Sensational Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #20

Background

I have, of late, spoken harsh words about the Sensational Spider-Man title. However, being the magnaminious man that I am, I read each issue with a new eye and a desire to sit in fair judgment. So, with that said - let us advance with alacrity to the anticipated animated action.

Story 'Akasha Triumphant'

MJ intervenes in the battle, and snaps Akasha back into control of herself. Clearly the Pharoh and Akasha's former self are struggling for control. Akasha heads for the hills, or at least for down-town. Peter gathers some clues and then heads off in rough pursuit.

Of course, Peter finds Akasha, who recognises him, even out of uniform. He changes clothes, and battle begins anew. This time, he figures out that the staff is acting like a battery, storing cosmic power and allowing her to continue, even when shut off from the source of cosmic radiation (which was how the last incarnation was defeated). Spidey snaps the staff... leaving a rapidly de-powered Akasha to fight to overcome the over-riding desire to rule a neo-Egyptian world.

Of course, she does overcome the urge - and her reward from the gods is a pair of wings. She says goodbye to all concerned, and flies off to think about all that has happened. Clearly an (as yet unnamed) super-ally for Spider-Man in the making.

General Comments

This has all the key elements. Action, internal human struggle for good over evil, new villain revamped, new hero created, hip teen girl in tight outfit, Spidey in full flight against a well-matched opponent.

So, if all the parts are there for a succesful (albeit not particularly original) story, then I guess it comes down to the execution - and that isn't too bad this time!

I have always believed that Todd DeZago can write a good script. The problem is that he writes lousy plots - and so it is fortunate that Rich Case is in control of the overall story this time. I also like Rich's composition and layouts - it's just a shame that his faces are so terrible!

Overall Rating

Overall, this is good, reliable work. Good enough to hold readers and keep them coming back for more. It isn't going to win awards, and it probably doesn't deserve the title of "The World's Greatest Comics". Given the recent performances of Sensational, however, I'm not going to ask for the impossible. 4 Webs.