one saving grace is that it's in the hands of Brian Michael Bendis. He's turned hopeless concepts like the Clone Saga into gold and if anyone can corral the kitsch of a early '80s cartoon, it's him. And thankfully, this arc of Ultimate Spider-Man is turning out pretty good.
After the sudden events of last issue, this one is mostly devoted to talking Firestar down off her ledge. It's a reasonably organic reaction for the character, given her past in USM. But more importantly, it gives Peter an opportunity to become to her what Uncle Ben was to him (albeit in a more bumbling, confused teenager form). It's a fun role for him to take on, trying to be inspiring and educational while simultaneously lacking much expertise on his own. This issue is still firmly in the scene-setting stages and we've yet to happen upon the inevitable three-way team-up that's coming, so it might drag for those looking to see more than some brightly-colored talking heads. But for the most part, it's an enjoyable read.
Stuart Immonen's art is as solid as ever. His handling of both Firestar and Iceman are great and he really has fun with the use of their powers. There's a criminally small panel where Spidey makes light of how he tracked the two to their location in the middle of the city, with ice slides twisting and turning in the background. Very good stuff.
"Amazing Friends" is actually becoming a good time. The ending teases that the best is probably still to come, but this issue features a good blend of Peter's social life and the superhuman elements. Great material all around.
Review Score: 8.3 Impressive
While an Ultimate version of Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends will probably illicit some well-deserved groans from fans, the one saving grace is that it's in the hands of Brian Michael Bendis. He's turned hopeless concepts like the Clone Saga into gold and if anyone can corral the kitsch of a early '80s cartoon, it's him. And thankfully, this arc of Ultimate Spider-Man is turning out pretty good.
After the sudden events of last issue, this one is mostly devoted to talking Firestar down off her ledge. It's a reasonably organic reaction for the character, given her past in USM. But more importantly, it gives Peter an opportunity to become to her what Uncle Ben was to him (albeit in a more bumbling, confused teenager form). It's a fun role for him to take on, trying to be inspiring and educational while simultaneously lacking much expertise on his own. This issue is still firmly in the scene-setting stages and we've yet to happen upon the inevitable three-way team-up that's coming, so it might drag for those looking to see more than some brightly-colored talking heads. But for the most part, it's an enjoyable read.
Stuart Immonen's art is as solid as ever. His handling of both Firestar and Iceman are great and he really has fun with the use of their powers. There's a criminally small panel where Spidey makes light of how he tracked the two to their location in the middle of the city, with ice slides twisting and turning in the background. Very good stuff.
"Amazing Friends" is actually becoming a good time. The ending teases that the best is probably still to come, but this issue features a good blend of Peter's social life and the superhuman elements. Great material all around.
Review Score: 8.3 Impressive