Spectacular Spider-Man (UK Magazine) #99

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 'Return Of A Monster!'

Ok the story starts in the middle of what seems to be a helicopter crash. Here we see a battered Spidey being beaten up by Venom. Mysteriously A.I.M agents are scattered around the site, some are unconscious, others are rushing towards Spider-man and Venom. Venom has the opening speech saying "You're finished Spider-man! And with you gone, the whole city is ours for the taking!" Spidey in mid air from a punch from Venom responds with the thoughts "Not so Venom." In a few seconds time, you and Spider-man will both be captives... and the world will tremble before our power!"

Turning over the page, we are taken back to earlier that day to find out what the heck is going on. Peter Parker is standing outside a Federal Court with a camera where his thoughts tell us that Eddie Brock is on trial and the Bugle wants him to take pictures. Also he explains it's MJs birthday and with the money from the snaps of Eddie, he hopes to tale her out on a real treat later that night.

A transit vehicle and escort arrive outside the court. I bet you've already guessed what happens next. Ambush! Pete takes off to change as a helicopter swings down from the sky and eliminates the escort.

Next thing we see is Spidey swinging on to the scene and he notices that the chopper has released some sort of magnetic clamp to pick up the transit containing Eddie. Once on board, servants of A.I.M run to secure the vehicle. One reveals that they intend to take Venom to their secret underwater base where their bio-engineers will work to recreate Eddies suit therefore making am army of Venoms for A.I.M.

Back outside, Spideys stuck to the bottom of the chopper deciding that he should stop A.I.M and get some snaps for Jolly Jonah. We're then taken somewhere else to see two mystery figures watching Spidey on a monitor. They agree that he could ruin their plans. One has an eye patch. (I wonder who!). Meanwhile Spideys made it inside and fought off three A.I.M guards. Back outside (again) the helicopter's additional weight has made the pilots lose control and it's spinning towards the ground.

Now we (finally) see Eddie. He knows something wrong's going on outside and so he covers himself in his suit. (Were they just gonna let Eddie into court with the suit on?). The chopper crashes to the ground. Some A.I.M servants pick themselves up and realise that Spidey is out cold.

With the force of the crash damaging his cell, Venom breaks free and begins to pound A.I.M guards. Spidey wakes up and sneaks up on Venom giving him a powerful kick to the face. Recovering quickly, Venom grabs Spidey's leg and throws him into a wall. By a stroke of luck, Spider-man has landed next to some cut power cables. As Venom approaches, Spidey shoves the cables into him, putting him out cold.

With Venom out, an A.I.M guard points a gun at Spidey. He is quickly taken out when shot by a dart from none other than Sharon Carter of S.H.I.E.L.D. Yep you guessed it, the mystery people were her and Nick Fury. Sharon goes beserk on Spidey saying that S.H.I.E.L.D were following A.I.M and hoping to find their main base but Spidey screwed it up. Our hero slings off very embarrassed but not before Sharon shots him with something that passes right through him. Spidey goes home.

Back at the Parker Pad all is revealed when Spidey finds that the gun was designed to ruin his camera film. With no money Peter takes MJ out for pizza.

General Comments

Umm Venom, one of Spider-man's greatest enemies was defeated in two pages. Two pages? Clumsy art that could be done by a child. Just a run of the mill meets bad guy, beats bad guy issue. It was a good thing that A.I.M captured Eddie or he could have killed everyone in the court room with his suit on. Also the opening of the story, first line by Eddie, since when did he (and I do mean the 90's cartoon one) want to take over New York city? Venom acting out of character there.

Overall Rating

2 slings then slap bang into a wall. Rubbish art, rubbish story and Venom acting out of character. One web for the mystery opening. One web for S.H.I.E.L.D's involvment