Pads & Panels

Title: The Amazing Spider-Man “Return of the Black Cat” TPB

Publisher: Marvel

Writers: Joe Kelly, J.M. Dematteis, Marc Guggenheim

Artists: Mike McKone, Adriana Melo, Val Semeiks, Marco Checchetto, Luke Ross, Rick Magyar, Eric Canete

Rating:

Review by: Bill Jones

Oh, that crazy Peter Parker! That’s what I find myself saying, anyways, in a mostly mocking sort of way, while reading the “Return of the Black Cat” trade paperback. Parker is already in confusing relationships with Michele Gonzales, Norah Winters and Mary Jane Watson when Black Cat strolls back into town. Of course, her usual powers to affect Spidey’s luck are wreaking havoc on his attempt to thwart New York City’s villains, but it’s not too shabby for his sex life. Sure he’s more confused than ever, but he’s seemingly getting some action behind the scenes of every page. It all amounts to nonsense, though, with cheesy writing and inconsistent art. The latter portion of the book – dealing with Kaine, Ben Reilly and Raptor – is a much better read, even if it does get back into the atrocious clone business. (more…)

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Title: Superman: Ending Battle

Publisher: DC

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artists: Joe Casey, Joe Kelly and Mark Schultz

Rating:

Review by: John Gustafson

Superman: Ending Battle was a mini, self-contained event that took over the existing Superman books from November to December of 2002 and brought to life the one question that always lingers in readers’ thoughts concerning superheroes – what if a villain discovered said hero’s secret identity?

In this case, that villain is Manchester Black, and he sends most of Superman’s enemies after the Man of Steel. For whatever elaborately explained reason, Black deduced the secret and used his mental powers to implant the information into every villain and send them to Metropolis. There the villains, under Black’s suggestive influence, seek out anyone close to Clark Kent and Superman. (more…)

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