Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #3
By Zak Edwards
October 12, 2011 - 21:09
Marvel Comics
Writer(s): Brian Michael Bendis
Penciller(s): Sara Pichelli
Colourist(s): Justin Ponsor
Letterer(s): Cory Petit
Cover Artist(s): Kaare Andrews
$3.99 US
I just had a friend text me about the new Ultimate Spider-Man, literally as I've begun to write this article, asking if it’s “worthwhile.” It was a strange moment, after thinking about the issue and putting some ideas down, my friend basically asked me to condense this article into 160 characters or less. My response? “Mediocre. I mean, it’s good but almost a completely different story, but the exact same.” And this is how I still feel about this book. On every level, from characterization to pacing to dialogue, the book is well-executed, not to mention Sara Pichelli’s continually amazing art, but I feel I’ve read it before and find myself not having a very strong reaction with anything presented to me.
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As with the other issues, Sara Pichelli’s art wins me every time. I briefly debated just leaving this book on the shelf this week, but then I made the mistake of opening it up and, after a single glimpse of Ganke’s awesome Howard the Duck shirt, my bill went up by four dollars. Her energetic and expressive style continues to convey so much in wonderful ways. Her characters never become melodramatic, all of them remaining very grounded in how they react to the situations. I am confused, however, on the ages these characters are supposed to be. Miles looks the age he’s supposed to, the thirteen mark, as does Ganke, but their new roommate Judge looks much, much older, making the brief discussion about Lego much more confusing than entertaining. The characters either act inconsistent for their age or look older than they are. Both detract from a book otherwise filled with wonderful and wonderful looking characters.
Grade: B I still can’t seem to justify this book as being great, even if technically it is.
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