Sensational Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #0
Background
Ben's been a busy boy for the last little while, what with discovering that he isn't a clone, then thwarting the Jackal's evil plot, then saving reality from the New Doctor Octopus, then having the Scarlet Spider's reputation dragged through the mud by the holographically-created Scarlet Spider (who doesn't show up in these titles, only in the last issues of "Web").
Now that the people of New York are out to get the Scarlet Spider, Ben decides it's a good idea to become the man he thought he'd never be again... Spider-Man! It all begins in Sensational #0.
Story 'Ultimate Commitment'
Sensational Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #0
| Editor: | Bob Budiansky |
| Writer: | Dan Jurgens |
| Pencils: | Dan Jurgens |
| Inker: | Klaus Janson |
| Cover Art: | Dan Jurgens |
Don't ask me why this issue is #0, and not #1. I don't know why. I remember a time when the first comic in a new series was called number 1, but that's not important. The important thing here is that a new title is born, which ends up replacing "Web of Spider-Man".
Sensational #0 explains how Ben (formerly the Scarlet Spider) makes himself a new costume and new webbing, gets himself a job at the Daily Grind (a little coffee shop next to Centennial University), and goes up against a new villain - Armada. Armada is a high-tech corporate thief who works with the aid of a bunch of flying gizmos with girls' names. Armada, we discover, is working for a new-look Mysterio.
In this issue, Armada steals an experimental "DIT" chip, which can project thoughts as visible illusions, thereby eradicating the need for actors, sets, directors, etc. in the entertainment industry. (A rather frightening thought for some entertainers.) Dan Jurgens (of Superman fame) wrote and pencilled this 48-page special, complemented by Klaus Janson's inking.
Oh yeah, Ben dies his hair blond in this issue as well. I guess he's fed up with bumping into people who think that he is Peter. Well, actually he is Peter (or so we later come to believe), but that's a long story.
General Comments
This is a terrific story, with lots of new characters and a nifty new villain. Just put aside the "who's the clone" worries and enjoy the ride.
Overall Rating 
Four webs for a fresh new attitude.