By Geoff Hoppe
August 2, 2008 - 12:19
Reviewing a single issue of a comic book often feels like herding cats. And not just because it’s difficult to find things to say about thirty-two pages of mostly pictures. No, a lot of the problem comes from the trade paperback-ism that dominates comic book publishing. Stand alone issues don’t sell. The publishers’—and therefore writers’-- focus is on the story arcs of today that become the overpriced trade paperbacks (and unnecessary hardcovers) of tomorrow. As I consider the new releases upon which I'll blow ten bucks, a moral quandary attached to this marketing ploy whittles away my choices. Should I buy this week’s Green Lantern? No, it’s a part three…so I can’t review it without buying parts one and two, and I don’t have the money. X-Men? Part four of five. Again, no ways or means. It’s this microcosmic crise de couer that makes me so thrilled to find issues like Ultimate Spider-Man #124.
Props to Richard Isanove for the nice color work.
Ultimate Spider-Man #124 executes the beautiful balancing act of all good serialized fiction. Writer Brian Michael Bendis advances the ongoing storyline, but not at the expense of the individual issue. A newcomer to the title (like myself) will be entertained by the wit and action. Returning fans will get that, plus the running plotline.
In Ultimate Spider-Man #124, Peter Parker encounters a mysterious thief in a flying battle suit. Dubbing the unknown pilferer “Beetle,” Parker foils the rookie villain’s robbery attempt and receives a visit from Nick Fury, who tells him
that you’re the weak and I’m the tyranny of evil men not to further investigate Beetle’s activities.
The highlight of #124 is a stunning chase scene through a twilight
Worth the money? Absolutely.