The scientist formerly known as Otto
Octavius has returned to New York City to enact his revenge on Justin Hammer,
the man he holds responsible for transforming him into the monstrous Doctor
Octopus. When Spider-Man intervenes, Hammer publicly denounces Spider-Man’s
actions and ignites a public uproar against the webslinging vigilante. Then,
reality TV star Kraven seeks to boost his sagging ratings by capturing the most
dangerous prey of all – Spider-Man.
Ultimate
Spider-Man Volume 3: Double Trouble collects issues Ultimate Spider-Man 14-21, written by Brian Michael Bendis and
illustrated by Mark Bagley.
Double
Trouble takes a page out of the Batman
Returns playbook. Having successfully
taken on the Green Goblin and the Kingpin, Spider-Man must now contend with
besting two foes at once. Doctor Octopus serves as the primary villain of this
arc. He’s escaped from S.H.I.E.L.D. custody and is hellbent on killing
industrialist Justin Hammer for his role in the accident that fused metal arms
to his torso. It’s clear that Doc Ock is unhinged and is evidently quite
ruthless. Bendis and Bagley do very little to alter the character, as he’s
depicted in a generic green outfit and his familiar bowlcut. That said, the
technology behind his character is significantly different. His metallic arms
are now capable of changing shape and carrying an electrical charge, which
makes him much more menacing. Kraven, meanwhile, comes in as the secondary
villain. Bendis and Bagley reinvent him as a reality star (how apropos!) and he’s
depicted as somewhat of a Steve Irwin-type. The set-up for the character is
done quite well and is structured as a subplot until Kraven and Spider-Man have
their face-off during the arc’s conclusion. Said fight is abrupt and ends
shortly after it begins, which diminishes Kraven’s reputation and his
believability as a genuine threat for our hero.
It’s worth noting that Gwen Stacy gets a
re-introduction in this trade. She’s reimagined as a bad girl and a bit of a
punk, which contrasts sharply against her eloquent and pristine portrayal from
the Silver Age. However, she serves a very specific purpose as shakes up the
status quo that has been established regarding the roles everyone in the
supporting cast plays. She’s disinterested in playing by the social rules of
high school and she seems to take interest in playing the role of a
troublemaker. Her first appearance hits the book like a bolt of lightning and
she ends up as a scene stealer whenever we see her throughout this arc.
Double
Trouble would have made for a great second arc to follow Power and Responsibility rather than
Spider-Man’s crusade against the Kingpin. It’s brisk and feels much more
appropriate for Spider-Man at this point in his superheroic career. The
expansion of the supporting cast provides new dimensions to the series and Gwen
proves herself as a standout character. Bendis and Bagley continue to work well
together, though they don’t get nearly as creative with their reinventions of
villains as they do with others (i.e. Gwen). Bendis’ dialogue has also improved
markedly by this time as well. The teen lingo has been dialed down and the
confrontation between Aunt May and Peter that results in his grounding is as
intense as it is plausible. In fact, I’m becoming increasingly impressed by how
Aunt May feels like a three-dimensional character rather than a geriatric
caricature. Her concern for Peter is palpable and understandable. Thankfully,
Bagley is able to carry the emotional weight required for scenes such as these
(in addition to his dynamic action sequences). As a whole this arc is enjoyable,
but it’s evident Bendis and Bagley are still playing it safe at this point.
RATING:
B
No comments:
Post a Comment