Spider-man Noir - Eyes Without a Face

Title
Spider-man Noir - Eyes Without a Face

Library Link
Spider-man noir : eyes without a face / writers, David Hine with Fabrice Sapolsky ; art, Carmine Di Giandomenico Hine, David.


10 Second Review
Set in the mid-forties, the Spider-man must deal with gangsters, hooligans and a masked crime boss named 'Crime Master.'  A mad doctor tries to impress the Nazi's with his experiments.

The 'noir' books take main-stay Marvel characters, subtract their powers and plug them into a Prohibition Era crime story.  The story is generic but it is fun trying to spot Marvel alter egos. 

Notes
Apparently, it is always night-time in the Marvel 'Noir' world.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers but only fans will catch the superheroes references.

The Heroic Age

Title
The Heroic Age

Library Link
The heroic age / writers Brian Michael Bendis ... [et al.] ; artists, John Romita ... [et al.]


10 Second Review
Evil/crazy Norman Osborn (The Goblin) has been defeated and replaced by Steve Rogers (original Capt. America).  The Superhuman Registration Act has been repealed and it is no longer illegal to be a super hero.
Basically, the Marvel universe is back to normal.  New teams are being formed with some small suprises.
 
While this book is larger then most graphic novels, there is not much in the way of story.
It appears to be single issues of several separate titles combined to form one book.
The good news is that this book can serve as a 'sampler' for readers that may be undecided over which title to follow.  Lots and lots of Marvel heroes are covered.

Notes
"Hulk is the smartest one there is."

Learning Curve
Low: This would be a good starting point for new readers

Amazing Spider-man: Return of the Black Cat

Title

Amazing Spider-man: Return of the Black Cat

Library Link
The amazing Spider-Man : return of the Black Cat
New York : Marvel, c2010. Marvel premiere ed.

10 Second Review
Spidey bumps into Black Cat while investigating Diablo’s latest scheme.
Clones, Screwball and Kraven complicate things.

Good art and story but some newer readers might get confused separating all the clones.

Notes
Madame Web makes an appearance.

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Some parts might confuse new readers

Reading Order
Chronological

Dark Reign: The Underside

Title

Dark Reign: The Underside

Library Link
http://catalog.houstonlibrary.org/search~S1

10 Second Review
Lots of stories from the Marvel underworld.
Wonder Man helps his brother kidnap Norman, a surprise psycho causes some mayhem and Spiderman gets all negative.

Various artist with good stories.
Should appeal to fans that want more details.

Notes
Dr. Doom, The Enforcer and Gamma Corps guest star.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to Marvel might be confused.

Reading Order
n/a

The Amazing Spider-Man: American Son

Title

The Amazing Spider-Man: American Son

Library Link
The amazing Spider-Man. American son / writer, Joe Kelly ; pencilers, Phil Jimenez ... [et al.] ; inkers, Andy Lanning ... [et al.] ; colorists, Chris Chuckry & Jeromy Cox ; letterers, Joe Caramagna & Chris Eliopoulos
Kelly, Joe.

10 Second Review
Norman continues to manipulate his son and Spidey tries to be a true friend while wedding plans loom that will put JJ into the Parker family.

Good story and art with some nice twist.

Norman reminds everyone how twisted he can be.

Notes
Wolverine guest stars.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers will need to be familiar with the Dark Reign story line

Reading Order
Chronological

Ultimatum Requiem

Title

Ultimatum Requiem

Library Link
Ultimatum. Requiem / writers: Brian Michael Bendis, Joe Pokaski, Aron E. Coleite
Bendis, Brian Michael.

10 Second Review
This book wraps up some of the loose ends left over by the Marvel Ultimate series.
It includes stories from Spiderman, X-men and the Fantastic Four.

Good art and a fair story.

Will probably only appeal to those seeking a bit more from the Ultimate series.

Notes
Includes several obituaries of those that died at the end of this series.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Knowledge of the series would be helpful.

Reading Order
Read after Ultimatum

Anti-Venom

Title
Anti-Venom

Library Link
Anti-venom / writers: Dan Slott, Zeb Wells ; pencils: Chris Bachalo, Paulo Siqueira with Chad Hardin
Slott, Dan.

10 Second Review
Eddie Brock has decided to seek redemption for past sins by being a force for good. Having super-powers doesn't hurt.

Good art and a good story. Eddie Brock's story feels genuine and sincere.
He makes some mistakes but give the guy a break, he was Venom for years.

Notes
Punisher comes along so there is a great deal of violence

Learning Curve
Low:New readers should be o.k.

Reading Order
N/a

Dark Reign: The List

Title
Dark Reign: The List

Library Link

Dark
reign : the list / writers, Jason Aaron ... [et al.] ; artists, Esad Ribic
... [et al.]

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn ('reformed' villain) is now the world's top cop and is using his political power to exact revenge on his enemies.

Art varies from good to standard but the story is interesting.
Osborn has the power and resources to do some serious damage and this book does not disappoint.

While this is part of the 'Dark Reign' story line, this book can be read outside of the series.

Notes
Some surprises for Punishers fans.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to comics will likely be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Dark Reign Sinister Spider-Man

Title
Dark Reign Sinister Spider-Man

Library Link

Dark
reign. sinister Spider-Man / writer, Brian Reed ; artist, Chris Bachalo
Reed,
Brian, 1971-

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn (bad guy) uses political maneuvering to take over the Avengers and replaces its members with his own fellow 'reformed' criminals. Venom has replaced Spider-Man and he ain't so friendly.

Might be a good choice for Venom fans but there is not much story here. (It's tough to believe New Yorkers wouldn't notice that Spider-man has been replaced – what with him eating peoples arms and all.)

Notes
JJ Jameson gets to be mayor.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to Spider-man might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Amazing Spider-Man: New Ways to Die

Title
Amazing Spider-Man: New Ways to Die

Library Link

New
ways to die / writers, Dan Slott, Mark Waid ; artists, John Romita Jr., Adi
Granov
Slott,
Dan.

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn and his Thunderbolts come to New York and cause trouble for the web slinger. Plus, the Old Venom meets Mr. Li who gives Brock the power to deal with the New Venom.
And Menace continues to cause problems for the mayoral election.

Lots of story here and good art. Menace plays a minor role but a new guy makes things interesting. Should be good for fans but new readers might want to start with Brand New Day.

Notes
Scorpion makes an appearance.

Learning Curve
Moderate: New readers might be confused by some unexplained elements.

Reading Order
After Brand New Day

Marvel Zombies 2

Title
Marvel Zombies 2

Library Link

Marvel
zombies 2 / writer, Robert Kirkman ; artist, Sean Phillips
Kirkman,
Robert.

10 Second Review
After a universal tour, the Marvel zombies return to Earth and find a small group of survivors.

The weakest of the four zombie books, this book is predictable and reads like old-school Marvel.
You can skip this book and not get lost.

Notes
Forge plays a major role in the book

Learning Curve
Low: If read in order

Reading Order
Chronological

Marvel Zombies

Title
Marvel Zombies

Library Link

Marvel
zombies / writer, Robert Kirkman ; artist, Sean Phillips
Kirkman,
Robert.

10 Second Review

This is a bit tough to follow….

…Marvel Zombies takes place in an alternate universe in the Ultimate Fantastic Four universe (which in turn is an alternative to the traditional Marvel universe).

Regardless, planet Earth gets the zombie virus and all super-humans get a bad case of the brain munchies.

Absurd but fun this book gives the reader a very unique look at their favorite heroes.

Notes
Try to guess the last super-hero to survive.

Learning Curve
Moderate to High: New readers will find this hard to follow.

Reading Order
Chronological

Ultimate Spider-man Ultimatum

Title
Ultimate Spider-man: Ultimatum

Library Link

Ultimate
Spider-Man. Ultimatum / Brian Michael Bendis, writer ; David Lafuente,
Stuart Immonen , artists ; Wade Von Grawbadger, inker ; John Rauch, Justin
Ponsor, colorist
Bendis,
Brian Michael.

10 Second Review
Gwen comes back, Johnny Storm meets the girl of his dreams and Aunt May gets arrested. And….Hulk shows up, J.J. Jameson feels guilty and Dr. Strange loses control.

Lots of stuff happens in this book. The art is good and the story is gripping.
This book represents the end of the original Ultimate Spider-man story.

Notes
Despite some criticism most fans will enjoy this book.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Might confuse those new to this series.

Reading Order
Chronological

Amazing Spider-Man: Brand New Day Vol 3

Title
Amazing Spider-Man: Brand New Day Vol 3

Library Link

The
amazing Spider-man. [Vol.3] : Brand new day / [writers, Bob Gale, Dan Slott
; pencilers, Mike Mckone ; inkers, Andy Lanning... [et al.] ; colorists, Jeromy
Cox... [et al.]
Gale,
Bob.

10 Second Review
Peter Parker's life is getting back to normal.

(Broke, beat-up and wanted by the police)

He gets a chance to make some money by following the paparazzi beat but a new 2D villain gets in the way.

Good stories with average art.

Mary Jane shows up but Spider-man never gets to see her.

Notes
Occurs after Spidey's deal with devil

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers

Reading Order
Chronological

The Amazing Spiderman Election Day

Title
The Amazing Spiderman Election Day

Library Link

The
amazing Spider-Man. Election day / Marc Guggenheim, writer ; John Romita
Jr., Barry Kitson, pencilers ; Klaus Janson, Karl Kesel, Tom Palmer, inkers ;
Dean White, Andres Mossa, colorists ; Virtual Calligraphy's Cory Petit, letterer
Guggenheim,
Marc.

10 Second Review
Lots of questions are answered in this book.
For example, who is the 'Spider-Tracer' Killer?
Who is Menace? Who will win the mayoral election?

A good read with excellent art. Fans will enjoy this series.

Notes
President Obama makes a special appearance.

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Some knowledge of Spider-man will help.

Reading Order
N/a

The Amazing Spider-man Death and Dating

Title
The Amazing Spider-man Death and Dating

Library Link

The
amazing Spider-Man. Death and dating / [writers, Mark Waid, Roger Stern, Dan
Slott ; artists, Marcos Martín, Lee Weeks, Mike McKone] New York : Marvel ;
London : Diamond [distributor], 2009.

10 Second Review
Spidey finds some surprising info on Jackpot, fights Blank Man and helps Harry put out some family fires.

Good art and good stories.
A good read that fans and new readers will enjoy.

Notes
Apparently, no one in the Marvel universe stays dead for long.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
Occurs after Brand New Day

Spider-man: The Other

Title
Spider-man: The Other

Library Link

Spider-man
The Other, Evolve or Die
UNCATALOGED PAPERBACK
Marvel Enterprises
2007.

10 Second Review
A machine-themed villain gives Spidey headaches and an injury sends him to the doctor.
The doctor finds some disturbing news.
Things look grim for the web-crawler.

Good story and standard art.
The style of art changes quite a bit and the pace is a bit slow but should appeal to Marvel fans.

Notes
Book combines Amazing Spiderman and Marvel Knights

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Readers new to comics might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Spider-man: Crime and Punisher

Title
Spider-man: Crime and Punisher

Library Link

The
amazing Spider-Man. Crime and Punisher / writers, Marc Guggenheim, Zeb
Wells, Joe Kelly ; artists, Barry Kitson, Paolo Rivera, Chris Bachalo
Guggenheim,
Marc.

10 Second Review
Several unrelated stories gathered together to include Amazing Spiderman #574-577.

A good read with standard art and includes stories about Hammerhead, Punisher and others.

Notes
Spidey gets a big kiss from Greta

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Amazing Spider-man: Kraven's First Hunt

Title
Amazing Spider-man: Kraven's First Hunt

Library Link

Kraven's
first hunt / by Marc Guggenheim and Zeb Wells ; artist, Phil Jimenez
Guggenheim,
Marc.

10 Second Review
Peter Parker's new roommate is angry with both him and Spider-man. Kraven gives the new roomie plenty to get upset about.

Good art and good story.
Fans should enjoy this book as things seem to be back to normal for Spidey.

Notes
Vermin and Dare Devil make an appearance.

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers.

Reading Order
Occurs after 'One More Day'

Spider-Man: Reign

Title
Spider-Man: Reign

Library Link

Spider-Man.
Andrews,
Kaare.New York : Marvel Comics, c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Set in the future, the city has outlawed superheroes and provides protection in exchange for freedom. Peter Parker receives a visit from a surprising supporter who encourages him to suit up once more.

While essentially a Spider-man version of Frank Millers 'Dark Knight' this is an excellent book.

Well written and chock full of Spidey villains, this will be enjoyed by any True Believer.

Notes
Try to spot Kingpin.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Those new to Spider-man might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a