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Amazing Spider-Man #5 Review

 Posted by  Issue Review, Marvel Reviews  12 Responses »
Dec 312009
 

by Travis Starnes, CMRO Editor

Amazing Spider-Man

Issue #5

Written by Stan Lee, Art by Steve Ditko

Published: October 1963

This issue runs pretty even so far with the Spider-Man issues I have read previously.  This issue starts into full swing the look at how being different (in this case a super-hero) can affect a kid and it is a good story to read for pre-teens.  The downside is that this title continues to be written by Stan Lee.  I know I have mentioned it in other reviews, but even though the man is a creative giant who put this all on track, as a writer he leaves much to be desired.

Everyone continues to narrate their actions and give a monologue for every thought they have.  I can see how they tried to show Doom’s assuming Spider-Man could be a potential ally if he believed Jameson’s stories, but for a guy that is supposed to be a genius, if payed any attention to Spidey’s actions he would have know it wouldn’t work.

There is a mention by the Human Torch near the end of this issue about recognizing Spider-Man.  This has to be a mention to just the overall size of Flash.  The Human Torch and Spider-Man did meet each other in Amazing Spider-Man #003 but never saw his face.

Overall its not a terrible issue from the 60′s runs of comics, but of course that is a big caveat.

Tales of Suspense #41 Review

 Posted by  Issue Review, Marvel Reviews  No Responses »
Dec 072009
 

by Travos Starnes, CMRO Contributing Writer

Tales of Suspense

Issue #41

Written by Stan Lee & Robert Bernstein, Art by Jack Kirby

Published: May 1963

Tales of Suspense #41 Cover

I am split on this issue.  Part of it is actually not half bad, and the other half is terrible.  The stuff involving Tony himself and his balancing act between rich playboy and super-hero is pretty good.  Even the dialog, which at this time is still universally crummy, isn’t cringe worthy.  Lee does a good job of showing the conflict he goes through.

The flip side is the Iron Man portion of the story.  Dr. Strange, not to be confused with the Master of Mysticism Dr. Strange, is really really bad.  His dialog is painful and difficult to read.  And every one’s response to Iron Man’s hypnotism is also pretty bad.  They recognize he is hypnotised by the stiff way he walks…But this is a guy in a big metal suit, you would think he walks stiff all the time.

It is interested culturally from our place now to see the talk of A-Bombs throughout this issue.  While it’s clear through out the 60′s the affect nuclear energy and weapons have on the writers, this is one of the first times we see how starkly they focus on the weapons themselves. And how common place it is in a book still clearly aimed at kids.  Everyone thinks detailed explanations of every action they take, but they talk about a-bombs with no more then a passing comment.  Scary when you mull that over.

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