This issue to me . . was kind of a let-down. From the cover we see that there's going to be another Spider-man popping up in this issue. But, really, the whole thing is just a set-up, by a bookie, to try to make some quick money. The issue starts out with some unknown villain, the Basher, calling out Spider-man. We see in on a screen in a bar for Super-villains. So, as soon as it happens, the local bookie starts calling out odds for the outcome of the event. Will Spider-man show? Will Spider-man take him out in one punch? Will Spider-man use his webs? But it's really all moot, because the bookie knows what's going to happen. Peter on the other hand doesn't. He's a little down-trodden right now because Bennett seems to be black-balling him from working anywhere else in publishing. He's had 18 interviews . . and no takers. So he doesn't want to get involved in another mess, but . . he does go, as himself, just to make sure that no pedestrians are put in danger. To his surprise Spider-man does show up . . does some bouncing around . . and takes out the Basher in one punch. With the rash of 'Spider-killings' going on around town, this is just to coincidental for Spidey, so he gives chase. Who knows, he might be able to clear his name. Come to find out it's actually Screwball . . that girl from a few issues ago, whom the bookie had made bail for, in exchange for her services. Which only leaves Peter at the bookie for a lead. At the end of the issue Peter arrives at the bar and stands face to face . . or, mask to mask . . with a bar full of Super-villains. "Ummmm . . . I'm here for the costumed karaoke. Anybody know any good showtunes?" Anyways, with the set-up it just seemed like we might be making some progress here, but we really didn't. Bob Gale wrote it, and . . it was a decent story. It just didn't live up to the hype. Also I'm a huge fan of Mike McKones. But, to be honest, I really liked his work on the Teen Titans better than this issue. I don't know why, it just didn't feel as good. I don't know how else to explain it. But, obviously, this is the first of 3 issues, so . . maybe something actually will come out of it in the next 2. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
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