Spider-Man Unlimited (Vol. 3) #7 (Story 1)

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 'The Cubicle'

"The Cubicle" is about a guy named Jake who's just like most people on their worst days. His new haircut is made fun of, he got thrown under the bus at work (not literally), and gets a shirt full of coffee. That's all on the first page.

He's a pretty normal guy, and like most normal guys is afraid to take risk for fear of rejection. He's been working on a novel for six years that he's decided to use to level out his coffee table, and he's also resigned to not send in a writing piece to a "New Voices" competition. Jake is also part of a fantasy super hero league which is similar to a fantasy football league.

Just as Jake's caught in an Office Space "Can I borrow your stapler?" scene. Spider-Man, fighting Mysterio, crashes through a nearby window. After a comparison by Spider-Man of his butt with Mysterio's face, Ole Fishbowl Head grabs a hostage.

Just as Mysterio's about to make his hostage's "eyes disappear", Jake intervenes with some stapler to fishbowl action. Spidey lays Mysterio out and thanks Jake for the assist before swinging off.

Jake gets offered a date and a job by the hot chick who spilled coffee on him, and turns in his writing piece to "New Voices". He realizes what Springsteen already knows: sometimes even losers win.

General Comments

I will say that in "The Cubicle", the idea of a fantasy super hero league was a cute touch; it added to Jake's pitifulness, which in turn made his attack on Mysterio that much more dramatic. Jake's Spider-Man mug and Hulk action figure were also a cute touch.

Overall Rating

"The Cubicle" got three webs for not being overly good, but not overly bad either. Jake was a character I could relate to, being an aspiring writer and nerd. Spidey's appearance was also pretty memorable, but brief.