Hex's Profile

I loved this issue. So so much. What a blast. Thank you Joe and Pepe. I needed this.

And also, if you had told me one year ago that I would sing praises of ASM while being disappointed by USM issue after issue, I would've asked what you are smoking and if I could have some.

To piggy back off of Afre, this is what I want from this arc. It just works. Norman struggling with being a hero, living up to Peter, Ben being Ben.

Really solid start. I wasn't really sure what to expect from this one. With Absolute Green Arrow, there were a lot of hooks going in (slasher horror, killing billionaires, the mystery of who Green Arrow is, etc.). Here, there wasn't really much to go off of aside from the solicitation itself (which I did feel was on the more generic side) and the fact that we're focusing on a character introduced in Absolute Batman. All of that said, I thought this was pretty good. I definitely felt that Bengal's art was the strongest aspect of this, but I didn't think Grayson was bad on the writing duties either. I don't mention Snyder because I do have a feeling that he's more of a story consultant on this, rather than a full-on writer, in that he's there to make sure that nothing conflicts with plans for Absolute Batman. I could be 100% wrong about that, though. Anyways, there were spots where I felt that the writing wasn't the most interesting, but I do definitely think enough was done to keep me consistently invested and, now, looking forward to the next issue (Especially with the newest introduction to the Absolute Universe: Cassandra Cain. Very excited to see this universe's version of her).more

This arc just works for me so well. Even JRJR's art was good.

I don't have anything negative to say about this space-era Peter is on. I just want it to last longer which I know it won't.

I used to be one of the biggest Amazing haters back in the Zeb Wells era, but honestly I don't get the criticism this time. This arc's really good.

Holy shit how has this hidden gem eluded me all this time. I hope the rest of the series is as good as issue 1. Perfect art to match the story, which has me hooked.

Wtf did I just read? And this is only part one???

A 10 to counter Masked Marvel's inevitable review bombing.

Literally created an account just so I could gush about how much I love this issue

Absolute peak.

This is absolutely fantastic. Pun intended.

A scathing indictment of corporate America and the greed of the rich.

The Absolute universe holding a mirror up to America and what a hideous reflection that looks back.

The courage to challenge norms makes Oliver and Dinah, empathetic and relatable, though not without faults. Men and Women of the people, functioning to support the masses. Oliver being a rare example of a rich person actually trying to improve society, rather than use it for their own greed. In times such as these, even seeing such empathy in our world is tantamount to acts of super heroism. That's sad as a more compassionate society is what we should be.

Seeing the villains fall in the context of this story offers some catharsis. The indentity of the Absolute Green Arrow remains a mystery. It could be Oliver, potentially faking his death but that feels too simple. I can't wait to read more. The Absolute universe continues to dominate comics.
more

Best issue so far. Solid writing and the best art I've seen from Ditko up to this point. The action flows very well, it's dynamic, everything looks consistent. Only thing really holding it back is the lack of backgrounds and details instead opting for solid colors.

The worst issue of the run so far is followed up with by the best issue of the run so far. I was surprised because Electro isn't necessarily a villain I have a ton of respect for. Sure, he's part of the Sinister Six. He's an iconic villain. But I just don't have the love in my heart for him that I have for Doc Ock or Mysterio or Green Goblin, for instance.

A few issues back, I pointed o ut that I didn't feel like there was a huge difference between these classic issues and modern issues in terms of how much happens per issue. But shame on me, because this issue is honestly the most complete, fulfilling issue of the run so far. As the opening narration says, "This Book-Length Thriller Features a Really Fascinating Super-Villain; It's Chock-Full of Human Interest and Drama; and It Shows Spider-Man, With All His Human Problems and Frailties, Greater Than You've Ever Seen Him Before!". They downplay it a little by the end of the spiel, but honestly they're right.

I feel like each issue has teetered on Betty and Peter getting together, and I keep thinking "This is where it happens," but each time it feels like they don't. They're kinda together. In that, they basically act like really, really good friends instead, but I swear eventually, they'll be officially together.

We see the money problems return! With an added dose of Aunt May's Health Issues. These will be very prevalent in future issues. I was starting to be afraid that I had misremembered just how big a role these things played in early Spider-Man, but luckily for me, here they are.

Oh, also, JJJ! I loved this subplot, it's probably my favorite part of the issue. Peter scamming him to pay for Aunt May's operation was great. I loved every bit of him in this issue. He's *my* hero.

Side-Note: I didn't mention this last review in favor of making fun of The Living Brain, but Flash accidentally broke Peter's glasses, with Peter thinking to himself that he didn't need them. This is an important step for Peter, honestly. He looks much better without them. I took the glasses for granted.

As for Electro himself, he's fun. His powers should be much more deadly, but give it time.

I know that's not a ton on Electro, but he's really not what makes this issue so great. Everything is paced well, a full story is told, and it all works. It's not abundantly silly either. This is truly a great issue.

Quote of the issue: "Better Put on These Rubbers-- and the Rubber Gloves I got at the Store, to Help Insulate Myself Against Him!"more

Here's a 10 to counter Masked Marvel's continued review bombing.