Blogs Tagged “1980s”
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Distinguished Critique: The Question (vol. 1): Zen and Violence ReviewAn enticing recreation of an enigmatic character allows a master storyteller to bring the Question solidly into the post-Crisis DC Universe
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Random Reviews: John Constantine, Hellblazer (vol. 1): Original SinsThis first volume collects a small portion of a classic series, occasionally muddled but driven by its fractured protagonist
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Distinguished Critique: Batman: Tales of the Demon ReviewThis volume, though somewhat oddly structured, offers a nice cross-section detailing the original conflict between Batman and Ra's al Ghul
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Distinguished Critique: Batman: Birth of the Demon ReviewA taut trilogy of tales, these graphic novels centered on Ra's al Ghul work almost as well alone, if not better, than they do together
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Random Reviews: Saga of the Swamp Thing (Book 1) Review (Gods and Monsters, Part 1)Alan Moore recreates a classic DC hero in issues truly fulfilling their "mature" label, for philosophical pondering if not for content
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(Strand)om Stories: Captain America: War and Remembrance ReviewThis small run shows a unique glimpse into Cap's life by two excellent creators whose potential is only partially displayed
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Distinguished Critique: Justice League: A New Beginning ReviewThese issues represent a stellar start to a post-Crisis team book equal parts funny and fantastic
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(Strand)om Stories: Silver Surfer: Parable ReviewLofty ideas can't quite hit the mark given the quick pacing driving this two-issue series
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Random Reviews: MausA singular accomplishment, Maus uniquely, poignantly shares a narrative which history should never forget
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Distinguished Critique: The Untold Legend of the Batman ReviewDC's second-ever limited series isn't as adroit as Frank Miller in exploring Batman's origin, but it nobly distills the hero's history into a succinct examination of his mission
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Distinguished Critique: Wonder Woman by George Perez (vol. 1) ReviewPerez's post-Crisis introduction to Wonder Woman is a resonant blend of myth and modernity which remains highly readable today
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Distinguished Critique: Aquaman: The Legend of Aquaman ReviewAquaman's post-Crisis origin isn't exactly a classic, even if it tries to modernize the King of Atlantis with a splash of darker ambiguity
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Distinguished Critique: Camelot 3000 ReviewThis highly imaginative series blends legend with science fiction, a unique combination somewhat hindered by sidelined characters
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(Strand)om Stories: The New Warriors: Classic (vol. 1) ReviewThough exchanging some characterization for theming, this volume introduces a brand new team of socially-conscious heroes to the 90s Marvel Universe
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Distinguished Critique: "Batman: Year Two" ReviewThis sequel to "Year One" fails to sufficiently explore interesting ideas which deserve deeper reflection than they receive
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Distinguished Critique: Hawkworld ReviewThis series not only updates Hawkman but tells a stirring tale of resolve in the face of inequality and oppression
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Distinguished Critique: The Flash: Savage Velocity ReviewIn updating the Flash legacy for the post-Crisis DC Universe, this volume is a misguided introduction to Wally West
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Distinguished Critique: Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters ReviewOccasionally heavy-handed, Longbow Hunters successfully reintroduces Green Arrow to the post-Crisis DC landscape
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Distinguished Critique: Millennium ReviewMillennium is divided on which story it wants to tell, and as a result, the whole series wobbles on a weak foundation
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Distinguished Critique: Suicide Squad: Trial by Fire ReviewThis volume capably introduces a different team of "heroes," applying strong characterization and unique stakes for a mainstream comic series
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Distinguished Critique: Cosmic Odyssey ReviewA master storyteller can't quite apply his trademark characterization to a series too short for its ensemble cast
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Distinguished Critique: Legends ReviewDC's first post-Crisis event fumbles its primary conceit, a cool concept and great art sacrificed on the altar of heavy-handed dialogue
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(Strand)om Stories: Deathlok the Demolisher: The Complete Collection ReviewThis volume starts strong before struggling through a messy middle, concluding powerfully as it focuses on a cyborg assassin who was once a man
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Distinguished Critique: Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn ReviewHal Jordan's reintroduction to the post-Crisis DC Universe is notable for reshaping the pilot by offering him strong inner turmoil and conflict
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Distinguished Critique: "Superman: For the Man Who Has Everything" ReviewThis classic annual pits Superman against his soul's desire, showcasing the struggle of a hero versus the heart
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Distinguished Critique: "Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?" ReviewAlan Moore constructs an emotionally driven and fond farewell to the pre-Crisis Superman
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Distinguished Critique: Batman: Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth ReviewThis grim graphic novel is a fascinating character study of Batman and his rogues, discerning how close to the edge our Caped Crusader can crawl
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(Strand)om Stories: Moon Knight Epic Collection: Bad Moon Rising ReviewThis Epic Collection may stumble in some places, but it's generally a strong introduction to the ever-developing Moon Knight
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Distinguished Critique: Watchmen ReviewAlan Moore and Dave Gibbons construct a richly detailed magnum opus which remains highly readable and culturally influential today
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Distinguished Critique: "Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying" ReviewThe third Robin debuts in a tale that delivers catharsis in the face of overwhelming tragedy
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(Strand)om Stories: Doctor Strange: Strange Tales ReviewWhat should be a philosophically fascinating character arc is upended by an overly dramatic narrative which undercuts the tension and transformation
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Distinguished Critique: "Batman: A Death in the Family" ReviewThis classic tragedy is constructed upon some coincidence yet serves as a much-needed arc for a spurned Robin who develops before he dies
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Distinguished Critique: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns ReviewFrank Miller's famed, dystopian series redefines and revitalizes the Batman, shaping a new world around an old hero
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Distinguished Critique: Superman: The Man of Steel ReviewDespite an awkward final issue, John Byrne's limited series successfully reintroduces Superman into the post-Crisis world
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Distinguished Critique: "Batman: Year One" ReviewThis Post-Crisis reframing of Batman's origin is definitive and impactful, offering clever insight into the new life of Bruce Wayne and his supporting cast
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Distinguished Critique: Crisis on Infinite Earths ReviewThis classic, catastrophic condensing of the DC Universe excites and amazes, but its bombast and agenda cultivate more set-pieces than engaging character moments
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Crawling Back: Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions ReviewMarvel's first limited series/crossover event and its follow up remain narratively frustrating and forced, despite some fantastic art and action sequences
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(Strand)om Stories: Wolverine Epic Collection: Madripoor Nights ReviewWolverine's first Epic Collection sets him apart from the X-Men, allowing two veteran writers to fantastically shape his standalone adventures
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(Strand)om Stories: Daredevil: Born Again ReviewFrank Miller returns to Daredevil to craft one of the most riveting, character-defining arcs of the Man Without Fear's career
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(Strand)om Stories: X-Factor Epic Collection: Genesis and Apocalypse ReviewThis volume introduces an intriguing team concept that seems fun but is unfortunately based on a wobbly premise fueled by a massive, unnecessary retcon
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(Strand)om Stories: Daredevil: Love’s Labors Lost ReviewDennis O'Neil's time on Daredevil is shaky at best, especially as this volume serves up a bizarre cross-section of content
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Spider-view: “These Shattered Senses” (Cosmic Spider-Man, Part 4)A paint-by-numbers battle scene creates a weaker issue, with some interesting character development attempting to offset the action
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Spider-view: “Cunning Attractions” (Cosmic Spider-Man, Part 3)This issue looks great, but while Michelinie toys with some loftier notions, his concepts remain buried beneath a pile of gimmicky
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(Strand)om Stories: The Eternals: The Dreaming Celestial Saga ReviewThis volume contains several stories which work to wonderfully plant the Eternals firmly into the Marvel Universe
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Spider-view: “With Great Power” (Cosmic Spider-Man, Part 2)Gerry Conway wrestles with the editorially-mandated "Acts of Vengeance" crossover, valiantly struggling to keep control of his growing narrative
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Spider-view: “The Paste and the Power” (Cosmic Spider-Man, Part 1)Spidey receives a bizarre power upgrade in this opening chapter of a somewhat controversial arc
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Spider-view: “Gravity Storm” (Cosmic Spider-Man, Prologue)This issue starts a small arc with promise, obscuring the quality of future issues with well-written character moments between action sequences
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Spider-view: Power Pack & Cloak and Dagger: Shelter from the Storm (Cloak and Dagger, Part 14)Bill Mantlo's second Cloak and Dagger-focused graphic novel is more intriguing and better balanced than his first
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Spider-view: “Atlantis Attacks”Though an improvement over Marvel's 1988 crossover, this event arc still struggles to find solid footing as it bobbles some important plot points
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Spider-view: “Guilty”An intriguing standalone issue is somewhat mired by the fact it's only one chapter in an ongoing arc I'm unable to review fully
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(Strand)om Stories: Black Panther Epic Collection: Panther’s Prey ReviewA few tepid tales are largely overshadowed by the next daring chapters in Don McGregor's Black Panther "saga"
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Spider-view: The Amazing Spider-Man: Parallel LivesThis graphic novel by Gerry Conway carefully intertwines Peter and MJ's history, despite some rocky attempts at injecting original material
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Spider-view: “What About Carrion?”Conway unnecessarily complicates his own legacy as he tries adding more depth to "The Night Gwen Stacy Died"
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(Strand)om Stories: The Mighty Thor and The Eternals: The Celestial Saga ReviewThis volume packs in an epic narrative, and despite a somewhat sticky middle, culminates in a finale worthy of the Thunder God himself
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Spider-view: “Demon Night”This "Inferno" crossover allows Gerry Conway the chance to inventively create tie-in issues that aren't weighed down by the event's unfolding narrative
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Spider-view: “The Boomerang Return”This short two-parter is a breath of fresh air as Conway crafts an amusing version of the boisterous Outback baddie Boomerang
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(Strand)om Stories: Daredevil by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson (vol. 3) ReviewThis final volume collects several engaging issues...but you should really stay for the wondrous graphic novel included as well
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Spider-view: Cloak and Dagger (vol. 3) (Cloak and Dagger, Part 13)Old ideas jostle for supremacy with new plots, often winning out against these jumbled original concepts
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Spider-view: “The Evolutionary War”Strong standalone issues don't add up to an excellent narrative overall, but several backup stories weave together for a fantastic background tale
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(Strand)om Stories: The Uncanny X-Men Omnibus (vol. 4) ReviewThis fourth installment is packed with standalone stories and narratives connected to the wider Marvel Universe...for better or worse
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Spider-view: “The Tombstone Testament”This nicely-paced, multi-part thriller enables Gerry Conway to ratchet up the stakes by introducing a new villain to the fold
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Spider-view: Predator and Prey (Cloak and Dagger, Part 12)Unbalanced characterization from a few principle players hurts the strong plot developments Bill Mantlo injects into this graphic novel
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Spider-view: “Venom” (Venom, Part 1)One of Spidey's worst enemies debuts in this anniversary issue, which holds up wonderfully over three decades later
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Spider-view: “Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide”An exceptional Spider-Man writer returns to kick off a brand new run with an intriguing narrative
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Spider-view: “Return of the Sin-Eater”Peter David's sequel doesn't enthrall as much as the original, but it stands on its own by continuing an enticing story arc
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(Strand)om Stories: The Mighty Thor by Walter Simonson Omnibus ReviewThis massive volume proves that Walt Simonson's run on Thor is definitive, distinct, dense, and daring
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Spider-view: “Life in the Mad Dog Ward”This "crossover" arc toys with a clever concept, yet the subsequent narrative can't sufficiently support the oddball idea
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Spider-view: “The Honeymoon”A decent first half can't save the rest of this annual as a master storyteller tries too much with too little space
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(Strand)om Stories: Daredevil by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson (vol. 2) ReviewThis second volume tries balancing mystical elements with street-level adventures, wobbling as it looks for strong support
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Spider-view: “The Secrets of Spider-Man”A handful of interesting facts can't cover over this biographical annual's many weak points
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Spider-view: “Kraven’s Last Hunt”This J.M. DeMatteis-penned classic remains a deep, engaging exploration of one of Spider-Man's original enemies
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Spider-view: “The Wedding”Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson say "I do" in an ASM annual that lovingly defies the current status quo
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Spider-view: “Foreign Affairs”Peter David's two-parter narrative connects nicely to the recent past, weaving in multiple pieces in a largely cohesive manner
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(Strand)om Stories: Black Panther Epic Collection: Revenge of the Black Panther ReviewThough readers are presented with an odd assortment of stories, each narrative in this volume stands strongly on its own
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Spider-view: Strange Tales (Cloak and Dagger, Part 11)Cloak and Dagger's third series proves their most character-driven outing yet, even if missing plot details obscure some of the narrative
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(Strand)om Stories: The Uncanny X-Men Omnibus (vol. 3) ReviewThis next chapter in Chris Claremont's run features powerful, character-driven story arcs and a marvelous host of artistic talent
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Spider-view: Spider-Man vs. WolverineThis fantastic one-shot sees Spidey and Wolverine duke it out for the very first time, an engaging tale that has stood the test of time
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Spider-view: “Man of the Year”A genuinely entertaining annual that uses wit and imagination to craft fun takes on old tropes
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(Strand)om Stories: Daredevil by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson (vol. 1) ReviewThis first volume collecting Frank Miller's seminal run showcases the start of a very accomplished Daredevil era
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Spider-view: “Ace II”The sequel to Peter David's original annual fares a tad better than its predecessor, but that still isn't saying much
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Spider-view: “Wake Me Up, I Gotta be Dreaming”A strong central story helps wash down a somewhat disjointed backup strip that fumbles an interesting premise
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Spider-view: The Amazing Spider-Man: HookyAn unsatisfying conclusion, fortunately, does not wholly detract from an engaging, original Spider-Man graphic novel
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Spider-view: “Fun’n’Games”A new villain and kooky plot make for an entertaining annual, boosted by some nice references to recent continuity
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Spider-view: “The Death of Jean DeWolff”Narratively and artistically, this classic Spidey story remains as strong and accessible today as it did in 1985
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Spider-view: “Ace”Peter David presents a somewhat unabalanced narrative as he tries fashioning a stand-out, gripping main character
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Spider-view: “Give Me a Hand, Future Max”Ann Nocenti's standalone contribution is well-executed, even if some of the details get overshadowed by the narrative
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Spider-view: Cloak and Dagger (vol. 2) (Cloak and Dagger, Part 10)Despite a few narrative bobbles, Bill Mantlo crafts a strong overarching story in this second Cloak and Dagger series
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Spider-view: Secret Wars IIThe sequel to Jim Shooter's fantastic crossover has its moments, but fails to be the engaging philosophical powerhouse it tries being
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Spider-view: “Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider-Ham”Peter Porker isn't exactly the best parody of Spider-Man, but he works hard to try to become endearing
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(Strand)om Stories: The Uncanny X-Men Omnibus (vol. 2) ReviewChris Claremont continues his stellar run in a near perfect collection of stories, hindered only slightly by small errors
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Spider-view: “Treasures” (Alien Costume Saga: Epilogue)Louise Simonson provides one final glance into the "Alien Costume Saga" as she wraps up some plot points from her previous stories
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Spider-view: “‘Til Death Do Us Part” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 32)This inaugural issue ends the "Alien Costume Saga" on a high note, a fantastic "final" conflict between Spidey and the symbiote
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Spider-view: “The Spectacular Spider-Kid” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 31)A nice palate cleanser, this single story juggles certain elements neatly while fumbling some characterization
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(Strand)om Stories: Iron Man Epic Collection: Stark Wars Review"Stark Wars" presents bombastic action and hints at character depth in this 80s installment in Iron Man's Epic Collection line
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Spider-view: “Breakin’!” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 30)A long-running subplot culiminates in fascinating fashion in this celebratory 100th issue of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man
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Spider-view: “Trade Secret” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 29)This standalone narrative wobbles in places, an interesting concept weighed down by mediocre execution
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Spider-view: “Such Sweet Sorrow” (Cloak and Dagger, Part 9)Bill Mantlo presents an engaging, somewhat cliche standalone issue, including proper characterizations of Cloak and Dagger
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Spider-view: “Spider on the Spot” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 28)As Milgrom builds towards issue 100, he follows a shaky path in a rather unbalanced penultimate issue
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(Strand)om Stories: The Uncanny X-Men Omnibus (vol. 1) ReviewChris Claremont's stunning run on Uncanny X-Men begins strong with this wonderfully entertaining tome
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Spider-view: “'Tis Better to Give” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 27)Marvel Team-Up comes to a bittersweet ending with a Spidey/X-Men pairing that successfully builds upon the past
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(Strand)om Stories: Man-Wolf: The Complete Collection ReviewAn entire collection focused on John Jameson's alter ego can be wonky at times but is ultimately more satisfying than disappointing
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Spider-view: “The Scorpion Takes a Bride” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 26)Stan Lee's brief return to Spidey-dom is a celebratory blend of old and new
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Spider-view: “Shadowman” (Cloak and Dagger, Part 8)Chris Claremont successfully blends mutant heroism with Cloak and Dagger's ongoing narrative
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Spider-view: “The Incandescent Man” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 25)Some crammed backstory and a forced moral hinder an issue that would otherwise spell an entertaining team-up
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Spider-view: “True Confessions” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 24)Al Milgrom's latest issue is a step backward for the writer, an unbalanced menagerie of events and faces
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Spider-view: “The Challenge of Hobgoblin” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 23)Tom DeFalco unleashes the Hobgoblin and deepens the mystery of one of Spidey's zaniest story arcs
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Spider-view: “Hermit-Age” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 22)Al Milgrom paints a relaxing standalone issue buoyed by subplots which compensate for a weak main narrative
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Spider-view: “All My Pasts Remembered” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 21)Tom DeFalco explores Mary Jane Watson's past in a genuinely engaging and deep issue
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Spider-view: “A Child Shall Lead Them” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 20)A fun, frantic Human Torch/Spidey team-up isn't burnt too badly by a less impactful Thor/Spidey pairing
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Spider-view: “The Final Answer” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 19/Cloak and Dagger, Part 7)With the alien costume seemingly gone, Al Mlgrom wraps up another plotline in an issue that reads better that some of his past work
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Spider-view: “The Sinister Secret of Spider-Man’s New Costume” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 18)Tom DeFalco reveals the alien costume's true nature in an issue filled with wit and wonder
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Spider-view: “Memory Lane” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 17)A fun standalone issue hones in on the hitherto unknown childhood years of one Aunt May
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Spider-view: “Hero Worship” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 16)This Marvel Team-Up issue tells a winning story about herosim without coming across as heavy-handed or preachy
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Spider-view: “The Collected Spider-Man” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 15)A frantic team-up tale holds only a small candle to a well-developed, surprisingly relatable backup narrative
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Spider-view: “Beware the Claws of Puma” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 14)New villains and new revelations await our stalwart hero as Tom DeFalco ratchets up the stakes
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Spider-view: “How Ya Gonna Keep ‘em Down at the Morgue After They’ve Seen N.Y.C.?” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 13/Cloak and Dagger, Part 6)Largely freed from the constraints of recent continuity, Al Milgrom crafts an engaging two-parter that sees his storytelling abilities at the forefront
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Spider-view: “Hometown Boy” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 12)A supervillain character study gets surprisingly deep in this one-off Spidey/Iron Man issue
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Spider-view: “My Sword I Lay Down” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 11)This standalone issue raises and explores some engaging questions, yet only scratches the surface in answering them
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Spider-view: “A Hot Time in the Old Morgue Tonight” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 10)Tension flits through this issue, some of it decently inserted, some of it misplaced, as Milgrom wrestles with the Spidey/Cat dyanmic of the series
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Spider-view: “Even a Ghost Can Fear the Night” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 9)Interwoven subplots take a back seat to a one-off filler issue that ends up being more fun than it appears at first glance
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Spider-view: “And the Answer Is…” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 8)Al Milgrom's chronology might still be broken, but he works to make up for it with the addition of a great new villain
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Spider-view: “With Great Power…” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 7)Spidey's most famous mantra powerfully hangs over him in this DeFalco/Leonardi issue
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Spider-view: “Foiled!” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 6)Good and poor characterizations abound in this David Michelinie two-parter, creating an unbalanced but entertaining tale
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Spider-view: “If It Wasn’t for Bad Luck…” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 5)A well-told Spider-Man/Black Cat tale is hampered only by chronological inconsistencies
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Spider-view: “By Myself Betrayed” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 4)Tom DeFalco gives Peter, and readers, ideas to mull over even as a supposedly impactful revelation falls flat
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Spider-view: “Where, Oh, Where has My Spider-Man Gone?” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 3)This Secret Wars tie-in tells a fun tale about the Black Cat but suffers from some chronological and character issues
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Spider-view: “Blind Justice” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 2)"How" Christopher Priest crafts this team-up between Spidey and Daredevil ends up far outweighing "Why"
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Spider-View: “Homecoming” (Alien Costume Saga, Part 1)Our first look into the "Alien Costume Saga" displays promise for an entertaining premise
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Spider-view: Marvel Super Heroes Secret WarsMarvel's classic crossover event, though not flawless, remains a genuinely rewarding series over thirty years later
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Spider-view: Marvel Tails #1Tom DeFalco sucessfully creates an amusing and humorous 80s parody of the Wall-Crawler
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Spider-view: “The Hunters and the Hunted” (Cloak and Dagger, Part 5)Founded on familiarity, this Marvel Team-Up annual nonetheless dovetails nicely with Cloak and Dagger's limited series
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Spider-view: Cloak and Dagger (vol. 1) (Cloak and Dagger, Part 4)The vigilante duo's first standalone series broadens their world and establishes Cloak and Dagger as people, not just heroes
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Spider-view: “Stalkers in the Shadows” (Cloak and Dagger, Part 3)In a story that nicely develops Cloak and Dagger, the regression of Frank Castle is an unfortunate downside
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Spider-view: “Switch Witch”A medicore Spider-Man narrative is overshadowed by a delightful back-up story by Roger Stern
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Spider-view: “In Darkness Seldom Seen” (Cloak and Dagger, Part 2)Cloak and Dagger return, their characters given more nuance...but not all the new pieces fit perfectly
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Spider-view: “Nothing Can Stop the Juggernaut”Roger Stern's beloved two-part tale ratchets up the intensity in one of Spidey's toughest battles to date
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Spider-view: The Death of Captain MarvelMarvel's first-ever graphic novel is a gorgeous tribute to a fallen hero
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Spider-view: Marvel Fanfare #1-4Chris Claremont kicks off a 1980s series with a near perfect take on Spider-Man
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Spider-view: “Cloak and Dagger” (Cloak and Dagger, Part 1)Bill Mantlo introduces two important characters to the Spider-Man mythos