"OCCUPY SPIDER-Island!" Yes, that was a quote from the issue, something only Dan Slott could think of, very clever and gave me a good laugh. Anyways, this is the starting point of how the series is going to be, a fresh start from the previous arc's chaos. Spider-Island was an alright event, but did get a bit tiresome, it made me miss Spidey's solo stories. I actually greatly enjoyed BIG TIME when it began, some really good stories there. I like Spidey team-ups as much as the next guy, but it's his solo stories that are the best, and I'm happy to say that this issue was a very good start to the new status quo. I was deeply impressed, something I haven't been for this series in awhile.
The story follows some mysterious deaths from "suicide jumpers." At least, that's what the police thinks. Spidey's on the case, and a bunch of mysterious teens with wings are doing something for the "Old Man." When I said wings, I meant vulture wings, and that could only mean one thing....
Vulture is probably Spidey's weakest and worst villain. Let's face it, he could be described as a bald old man that could fly, and that would be accurate. So when I heard that he will be the villain for the start of this arc, I yelled "Really? I mean really?!" Let's face it, Vulture can't make it in today's Marvel world. However, despite him not appearing until the end of this issue, I was actually impressed with how Slott made him a threatening force. His lame days are over, at least for now.
These vulture wannabes are alright, they appear a lot but don't seem like anything we haven't seen before, gonna need more development. I'm glad to see Spidey taking charge again, I couldn't stand how weak he appeared in character in
Spider-Island. Mary Jane has zero significance in this issue, nothing but a filler character right now. Carlie is back and being the great detective that she's shown to be, while Peter is back to being single. The dialogue between them is alright at best, it's trying to be humorous but fails.
Ah, I'm really happy with the art. The major criticism of
Spider-Island was its overly cartoony art, it was pretty unbearable sometimes. Everyone looks good, reminds me of the 90's art, back in Spidey's prime. Though Peter Parker's hair looks weird in some scenes. And a very nice cover to go along with the issue.
Overall, I was very satisfied with this issue. It has a very interesting plot, a lame villain who is (a bit) cool, and pretty good art. I am now actually looking forward to spending the $4 next time, let's see if it keeps going that way.
8/10.