Amazing Spider-Man #653

Story:

Amazing Spiderman #653 brings the exciting events of the previous issue to a close, where Marc Gargan AKA Scorpion is upon the shuttle rigged to explode and kill J. Jonah Jameson’s son John, and Spiderman races the beat the clock and save him.

Review

Off to a marvelous start, and hits the ground running, this is a superb effort from writer Dan Slott who gives us such a great storyline and turn of events that marks yet a new chapter that is yet to begin. Bringing in the New Avengers to help Spiderman in his defeat of Spider-Slayer‘s evil insect swarm; Iron Fist, Luke Cage, The Thing, Ms Marvel, Jewel and Mockingbird kick some much needed ass and do so in a delightful manner.

Witty and exciting, the New Avengers break off into three teams and fight the insect cyborgs, soon to discover a dark truth behind these monsters and ingenious of Alistair Smythe – merging abilities similar to the spider-sense that Peter Parker has – into their suits, allowing them to predict and avoid attacks.

Honestly, the writing in this week’s comic was good, even great, but I’ve read other reviews that look at it questionably in regards to the handling of the Spiderman and Scorpion battle on the space shuttle and its seemingly rushed resolve.

Understandably, this is the case, but I’m willing to be lenient on this due to the fact that I see a much broader picture being constructed and a story of seismic proportions emerging from within. Dan Slott could have done better, I do agree, and its a tough job to criticise, because so far he can do no wrong in my books.

What I don’t see though is the odd pacing that IGN reviewer Jesse Schedeen writes, but definitely the execution of humour and banter is much improved and a noticeable change can be observed in the way the characters interact.

Hoping that Amazing Spiderman #653 doesn’t let up on this extraordinary turn and give us more than we get in this issue. Certainly, a remain an avid fan and a supporter of this series, but if I stop and think bout it for a while I can see the point to all the harsh criticism. Don’t give the people enough plot and story, and it goes stale quickly and the mood turns against you.

But if you reveal too much, then they will only say this should have been developed or simmered out over two or more issues to keep the suspense.

Don’t try to make comic book fans happy, it only leads to dissent. Either that, or they praise you tirelessly. But you shouldn’t take the risk. Probability is against you. Believe me, i’ve seen it. 

Artwork was engrossing and the colours just blow up in your face and dazzled you. Stored this one away for a while and didn’t even notice it was a different artist working on this instead of Humberto Ramos.

At the initial glance it wasn’t as noticeable but when I got stuck in I saw just how unique and amazing Caselli is.

Triumphing in a surge of bright and dancing shapes and blends, the work escapes your mind and reaches an ever expanding peak. Drawings that just take you away, draw you in near and then blow you away in a barrage of short sharp shocks that leave you feeling just shy of astonished.

Eagerly awaiting the next read knowing Venom is on his way.

So close to that spark that will project this into orbit, hopefully #654 which will bring this arc to an end, throw us around and throttle us silly till we cry with joy and desperately awaiting more. Till then, we wait and see.

RATING: 8/10

Thunderbolts #154

Story:

The Thunderbolts, with the help of Doctor Strange track down a worthy ally to bring back Man-Thing and to fill the necessary hole left in the team. Thunderbolts #154 takes a look into Man-Thing’s dark past to show us what life was like once, and where he came from.

Review:

Thunderbolts has been a comic that has grown on me over the last few months.

Originally I’d gotten into the story because of Crossbones being part of the team and that was great, along with Luke Cage and Man-Thing.

But there is an exceptional creative mind at work with this series and it has gotten better as I’ve gone along with it.

Thunderbolts #154 has a quite solid and gripping set of frames that establish the story and it builds up well into the bulk of the comic book where the action takes place and the twist is developed.

Jeff Parker’s sudden shift in mood and tone catches you by surprise but there is no unease about it. Having no real knowledge of the characters in this series (only began reading from Thunderbolts #148) I was afraid this would go down a path that I would find goes over my head and have me thrown off completely.

Pleasantly surprised that this is not the case and that sufficient time and space was given to put the Man-Thing story into context for the reader it was enjoyable.

But in Thunderbolts #154 there is not so much plot as what I could have expected, however this is not a negative, for there is much required development of Man-Thing as a entity, given more personality than his exterior conveys and a voice that has been unspoken for some time now.

Saddening is the circumstances that have lead Man-Thing to be what he is today, but it is relevant to the action Man-Thing takes in this issue and it articulates a deeper understanding of him, as well, significantly shows the growth of Man-Thing as not just an outsider, a swamp creature, but a somewhat respectable character whom chooses the Thunderbolts over personal freedom. Although, this doesn’t read as a sacrifice for Man-Thing but more a glimpse into the person he once was, that distinctive personality and things he once pursued still resound.

Consistently I will say, the art in the series have been fantastic, and there has not been much fault to mention.

But in Thunderbolts #154 I could not look past some of the rendering of the faces in the book, especially those that were in the background of the frame. Contours of the face weren’t exactly right so it had this unusual feel that I can’t put my finger on, and the facial structures were a tad too sharp for my liking, though some others may not have this perspective.

But this is only details that could be overlooked in the grand scheme of things. People could be overly critical of this, but it was just a minor thing that in my opinion did not sit well. But, while taking a step back and having a broader look, this comic book has been great, it has made me want to read on and to see what awaits the next chapter, and I hope many more people will give it a look.

RATING: 7.1/10

Tune in, something for everyone.

Comic books, novels, books, music, art, whatever. Definitely not a genius, and not here to give you the exclusive scoop or the response you may want. But this is a blog, that is about the things that I enjoy and the things I want to write about. Certainly there will be something that will interest you and others that will not. Perhaps we have the same tastes and maybe we don’t. Serpents Lair is a domain to which people will tell me what they like too and suggest things I might be of interest to me. Certainly, I will attempt to do everything that could and hopefully will be suggested, but I won’t make promises. Unlike the superheroes I read about, I don’t have the ability to be at all places at once. Although, these fictious acquaintances of mine do have the unique gift of being able to provide a service to their loyal fans, as I hope to.

Don’t know how rough this will be in establishing, but hoping that this will become something great soon. For those whom want to keep tabs on my music, suggest other bands and artists for me, I have a LastFm account that I use through streaming music off my phone. Didn’t get to use it for a while because the Macbook i had kicked the bucket, so to speak, and the Ipods I’ve had over the years have failed to endure the damage I’ve inflicted on them. But here and now, i have everything I need, and everything I really want. So hopefully you will stay tune, as I put the wheels in motion.

Feel it was relevant to mention that I order my comic books online, and the reviews might come weeks after the release in stores, due to shipping times that fluctuate between 2-3 weeks. Although, this is the fact, it should not deter you in being apart of what I continue to say is a hopeful endeavour, with plenty to offer.