Web of Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #74

Story 'Art And Soul'

Peter and Kristy are watching some dumb performing arts show. There's this guy who sits silently on stage who is 'attacked' by this other woman. The lights go off, then when they come back he is alive again. The crowd aren't too enamoured by the show. Backstage and the 'artist' isn't too happy about his reception.

In the lobby and Kristy is with a guy who saved her in the last issue – Peter Nicholas. His art is on display but Pete (our Pete) accidentally embarrasses Kristy and she storms off.

Back in the backstage area, this odd guy with a pen is causing problems for the two disenfranchised artists. Seemingly, by waving his pen around, he can make things happen … like extend the guy's arms. The trio are known as Avant Guard.

The guy artist is turned into some kind of monster by the chap with the pen. He lurches out of the theatre as the crowd run. Pete changes to Spidey and there's a scrap with some of the worst dialogue in Spidey history: “Art can't be silenced”… hmmm.

As Spidey's about to launch the final blow, the art guy disappears and re- appears back in the room with the odd mentor guy. The guy says he's near to his masterpiece and unveils a painting of Spidey in an ice-encrusted world. He says a new ice age is near.

Overall Rating

Terrible. But keep reading anyhow.