Sensational Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #22

Background

We continue part two of this three-part arc by Todd DeZago. I haven't really enjoyed anything from Sensational Spider-Man since the title started, but this is turning out to be the exception that proves the rule.

Story 'The Politics of Magic'

Doctor Strange enters the fray, pulled by mystic forces to the Technomancer tower, where he finds Spider-Man drawn there and fascinated. Inside, Buel has taken over. He has taken Master Om and Gunther prisoner and he regales them with his rather lame origin, then demonstrates that his magic (excuse me, magik) power is the manipulation of flesh. ("Isn't that... cool?" he says as he shows off this disgusting ability.)

Outside, Doctor Strange stabilizes the dimensional shiftings in the building, then uses his astral form to lead Spidey room to room, through one odd world after another. They finally confront Buel who has strong enough magik to cancel out the Doctor's non-corporeal form leaving Spidey to tackle the powerful magician by himself.

General Comments

There's also a little teaser in #22 involving Billy Walters and J. Jonah Jameson that packed suspense, intrigue and excitement into one measly page. Nice stuff from Mr DeZago.

Plus I have to give a mention to colorist Gregory Wright, whose mix of subtle shades with vivid colors is breathtaking. (Check, for example, Doc's trance on page 12 of #22 and look, on page 11, at the reflection tint in Spidey's eye lenses.) This is truly impressive stuff.

Overall Rating

A fun little story with some nice moments. Three and a half webs.