Review: Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 2 - Learning Curve

With his new life as Spider-Man in full-swing, Peter Parker sets out to earn a little extra cash by working as a computer technician for the Daily Bugle. Then, he begins his campaign to bring down the Kingpin after linking his Uncle Ben’s murderer to the oversized baddy’s criminal empire. With a trio of thugs and an electrically powered bodyguard protecting the Kingpin, it’s clear that Spider-Man has his work cut out for him.

Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 2: Learning Curve collects Ultimate Spider-Man #8-13, written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Mark Bagley.

After a rousing opening arc in Power and Responsibility, Bendis and Bagley opt for a splashy follow-up by facing Spider-Man off against the commanding Kingpin. It’s a gamble that doesn’t quite pay off. The Kingpin is a Big Bad best reserved for use once Spider-Man is a more seasoned hero, which means that it feels too early for Spidey to be duking it out with him here. Bendis and Bagley would have been better off devoting several issues to hinting at the Kingpin, elaborating on his operations and really showing readers how terrifying he can be as a villain. That said, the pair do an adequate job of introducing the Kingpin and establishing an organic conflict between him and our hero. Though Spider-Man spends a good chunk of this arc fighting the Kingpin’s henchmen, I enjoyed the fact that his victory is achieved once he uses his intelligence and outwits the Kingpin by using the media to expose his crimes.

Bendis’ dialogue is strong in this particular series of issues. Though there’s some dated slang here and there, he excels while writing Spider-Man’s signature quips. They’re humorous and often laugh-out-loud funny. He’s also to be commended for the hilarious scene in which Aunt May attempts to give Peter “the talk” after she suspects he and Mary Jane are having “hanky panky” in his bedroom. Bendis is also capable of writing with incredible emotional poignancy. After coming home from a night out as Spider-Man, Peter finds a weathered Aunt May sitting alone. She questions whether Peter likes her and the two share a tender moment mourning the loss of Uncle Ben. Artist Bagley is also to be commended, since it is his art that sets the tone of every scene and is especially valuable during humorous or serious scenes such as these.

Aside from the premature usage of the Kingpin, Learning Curve is really solid. The characters are tangibly written, with our titular hero continuing to be relatable to his audience. There’s just the right mix of action, humour and emotion to make this an engaging read. While Bendis pens the occasional stinker in his dialogue when he attempts to write teenage slang and Bagley turns out the odd derpy character (and I won't get into the hideous clothes he puts Mary Jane in either), they are to be praised for their synergy as a team, as well as their knack for pacing and overall consistency.

RATING: B-