Spider-Man Unlimited (Vol. 3) #7 (Story 2)

Background

Spider-Man Unlimited is a book with two stories that showcases up-and-coming writers and artists. The stories usually leave the reader saying, "I like one but not the other." I've heard it theorized that this is a device by Marvel to ensure that most readers come out liking at least one story. Thus far, no theories have been substantiated.

Story 'Hang Tight'

"Hang tight" begins with Spider-Man telling a joke to a thug that he's hung upside down. An explosion happens, and Spider-Man swings off, but not before promising to call the cops to save him from falling to his bloody doom when his webbing melts in one hour.

The guy hangs there and begins to stress out as time goes by. He thinks of his pothead friend's advice, "Calm mind, cool head." He begins stressing out more as time goes by and the webbing starts to loosen. He tries screaming for help, and yelling at the cleaning lady, but neither work. Nobody can hear him.

Just as he's about to fall, Spider-Man saves him (in an Amazing Fantasy #15 style I might add) and webs him upside down again...but this time a lot closer to the ground.

General Comments

First, I gotta say that this issue should be called "Spider-Man Unlimited: With a special guest appearance by Spider-Man." Two stories that feature people other than Spidey who aren't very interesting. Well, Jake was okay.

But getting back to this second story. "Hang Tight" might've been funny to some, but was boring for me. At least Jake has some redeeming qualities. This thug was just bland. As boring as the story was the art was right on. I'm a big sucker for Spider-Man's eyepieces being shiny or reflective, and the Amazing Fantasy nod was cool.

Overall Rating

"Hang Tight"'s only redeeming quality was that everything looked really good and it paid tribute to Spider-Man's roots. One web for that.