Amazing Spider-Man #2

Writer – Dan Slott
Artist – Dan Slott
Inker – Victor Olazaba
Colours – Edgar Delgado

You know Peter Parker is back in form when he is having relationship trouble with a girl he did not even know he was dating and Electro is blaming Peter for all of his current troubles.  Some things never seem to change.  Anna Maria is one of the smartest, strongest and best written supporting characters in not just Marvel’s comics, but in any that come to mind.  She is whip-smart, good looking and has that ‘Betty’ quality, that girl next door with a degree demeanor about her.  Anna Maria rings true and that is more than likely why she resonates so well with readers.  Doc Ock loved her – though he also loved Aunt May, so probably a bad example there.  The conversation that takes place between Peter and Anna is the best part of the entire book, with his explanation about his pants to the Avengers a close second.  Dan Slott knows funny and he knows Spider-Man and more importantly, how to write him.  Add to that, the great cast of characters, as well as the great art by Humberto Ramos, and the Amazing Spider-Man proves why it is one of Marvel’s strongest single character titles.

4.5 out of 5

Elektra #2

Writer – W. Haden Blackman
Artist – Michael Del Mundo
Colours – Mike Del Mundo, Marco D’Alfonso

The issue opens with Bloody Lips, the new villain introduced in the first book and a little bit of his origin, in so much as we know now how he gets his powers – by consuming things.  Elektra meanwhile is still searching for Cape Crow, but so are Scalphunter and Lady Bullseye and they soon, as are heroes and villains wont to do, engage in battle.  The artwork by Michael Del Mundo is absolutely stunning and the fight between Elektra and Lady Bullseye looks like a ballet of deadly colours.  Moving the story along quickly, which is great to see, we find out that the contract Elektra was sent out on was a ruse, but she agrees to pursue it anyways and the book ends with Bloody Lips about to eat his next meal.  This book has everything going for it from the perfect pacing and great dialogue by Blackman to the exceptional artwork by Del Mundo, not to mention a gripping story featuring one of Marvel’s most fascinating female anti-heroes.  Bloody Lips is a gruesome villain, and should he survive his upcoming tangle with our favourite assassin, it would be interesting to see him go up against other Marvel heroes at some point later on.

4.5 out of 5