Spectacular Spider-Man (UK Magazine) #86

Background

Ever wondered what happened to the Spider-Man of the 90's TV cartoon series? Well, he's alive and kicking in Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine, currently being released every three weeks in the United Kingdom. Each issue features a swag of puzzles, posters, letters, and general all-out Spidey fun - all aimed at the young at heart. Plus, there's an 11-page original story featuring more of Spider-Man's Adventures.

Story 'Running Late, Running Scared!'

We jump straight into action this issue as we see Carnage attacking Spider-man in mid air. It is explained that it's Aunt Mays birthday and Spidey was swinging to her house when he was ambushed by red.

As the two begin to duke it out, we are taken to the Kingpin who is standing with the Enforcers. Wilson's not happy with them. They explain they had let Carnage out of prison to kill Spider-man, but Kingpin thinks Carny is too unpredictable and tells the enforcers to take him out when Spider-man has been finished off.

Back to the fight and Spidey and Carnage are outside the Daily Bugle, fighting in mid air. Carnage snatches Spidey with his suit and slings him into Jonahs office where he and Robbie are talking. Carnage wraps attacks Jameson, but Spidey manages to hold him off and take him back outside.

Meanwhile, over at Mays house. May, MJ and Aunt Anna are all wondering where Peter is. After that quick interlude, it's back to Spidey and Carnage. Red's just knocked Spidey through a clock when the Enforcers turn up on the street in a van. Spotting the two combatents, Montana Pete aims a flame thrower at them. Ox is driving and when a cat runs across the road, he steers to miss it, knocking Pete's aim, making him miss Spider-man and Carnage, and hit a near buy building.

Covering the flame in webs, Spidey notices that Carnage has gone, so he swings off again to find him. The police are chasing the Enforcers now so no need to worry about them. Not to far away, Spidey's found Carnage terroising a group of basket ball players. A quick web to the face is all that is needed to get Carnage back on Spideys tail.

After a bit more crashing and bashing, Spidey decides he has to end this now. Thinking up a plan he starts to sling off, Carnage hot on his tail. Now we're back with the Enforcers who have managed to avoid the police. But they've got bigger things to worry about, as Spidey spots them, picks up the van, and throws it at Carnage who splits it in half.

With the Enforcers running, Spidey jumps off again and soon turns up at OSCORP with Carnage just behind. He manages to lead Carnage into a factory room, where it is to hot for him to handle. The Symbiote runs, leaving Kasady all by himself, who Spidey makes short work of. It's not long before the police find Kasady webbed up with a note from your friendly neighbourhood Spider-man.

Not long after, Peters home and Aunt May and co are having so much fun, they can't be bothered to go to Mays birthday dinner. After that heart warming scene, the Enforcers are back at the Kingpins place promising to get Spider-man next time. Kingpin gives them another chance.

General Comments

Well this issue wasn't too great. I think the main thing that let it down was the art. Carnage was defeated rather easily. Nether the less an all out brawl which is never a bad thing.

Overall Rating

2.5 webs, thwip, thwip, thw...