Marvel Spotlight: Spider-Man

(Marvel, 2007)
™ and © 2007 Marvel Characters, Inc.

Spider-Man’s red-and-blue costume is nearly as recognizable as Superman’s, so it’s a big deal when he suddenly, on screen and in the comics, finds himself “Back in Black.” The black costume, introduced during Marvel’s “Secret Wars” crossover in the 1980s, eventually became the villain known as Venom. What sequence of events, then, leads to Peter Parker donning his black garb yet again? This one-shot has the answers straight from the creators’ mouths, as the writers of Spidey’s various titles sit down to discuss the controversial plotline.

In addition to the J. Michael Straczynski-Peter David-Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa roundtable, this one-shot offers Mike Allred commenting on classic Steve Ditko art, Roger Stern talking about his contributions to the Spider-Man mythology, and various creators discussing the history (and resurrection) of the Green Goblin. There’s also a feature on Peter’s MC2 universe progeny: Spider-Girl.

— Andy Richardson

From the Comics Buyer’s Guide:

The lead feature in Marvel Spotlight: Spider-Man is an interview with the writers of “Back in Black,” the story arc currently running through Amazing Spider-Man (J. Michael Straczynski), Sensational Spider-Man (Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa), and Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (Peter David). The word slingers discuss their involvement in that crossover, of course, but also wax eloquent on Spider-Man in general. This is followed by a reprint of David’s Comics Buyer’s Guide column in which the “writer of stuff” reveals insider information on the creation of the original black costume.

The issue also includes a lengthy, fun-to-read interview with Roger Stern, who talks about the first Spider-Man comic he ever read, his favorite Spidey villain (The Vulture), and much more. Rounding out the package are informative articles and interviews regarding the Goblin mythos and Mayday “Spider-Girl” Parker.

Oops, almost forgot to mention the highlight of the issue, a Steve Ditko photo gallery with commentary by Mike Allred, who espouses on the greatness of the first Spider-Man artist. Philistines who don’t appreciate Ditko’s mastery of the medium would do well to study these pages.

— Ray Sidman

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Notes

Writer

Artist

#1

July, 1980
Cover Price: $2.99
12 copies available from $0.99

John Rhett Thomas