Spider-Man: Doctor Octopus - Out of Reach #4

Background

Part 4 of a mini series that's getting more ridiculous every issue. Last issue ended with Brigham Fontaine who was about to make a statement on TV.

Story Details

Brigham Fontaine is bragging on TV that he's the creator fo the vault and the machine that could open it. Both Doc Ock and Peter Parker see this. Ock is furious. Peter has to leave Mary Jane behind to try and stop Brigham.

Over at the studio, Ock has grabbed Brigham who kinda begs for his life and says it was a mistake. Then Spider-Man arrives and snatches Brigham from the arms of Doctor Octopus. A fight between Doc Ock and Spidey follows. When it looks like that Spidey has defeated Doc Ock, Brigham activates his belt and uses the energy against Spider-Man. He misses, but the building collapses.

Both Ock and Spidey continue their fight. Brigham doesn't understand what's happening to him. Ock can help him, so does Spider-Man. Brigham doesn't believe them. Another big boom. The whole building explodes.

Doctor Octopus and Spider-Man crawl from under the debris. Brigham is nowhere to be seen. Before they re-engage in their fight, Ock proposes a truce. The police arrive and they find a less conspicious place to talk. There, Ock says that the machine in the belt has taken on a mind of it's own. Brigham has begun to evolve, from electrical energy to chemical energy to atomic energy. Spidey mentions he then might need the city power grid. Bang on the head, Doc says thanks, the truce is over and off he goes.

When Spidey catches up with Doctor Octopus, he already found Brigham. Brigham can't find the balance. Both Spider-Man and Doctro Octopus want to help him. Each for reasons of their own. The issue ends with Brigham who is about to make a decision.

General Comments

Oh, this really is getting worse every issue. The belt is controlling Brigham, it's taken over him. Come on, a belt with a mind of it's own? That's a good one, for an American Pie like movie. And please, do not tell me I need to explain this one to you, you little perverts. And evolution, from electrical energy to chemical energy to atomic energy? Give me a break, please.

And what do you think about an explosion, large enough to level a several stories building. Spider-Man and Doc Ock are in the middle of it. Neither of them is hurt. Their costumes don't even show signs of the blast. Very odd, considering they were in a building that exploded twice, sorta. There should at least have been a little dust, right?

Hmmm... this review sounds like I didn't like one bit of this book. Which is not true, there's is in fact something I really, really like about the book. It's the final three words "to be concluded...". About 30 more days and this'll all be over.

Overall Rating

Yup, again just half a web. Why? Just for effort, nothing more. 'nuff said.