Spider-Man: The Secret Story of Marvel's World Famous Wall Crawler

Technically, this 1981 book doesn't come from Marvel. Instead it's a part of Ideals Children's Books Secret Stories collection of hybrid graphic novel/Superheroes encyclopedias. But it's very much a Stan Lee/Steve Ditko/John Romita Sr. work. 

Along with reprints of Spidey's origin in the pages of Amazing Fantasy #15, there's a great mystery action reissue of Amazing Spider-Man #80, guest starring one of the wall-crawlers most dangerous does, the Chameleon. Plus, there are about a dozen or more pin-up pages of Spider-Man facts and members of his Rogues Gallery peppered throughout the book. Definitely the work of Ditko. I'm wondering if they were filler pages in the back of issues of ASM...

I've really got to get back into Spider-Man. He's always been a favorite of mine. As a kid, Superman and he would tussle on a daily basis for the #1 spot on my list of favorite comic book characters. Marrying someone who is deathly afraid of arachnids, Spider-Man has dropped several notches for the sake of love. But every time I read an adventure starring him, I've rarely been disappointed. 

I like how even though this was a book aimed at kids, Roger Stern, the author of the history of Peter Parker and Spider-Man parts, did NOT dumb things down. I feel like a 48 year old could enjoy a brief timeline of important events involving Spidey could learn just as much as an 8-year old could have and not felt like they had read a book for those under the age of 4!

The question for me really is: do I keep this? I didn't hate it. No. In fact, I enjoyed the heck out of it. But it doesn't really fit my collection. I've got limited shelf space and it is too wide to fit in a storage box without spine damage. Plus I don't know how many reprints of Amazing Fantasy #15 that's got a place in my collection already. These books seem to command nice price tags. But that doesn't mean that they sell for those prices either. I have a feeling that if I took this in for trade credit, I would get way less than I should. 

Choices, choices.

If you have The Hulk, Fantastic Four and Captain America Secret Stories and need Spider-Man to finish the collection, you know where you can find one... for now!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Superman: Year One

Frank Miller, the godfather of the 'Year One' storyline, gives Superman the long overdue treatment in this deluxe sized Black Label tale. In other words - this very well could be an imaginary story. But I'd be totally fine with it being turned into canon.

The childhood story of Superman doesn't really change. His Kryptonian parents, knowing that their planet is doomed, ship baby Kal-El to Earth in hopes of becoming humanity's savior. Raised as Clark Kent by Kansas farmers, Kal-El learns the difference between right and wrong while forging a friendship with Pete Ross and a budding romance with Lana Lang.

Once Clark graduates high school, the origin changes. For the first time ever, in Act Two, we see Kent joining the Navy in hopes of learning what it means to be human while finding his place in this world as a god among men. Clark's romance with the mermaid Lori Lemaris takes an unusual twist with the Kryptonian becoming the ruler of Atlantis, after defeating her father in combat.

It appears that Frank Miller is really going to challenge the established legend of Superman by having him become a super-powered Aquaman. But that's all but forgotten in the final act; just as Clark's relationship with Lana becomes nothing more than a memory by the time he finishes basic training. When Superman meets Lois Lane in a great twist on their first appearance in the crashing helicopter trope, the very young Man of Steel just gives up his life in Atlantis, enrolls in journalism at a nameless University, and becomes an intrepid investigative reporter at the Daily Planet. 

This is not a 365 day year in the life of Superman. It's more of a series of snap shots in the first 25 or so years of life of Clark Kent. This makes for some inconsistencies in the plotting, a ton of forgotten friends and family, and an ending that didn't feel like the end. I wouldn't be surprised for a Superman: Year Two to be announced sometime in the future. Though this book is from 2019, so our chances of that might be dwindling...

As for John Romita, Jr.'s artwork, it too was inconsistent. But it's actually something that works in his favor. In my late 40s, I understand that when you have a career that involves your hands, arthritis and age are your worst enemies. Jr.Jr.'s art has really suffered over the last decade. But when he shines, he really shines here. There were several pages that I spent a long, long time marveling at his dynamic drawings. Powerful renderings. Amazing angles. Kick ass action. It helped improve my rating for this book that feels in desperate need of a director's cut edition.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos #101

If you ever wondered how such a mish-mash of lunatics get paired together to become the Howlers, this is the issue you've been waiting for. If you thought it was all because of selective service randomly drafting recruits for the war effort, I don't think you really understand the Marvel Way of storytelling. Sure, most of these guys got drafted into the Army. A couple volunteered to fight. However, the way the unit came together was a story of fate, heroics and teamwork.

I thought it was a very good story. However, a couple of things seemed a bit far fetched to me. For example, my favorite Howler, Dum Dum Dugan, was a strongman in a European travelling circus when he met Fury and his CO, 'Happy' Sam Sawyer. Because of how well they worked together, Dugan was put in Fury's outfit upon request. Would that sort of placement been allowed back in 1942? I've glossed over how Dugan's trademark bowler isn't GI. But could just anyone say 'that guy has moxie. Enlist him. Then put him in my platoon!' 

While all of the Howlers appear here, in all honesty, this story is more about how the Fury/Dugan team came about. It's also about Nick's good friend Red Hargrove, whose death during the attack on Pearl Harbor inspired Fury to become a commando. 

Reprinting issue #34 of the series, this issue is a bit of a rarity as it's the first half of a 2-parter. Most issues up to this point have been stand alone. With 1 or 2 exceptions. It's possible that we get more of the Howler's origin in the following issue. Hopefully, the origins of Dino, Izzy and especially my next favorite Howler, Gabe, will be presented in the next issue giving those hardworking grunts their just due!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

G.I. Joe: Dreadnoks Declassified

One of the most exciting villains in the 1980s GI Joe line was the elusive Zartan. A master of disguise with a strange chameleon-like ability to blend into his surroundings, Zartan was the figure all the kids wanted next to Snake Eyes and Destro.

In the cartoon and Marvel Comics, nobody knew who Zartan really was. The leader of a group of bayou bikers, Zartan was the only character who intimidated Cobra Commander. That's probably because old Snakeface knew that at any moment, Zartan could eliminate Cobra's leader and replace him without anyone being all the wiser.

This 2006 miniseries from Devil's Due Publishing seeks to reveal the mysteries behind the villain without spilling the beans on him. In reality Zartan might be Amauri Sanderson, an American soldier who sold government secrets to France. Or he's a mercenary named Lee who sold France's secrets to a central European nation and then double-crossed that country to funnel weapons to Cobra.

What surprised me the most was that the revelation that the man I grew up believing was Zartan wasn't the original Zartan. But it all made for a really great story that provides more backstory in the origins of the rise of Cobra. I always thought that the flashback stories were the best ones told in the Marvel books and Josh Blaylock's story was on par with the amazing pen of original Joe comics writer, Larry Hama.

Along with the main story, there's a back-up short story which also promises to reveal some deep-dark secrets of Zartan's past. Really, the only reveal is that the leader of the Dreadnoks has had so many different secret identities, Zartan can no longer remember who he really is anymore!

I learned from listings for other DDP Joe titles that there are at least 2 other 'year one' type miniseries. One about Snake-eyes. The other about the first lady of American freedom, Scarlett. I want them both. But if I got to pick the one I want to read first, it would be Scarlett's story as I already know quite a bit of Snake-eyes' origin.

The opening story was fantastic! I liked the backup. But it lacked the promise of big shocking secrets coming to light as assured on the back cover of this collection. Despite that story being a recap of the Dreadnok's miniseries, it was a fun read. Lots of action. But also a glimpse at some early Stanley Lau artwork before he started going by the moniker 'Artgerm'!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #170

I never really cared about the Iron Man villain known as the Mandarin. I just never found his quest for world dominance all that compelling. But after having read the second chapter of his quasi-origin story in the pages of this comic, I feel like I am a little more sympathetic to the character but not much.

In this story, the Mandarin is fighting psychic manifestations of his past selves. While he takes a deadly trip down memory lane, the villain is reminded of the woman who got away. Her story reminded me a lot of Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala, if that tells you anything. Clearly, I am much more sympathetic towards her...

The Mandarin's story doesn't quite end with his allotment of 8-pages. The Force Works team is back with another one-and-down segment. But once again, the team is more of the second string than featured players. The main character of this segment is a cyber-genius by the name of Suzi Endo and the Mandarin might have a considerable amount of interest in the girl. Remember the ill-requited love who got away from the Mandarin? Well Suzi Endo might be related to that woman and the prospect of such has got the villain thinking some very icky things...

In a new Vengeance multi-parter, the events in Los Angeles with the Revengers has got Michael Badilino thinking that he needs therapy. Enter Doctor Leonard Samson. Expect this couch trip to be anything but normal.

Then in the lone one-shot story, the Native American hero Red Wolf defends the tribal leaders of a Native American owned casino from the Maggio; the Marvel Universe's version of the Mafia. The last appearance of Red Wolf resulted in an unforgivable number of deaths (small, adorable animals). Thankfully, there's no loss of life in this story- 4-legged or otherwise.

A fairly decent issue. Not the best Marvel has to offer. But at least all 4 segments had something to offer me in terms of enjoyment. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Wolverine: Season One

I've been a big fan of Marvel's Season One books. They were too expensive for me to buy when they were new in 2012-13. But over the past couple of years affordable copies have come on the market at used book stores and Ollie's of all places. 

Logan/Wolverine's origin has been explored to an Nth degree. There's been Wolverine: Origin, his time as in the Weapon X project in Marvel Comics Presents, and numerous looks at the mutants first days with the X-Men. But finally do I learn of Wolverine's ties to Alpha Flight!

I remember an issue of The Marvel Saga briefly mentioned on Wolverine being a member of that Canadian superhero team. But nothing further was ever explored. So I always wondered about that. For the most part, writers Ben Blacker and Ben Acker (Thrilling Adventure Hour) do an exceptional job with that. 

Though one confusion remains. In both that issue of The Marvel Saga and other books, Wolverine is shown leading heroes such as the hairy but diminutive Puck and the hairy but quite large Sasquatch. But neither character is in this book and this book covers all of Wolverine's time with Alpha Flight. So, was there a retcon? Had to be. It's the only explanation.

Speaking of explanations, I loved the why behind Wolverine's costume change from his first appearance in Hulk 180-181 to what you see in Giant-Size X-Men #1. 

Plus, if you love Wolverine's first appearances with the Hulk, you are going to love this book.

Artist Salva Espin (Deadpool) adds a level of sensuality to this book. It appears that Logan finds himself in love triangles with stuffy team leaders and brainy babes with red hair quite often! Plus that painted cover totally rocks!

This origin story wasn't what I was expecting. However, I've got no complaints as this Season One explores areas of Wolverine's life that I had always pondered. There's still some anachronisms floating around. But a large chunk of my questions into Logan's time with Alpha Flight has been answered.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

The Monolith #3

(2004-2005) DC Comics. Story of Jimmy Palmiotti. Art by Justin Gray

 With this third issue I come upon the end of Monolith’s origin. It's really top notch work by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray. Palmiotti’s script was really good. But Justin Gray's art is beautiful. How have I not been more aware of his work until now?

   The book jumps ahead about 60 years and there's some things that I don't quite understand. But from what I read, I want to collect the rest of this early 2000s series. It's now on my wish list!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

G.I. Joe Origins Omnibus Volume 2

  Writers Chuck Dixon, Scott Beatty, and Merrill Hagan explore the beginnings of Snow Job, Ripcord, and Zartan in the opening chapters of the G.I.Joe Origins Omnibus Volume 2. Then the master himself, Larry Hama returns to penned another all-silent Joe tale, this one starring Snake Eyes. Finally, the series wraps up by exploring the story of Michael Monk.

      Of all of the characters portrayed in this series, the only character I am not familiar with is that of Monk, AKA the Mad Monk. His character is someone that pops up in the pages of other IDW G.I. Joe titles. Honest, I had to do a web search on this guy because I really didn't know who he was. 

    I am not really sure how I feel having a non-traditional Joe character take up the last several chapters of this really exciting series. But, the Mad Monk story was really good and it gave a very interesting look at the training of a COBRA operative. If anything, the Michael Monk story was a good primer for those waiting to delve into IDW's vast catalog of G.I. Joe books. 

     The artwork was okay. But above all else, it was story that won out in this series. I just wish that they had focused on some other 80s characters like Gung Ho, Lady Jaye, and Shipwreck before this series came to a close.

    Worth Consuming!

    Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman #2

    The origin of Arthur Curry/ Aquaman are revealed in this issue. The product of a human father and an Atlantean Princess, young Arthur is a generational prodigy, able to communicate with the creatures of the briny deep. 

  

  Now for a Pre-Crisis devotee like myself, this story isn't all that new. But, in the post-Crisis DC Universe, this is brand new stuff- as Aquaman's half-human roots were erased from continuity. In the New 52 and DC Rebirth, Aquaman is again half-human, half Atlantean. So, the roots of the New 52 Aquaman take to soil here in this dynamic issue.

    Emperor Aquaman #2 was a thrilling read with lots of great twists and turns. Plus, it's been great seeing the original Aquaman return after all these years. In my opinion, the reason Aquaman gets such a raw deal isn't because of lame superpowers or that he wears an orange suit. It's because from 1986-2010, the Aquaman of comics and cartoon fame was a mere impostor to the throne. The post-Crisis King of the Sea can't hold a candle to Arthur Curry!

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

The Flash #8 (The Reverse Flash Rebirth)

This opening salvo in the Road to Flashpoint looks that the troubled, often confusing origin of the Flash's worst enemy: Eobard Thawne AKA Professor Zoom AKA the Reverse Flash. 

Though this isn't considered part of the Road to Flashpoint storyline, this issue is included in the Road to Flashpoint trade and it's an important piece of the puzzle. Written by DC genius Geoff Johns; Johns really the right person to craft this tale that is full of time paradoxes, thrills, and murders aplenty. Plus, Johns is the only one who can make this despicable villain just that bit sympathetic to the reader. Assisting Johns with artwork duties is Scott Kolins (Beyond!), who does a fantastic job throughout the entire issue.

Want to know the motivation behind the Reverse Flash's hatred of his 'idol', then you must read this story. The definitive origin of the villain who would be the World's Fastest Man at any and all costs!

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Daredevil: Yellow

There was once a time when the Man Without Fear wore yellow. That original look is often ridiculed by fans and mocked by Marvel artists. But I liked the style. It's way better than the time the hero went with full body armor…

   The creative duo of Jeph Loeb explore that fashion faux pas period of Daredevil's career in this offering in their Marvel Color series. When young Matt Murdock is blinded saving a jaywalking elderly man, the kid is doused with chemicals. The radioactive soup gives Matt heightened senses and a powerful radar- like ability to stay out of harm's way.

  It looks like Matt will become a run of the mill defense attorney. That is until mobsters murder Matt's father for refusing to take a dive during a boxing match. Seeking justice when the crooks get off on a technicality, Matt crafts a suit and becomes Daredevil.

  Daredevil is one of those heroes that has grown on me over the years. As a kid, it was unbelievable that a blind person could make their own suit and weapons. But as I got older, I have witnessed the amazing things not just the blind can accomplish but anyone with a disability. In other words, Daredevil is one of the few superheroes that becomes more realistic the older the reader gets…

  Loeb pens yet another awesome script and the deft pencils of Tim Sale ( with beautiful watercolors by Tim Hollingsworth.) I really liked the job that they did on Hulk: Gray and The Long Halloween so much that I am now always on the lookout for anything by Loeb and Sale.

  While this story recalls the origin of Daredevil, this is more of a chronicle of the doomed love affair between Matt and his secretary, Karen Page. Karen was a blonde beauty and her striking gold hair plays on the color motif of the book. Hence, the name of the book, if you didn't get that already...

 Daredevil: Yellow was a delightful read and I highly recommend it. It was published under the more mature Marvel Knights imprint from 1998-2013. But with the exception of the questionable liberties that the Purple Man implies that he took with Mrs. Page in the final chapter, this book was very tame. So I don't think that parents of kids aged 13 would have anything to be upset with. Except maybe for the gaudy yellow costume...

  Worth Consuming.

  Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Uncanny Origins #14

 Here it is, the final issue of Uncanny Origins. The subject of this closing chapter is the martial artist Iron Fist. The hero might seem an odd choice to star in the last issue but at the time of this issue's publishing, Marvel had just come out with a new Heroes for Hire series in which Iron Fist was the star. Unfortunately, like Uncanny Origins, that series didn't last very long either with only 20 issues produced. 

   The Iron Fist featured in this issue is the 70s version of Danny Rand. Filled with anger over the murder of his father and later tragic death of his mother, young Danny sought vengeance when he was taken in by the kung-fu mastering monks of K'un-Lun. While I don't mind this version of Iron Fist, I must say that I prefer the more zen-like Danny Rand whose been occupying the Marvel Universe for the past 15 years. 

   This was a good issue with a flawless story and that's all because it's written by 70's comic master Len Wein who returns to character he co-created. The art by M.C. Wyman was quite good too and I liked his work on this series a lot more than Marc Campos whose style was very 90s and by that, I mean that the proportions were all wrong. But I would have liked to have Dave Hoover, this series first artist, back to do an animated style take on the kung-fu hero.

   Regardless of any of my nitpicking, this issue did something that is a mark of great comic book crafting in general- it got me interested in collecting and reading the 90s Heroes for Hire series as well as possibly delving into the original 70s series that later fused Iron Fist with Luke Cage, Powerman in one of the collect buddy cop comics of all-time. 
   
   Sweet Holy Christmas!

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Uncanny Origins #13

Daredevil is one of those characters that I didn't like at first. But after reading Mark Waid’s epic run on the Man Without Fear over the past couple of years, I've become a big fan. Why if I had Netflix, I'd be all over that show. And I must admit, I loved the Affleck Daredevil picture, though my admiration had more to do with the eye candy that is Jennifer Garner’s Electra more than anything else…

  This issue of Uncanny Origins uncovers the origin of Daredevil. Though to be honest, this is more Matt Murdock's story than a legend of the Hero of Hell's Kitchen. But that's more than OK with me. Bob Budiansky (Sleepwalker) does an excellent job crafting a tale that gives living props to Stan Lee and company. And the artwork by M.C. Wyman, a former artist on Daredevil was a great choice. He rendered all of those great Silver Age characters that comprised Matt's normal life: Battlin’ Jack Murdock, Foggy Nelson, and Karen Page.

   Oh, how I miss Karen Page. Such a sad story but man was she a ray of sunshine in the oft too tragic life of Daredevil.

   If you only could choose one issue of this series to read, I would recommend this one! It's that good and it's got that spirit of the original Marvel bullpen that's been missing for way too long.

 Worth Consuming.

 Rating: 10 out of 10 stars. Who am I kidding? This one goes to 11!

Uncanny Origins #12

I had said that I had decided to read this series to get pumped up for the upcoming Captain America: Civil War. Little did I know that I would be getting a primer for this November's Doctor Strange feature starring Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock.)

   With many of the silver age characters, I am pretty versed in their origins. (Thanks in very, very large part to the epic MARVEL SAGA series published from 1985-87.) The same goes for the Sorcerer Supreme. But there were some things that I didn't know, like the strained relationship between Stephen and his money hungry father and how it impacts the medical career of Doctor Strange. ( I had always wondered what made him so cold hearted towards his patients.)

  Another thing I had always questioned doesn't involve Stephen but his master, the Ancient One. I couldn't figure out why he would allow Baron Mordo to continue learning in the Ancient One’s Himalayan refuge if the teacher knew that his pupil was so evil. The strategy behind that decision is finally explored here and I was quite pleased with the answer.

   I really liked this issue. I had been on the fence about going to see Doctor Strange in theaters as he's not been my favorite character. I'm not very big on characters that deal with the occult. Monsters and Ghosts are one thing but witchcraft stories have to be more light-hearted like Shadowpact or Harry Potter. But I'll be there in theaters this fall thanks in very large part to the amazing story contained within this issue. The only thing missing is the awesome animated series style art of Dave Hoover that started off this series.

Worth Consuming

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Uncanny Origins #10

    Issue #10 gets catty with the origin of the Spider-Man anti-hero the Black Cat. After reading this issue, I've learned that her backstory is something that I had no idea of! Guess this is what happens when pretty much all you've read about Ms. Alicia Hardy is in the pages of Ultimate Spider-Man.

   This was an exciting story but it reads a little too much like the pages of Batman with Black Cat playing the role of Catwoman. Let's look at this a bit. Alicia Hardy learns that her father is a famous burglar. Wanting to follow in his footsteps, Hardy takes on the persona of Black Cat as she aims to become the world's greatest cat burglar. When she learns that her father is dying in prison, Alicia takes it upon herself to hook up with some of the Big Apple's worst in order to bust him out and allow him to die at home. 

   But in her way is Your Neighborhood's Friendly Spider-Man. He seeks to bring her down. She hopes to bag her a superhero. With romance in the wings, Spider-Man must choose whether to defeat her or assist her. 

   See, I told you this was basically Batman...

   Regardless, this was a good read. I enjoyed it but I really couldn't get over the similarities between Black Cat and Catwoman. But I would be willing to read more of the strange dynamic between Black Cat and Spidey. 

   Worth Consuming.

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

   

Uncanny Origins #9

   One thing very interesting about this issue is that it is revealed that Ororo and T’challa ( Black Panther) DID know each other as children. See I kinda thought this relationship was retconned prior to the two getting married in 2006. Knowing this bit of information has got me wanting to read their wedding story soon. (plus, I might have that story in trade form, so I need to check on that.) This leads me to one thing that not only this origins series is missing, but just about all of them are without- sources!

   How awesome would it be if, at the end of this book, the editors gave a list of important issues that these events were covered? This issue was written 9 years before the marriage of T’challa and Storm. So their first meeting had to occur somewhere.  I would appreciate a small checklist of issues or a suggested reading list in order to find that.

  (I know that in this day and age that I could find this info on my phone or laptop. But sometimes when you are binge reading, you don't want to stop and login for the material you're looking for. Call me lazy if you want- I think this is a great idea!)

Worth Consuming

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Uncanny Origins #8

   The most thrilling mutant of all stars in this issue of Uncanny Origins- the Swashbuckling Nightcrawler! As I've mentioned in earlier posts, Nightcrawler is one of my favorite X-Men. But the series that made me such a fan wasn't Claremont's epic run on the All-New X-Men but his Anglocentric series, Excalibur in which Nightcrawler and Kitty Pryde form a group across the pond when they think that their American teammates have died.

   But this origin story takes place decades for either team has formed with the mutant Mystique on the run from angry villagers who think her blue appearance and yellow eyes are signs that she is a demon. To save her skin, she dumps her baby boy into the river and takes the appearance of a preacher, claiming that he has killed the devil! Wow- mom of the year!

   The child turns out to be Nightcrawler, who in a page from Exodus, is found safely by a gypsy woman who adopts him as her son. Named Kurt, the young mutant grows up living every kid's dream as a member of the circus. This is actually a great thing for Nightcrawler as audiences think that his blue furred appearance is a costume and that his ability to teleport is the result of smoke and mirrors. 

   I really enjoyed this issue. It revealed a lot about the hero that I didn't know. It also boasts a very good story. For once, this series crafts an all-encompassing story that spans the years. But instead of just being a whirlwind barrage of facts. This was an actual epic that had a great plot and didn't skimp on the specifics or the small stuff. The guest creative team of Bill Rosemann and Marc Campos did a masterful job, though, in reality, I miss the art of Dave Hoover.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

   
   

Uncanny Origins #7

  The complicated relationship between Eddie Brock and the alien symbiote that turns him into Venom is explored in this issue. From Peter Parker first coming across the parasitic creature in the pages of Secret Wars to later bonding with disgraced reporter Brock after Parker rejects his alien 'suit' to the pair becoming a vigilante type anti-hero who seeks to destroy Spider-Man, all of Venom's history is explored right up to 1997. 

   So here's what confuses me- the cover states that this issue is 'the deadly debut of Spider-Man's Nastiest Nemesis.' Was that a typo? Poor editing? 

   At the point of this issue of Uncanny Origins being published, the Symbiote has been around for over a decade as well as the character of Eddie Brock. Their fusion into Venom occurred about 2 years afterwards. So, again, I ask, how is this the debut of Venom? 

   Oddly enough, I think this is why the issue was so gosh darn hard for me to find. It was the last issue I needed to complete my collection of this series and it cost me almost $10 (compared to spending only about a buck a pop for the rest.) Yes, Venom is a popular character but I think some fans mistakenly think this is the debut of the Spider-Man villain thanks to the cover blurb. 

   Well, folks, I am here to tell you that it's not.

   A good issue with more fantastic art by Dave Hoover. It's definitely worth reading and was worth the search, but it's not a key issue in regards to the character. So, make sure if you seek out this issue that you don't pay an arm and a leg.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Uncanny Origins #6

   

  Featuring everyone's favorite blue furred mutant, the Beast, this issue of Uncanny Origins is proof that you can do an overall general history of a character and be entertaining, engaging, and still be all encompassing in just 32 pages or so. Writer Michael Higgins (Big Hero 6), does an excellent job of covering just about every aspect of the Beast's life. From the nuclear accident that causes his father to pass on mutated genes to becoming a football star, to his days as an X-Man to Avenger and back again- everything you wanted to know about Hank McCoy is here- including his ever-mutating body image!

    Dave Hoover returns with his animated art style and every page is killer! I'm really starting to become a fan of his...

   Speaking of fandom, I must confess that Beast is probably my favorite of all the X-Men. Yet, when I list favorite characters of all-time, I always overlook him for Nightcrawler and Colossus and I can't put my finger as to why that is. Hank McCoy is smart, funny, daring, and visually when he's all blue and furry, one of the most eye appealing characters of all-time. This is the issue that will help you too fall in love with one of the founding members of the X-Men- even if some of the more glamorous and gritty mutants tend to overshadow him.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Uncanny Origins #5

Madman Dig Cover!

     Issue #5 examines the ends and outs of the fateful day that Dr. Robert Bruce Banner was exposed to gamma rays and unleashed a Hulk upon the world. Like the last issue, this is more of a story of Hulk's first 24-hours on earth than a who's who in the Hulk mythos. Though I have read this story in the original form of Incredible Hulk #1 almost 100 times, the Uncanny Origins version of Hulk's origin does offer some things that I never knew (and always wondered about) like just how and why did Rick Jones end up on that bombing test range- especially if it's supposed to be on a secure army base!

   The last 2-3 pages give a very good general overview of the Hulk's life story after his first night. Though it's not explained why the Hulk goes from only coming out at night to whenever Dr. Banner gets agitated. Another thing completely glossed over it Hulk's part as a founding member of the Avengers. I know that this is the behemoth's solo story but his whole troubled history with Earth's Mightest Heroes is such an integral part of his history, I am surprised that the creative team doesn't even devote one little panel to it.

   Regardless of my small problems with this issue, it's a very good read. It's very well written by Glenn Greenberg (Dracula: Lord of the Undead) and the art was excellent. For the past 4 issues, Dave Hoover has done an exceptional job transforming the Marvel Universe to look more like the DC cartoon universe. X-Factor's Pablo Raimondi pencils this issue and to be honest, I couldn't really tell that this series had switched artists on me. 

   Killer cover by the way!

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.