Spider-Man: The Manga #5

Background

Yu Komori is back as the hopelessly inept Manga Spider-Man. His opponent (just barely) in this three issue set is the Japanese version of the Lizard. This is part two of the arc. Yu's school friend is Araki, Araki's dad is a medical scientist, and the dad's former colleague is the Lizard.

Story Details

At his father's house, Araki pours a drink and lights up a cigarette. He entices Yu into puffing on one, as well. But the fun ends, when Araki's father shows up and slaps Araki in the face for being a slacker. "If I lived my life like you say... I'd never have any friends", Araki replies. The discussion turns, abruptly, to the Lizard. Araki suggests they get Spider-Man to help. But Spider-Man hasn't been seen since the Electro incident and Yu is still so shaken by Rumi's brother's death that he vows to never use his powers again.

Elsewhere, at the Koda plant, the Lizard again turns up just when they are trying to produce the new medicine. But one guard saw an employee enter a building so the assumption is reached that the man transformed into the Lizard once he entered the building. The always perceptive Yu says, "A human can't transform into a monster."

In an effort to learn more about these transformations, Yu (with Araki) visits his old friend Prof. Inumaru. (And, hey, guess who it is!) After their visit, they are attacked by the Lizard who kidnaps Araki. Yu does nothing to prevent it, then berates himself for being a coward.

Later, Araki's father gets a call from the Lizard, telling him to bring his notes for the new medicine to the Miyashiro Zoo if he ever hopes to see his son alive again. Yu shows up, dressed as Spider-Man, and vows to help.

Overall Rating

Two and a half webs.