Spider-Man (The Movie) 2003 Official Annual

Background

Hardback Annuals are a UK phenomenon. Check out or page of Spider-Man Annual (UK) to see what I'm talking about. This particular book was produced in 2003 as a movie tie-in. Sized at 8.5" x 11.5", 68 pages, with a lovely padded hardback cover.

Story Details

There's very little to say here. The bulk of the book features an illustrated text retelling of the movie. After every few pages of story, there's a few pages of puzzles, or a character profile, or some interesting factoids on the subject of spiders. Then it's back to the story. The story retelling is relatively thorough, though interspersed with lots of bold type and exclamation MARKS!!!

General Comments

As with most of these such books, the production values are high and the content is mediocre. The movie stills are the same promo stills we've seen in dozens of other books and publications. The text of the story adds nothing to the movie or the novelization. The puzzles would amuse an undemanding ten year old perhaps.

This is one for determined collectors, or for wealthy doting Aunts to buy for their nephews. Otherwise, wait until you see it on sale 75% off in a remainder store in the UK somewhere.

Overall Rating

About what I expected, which is pretty ho-hum. Two and a half webs.