Essential Marvel: Spider-Woman Vol. 1 by various authors and illustrators

(pb; 1977–1979, 2005: graphic novel. Collects Marvel Spotlight #32, Marvel Two-in-One #29–33, and Spider-Woman #1–25.)

From the back cover

“Before she was an Avenger, she was. . .a Hydra agent?! Witness the Arachnidian Adventuress’s dire debut against Nick Fury, agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and a follow-up arc alongside the ever-lovin’, blue-eyed Thing! After working out a few bugs out of her origin, she set up shop in California and faced an array of eccentric enemies rarely equaled to this day! Featuring Shang-Chi, the Werewolf By Night, the Shroud and more!”

Overall review

Spider-Woman is a fun read if you can get past the initially awkward, fumbling-to-define-the-title-character plotlines of early issues─the first six issues of this collection─as well as Jessica Drew/Spider-Woman’s initial romantic, childish neediness with her early male date-mates. Part of this latter complaint can be explained by Jessica’s traumatic childhood (stemming from Hydra-forced experiments upon her, and her expulsion from her village of Wundagore, in the country of Transia─also the birthplace of the Scarlet Witch and her brother Quicksilver). But Spider-Woman, being a comic book character, has these attributes exaggerated a bit too much.

Despite these rough-start nits─the Seventies and early Eighties were not a politically correct period─Spider-Woman has flashes of action-punctuated and character-building excellence, and by the eleventh issue, the writers and artists have worked out most of the glaring-even-for-the-Seventies sexism to a time-appropriate acceptable level.

If you are a patient reader with a presentist mindset and an appreciation for pulpy, supernatural-fringed storytelling, this back-then incarnation of Spider-Woman might entertain you. (Presentism: “The notion that we should not judge the actions of people in the past using modern-day standards.” Definition provided by dictionary.com.)

Issues / story arcs

“Marvel Spotlight”─‘Dark Destiny’ (#32): Spider-Woman’s first appearance in comics. Recruited by and experimented on by Hydra after being driven out of her village, she is sent on a mission to kill Nick Fury (Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.). Her Hydra name: Agent Arachne.

“Marvel Two-in-One Presents: The Thing and Shang-Chi–Master of Kung Fu”─’Two Against Hydra’ (#29): The two heroes battle Hydra minions in order to rescue a scientist, Dr. Louis Kort. They are unaware that a bigger threat─a brainwashed Spider-Woman─looms in their future.

“Marvel Two-in-One Presents: The Thing and Spider-Woman”─’Battle Atop Big Ben!’ (#30): Spider-Woman, still brainwashed by Hydra, clashes with Ben Grimm. Meanwhile, thieves hit the famous clock tower.

“Marvel Two-in-One Presents: The Thing Alone Against the Mystery Menace─’My Sweetheart─My Killer’” (#31): Ben Grimm and Spider-Woman fend off the Hydra-mutated Alicia Masters (Grimm’s kidnapped girlfriend), trying to stop her without killing her. . .a near-impossible feat.

““Marvel Two-in-One Presents: The Thing and Invisible Girl”─’And Only Invisible Girl Can Save Us Now!’ (#32): Spider-Woman, Ben Grimm and Invisible Girl try to contain Alicia Masters, mutated into a giant eight-legged creature.

“Marvel Two-in-One Presents: The Thing and Mordred the Mystic”─’From Stonehenge. . .with Death!’ (#33): The thieves from issue #30─now four elemental demons─hold human hostages at Stonehenge. Mordred, Ben Grimm and Spider-Woman attempt to defeat the elementals and free the hostages.

“Spider-Woman”─’. . .A Future Uncertain!’ (#1): The first issue of Spider-Woman provides more information about her origins. She is now knows her non-hero name, Jessica Drew, and her inhuman powers are revealed. She also attracts the unwanted attention of a police officer, Jerry Hunt, whose intentions are unclear to her.

All following issues are also Spider-Woman issues.

“A Sword in Hand” (#2): Spider-Woman confronts Excalibur, a thief possessed by Morgan La Fay, in a museum. She also meets Magnus─an old man with mystical powers. S.H.I.E.L.D. associate/lawman Jerry Hunt continues tracking our titular heroine.

“The Perils of Brother Grimm” (#3): In L.A., Magnus tells Jessica (a.k.a. Spider-Woman) that her father was murdered two months prior. While investigating the traumatic mystery of who did it, she tangles with Brother Grimm, a constumed odd character, and Congressman James T. Wyatt, who is somehow linked to the death of her father, John Drew.

“Hell is the Hangman!” (#4): Spider-Woman is trapped between Brother Grimm (who continues to kill people) and the Hangman, a vigilante who seeks to bring Grimm to justice. . .Also: Spider-Woman gets a new lead in her investigation into who murdered her father. And, beknownst to her, Jerry Hunt─S.H.I.E.L.D. associate─arrives in L.A., teaming up with Bill Foster, an employee of Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man.

“Nightmare” (#5): Spider-Woman, prisoner of violent hallucinations, tries to escape what appears to be a sorcery-ruled house.

“End of a Nightmare!!” (#6): Jack Russell, a.k.a. Werewolf By Night, is drawn into a battle with Morgan La Fay and Magnus. . .Also pulled into this conflict is Jessica Drew/Spider-Woman and Jerry Hunt, who has fallen for her. Their mutual, wild attraction is sudden, plot-convenient and not well-explained at this point.

“July 4, 1978. . .” (#7): Jessica and Jerry discover what happened to her father, why he died and who killed him. They, once again, face off against Brother Grimm, Congressman James T. Wyatt and minor bad guys. . .Magnus reveals that his not Merlin, Morgan La Fay’s teacher, but her student.

“The Man Who Could Not Die!” (#8): Jessica rescues Samuel Davis (a man doomed to eternal life), and finds herself in a strange, sympathy-tinged fight. . . There is a second, separate story in this issue: “The Suit!”. In this second tale, a haunted suit brings about a case of mistaken identity. This is an especially oddball mini-work, one that requires more than the usual suspension of disbelief.

“Eye of the Needle” (#9): Spider-Woman and Jerry Hunt try to end the nighttime terror of the Needle, a silent and vengeful stitcher of his victims’ lips.

“Things That Go Flit in the Night” (#10): Gypsy Moth─a winged mystery woman with a penchant for weaving people in gossamer cocoons─attacks the attendees of a party Jessica is at. Magnus, now a celebrated magician, is also there. . . Jessica and Jerry Hunt have a melodramatic tiff over her focus on her alter-ego’s activities.

“And Dolly Makes Three” (#11): This is an especially fun issue. Jessica Drew and Jerry Hunt are assaulted by Brother Grimm─who looks like two dolls Jessica’s landlady owns. . . these dolls were glimpsed in issue #10. The landlady’s name: Priscilla Dolly.

Meanwhile, Magnus returns to Priscilla Dolly’s boardinghouse, where he also lives, pretending to be Jessica’s uncle. Of course, he walks into a trap. This excellent issue has a cliffhanger finish.

“The Last Tale of the Brothers Grimm!” (#12): Magnus─full name Charles Magnus─is forced to perform a ritual to resurrect Nathan Dolly, Priscilla’s husband, from his possession-slumber. It seems his spirit is split between the man-sized doll forms of their sons, Jake and William, a.k.a. Brothers Grimm. . . Magnus does this because Priscilla holds Jessica/Spider-Woman and Jerry Hunt hostage.

Like the previous issue, there are effective twists in this one. This is one of the more fun issues in the series, thus far.

“Suddenly. . . the Shroud!” (#13): Jessica gets a receptionist job at the Hatro Institute For Emotional Research, an organization─unbeknownst to her─with a secret agenda. When the Shroud, a villain-turned-hero, sneaks into their headquarters, Jessica’s alter-ego is there to stop him.

“Cults and Robbers!” (#14): Jessica, with the Shroud unconscious and in her custody, is confronted by knife-wielding thugees (cultic devotees of the dark goddess Kali).

After the Shroud is kidnapped by the thugees, Jessica tries to  track down the thugees’ lair to rescue the Shroud.

“Into the Heart of Darkness!” (#15): The Shroud─whose powers stem from the positive aspects of the goddess Kali─and Spider-Woman further investigate the in-name-only cult of Kali. The head of the cult, unknown by the heroes, is headed by Jessica’s reclusive boss, Adrienne Hatros, a.k.a. Nekra.

“All You Need is Hate” (#16): Spider-Woman fights Nekra. Nekra’s source of invincibility is her hatred, a weapon that may or may not help her defeat Jessica/Spider-Woman. . .There are lesbian overtones to this issue.

“Jessica’s Night Out” (#17): Jessica, depressed about breaking up with Jerry Hunt, goes to a disco─a place she’s not been to before─to lift her spirits. Result: a theft, a rescue, and a meeting with a questionable, strangely-afflicted man.

“Sins of the Flesh!” (#18): Spider-Woman tracks the “Melting Man” who attacked her in issue #17.

“The Beast Within” (#19): Continuation/crossover of Werewolf By Night (issues #42 and #43). . .Spider-Woman and Jack Russell, a.k.a. Werewolf By Night, repel The Enforcer, a silver-pelt-shooting and bolt-throwing masked villain.

Russell last appeared in Spider-Woman issue #6. The Enforcer previously appeared in Ghost Rider (issues #22—24).

“Tangled Webs” (#20): Spider-Woman and Spiderman meet under semi-friendly circumstances.

“Beware the Spider-Woman─Bounty Hunter!” (#21): Taking Spider-Man’s advice (from the previous issue), Jessica focuses on her strengths and goes high-tech, with help from her wheelchair-bound neighbor (Scotty).

As this issue’s cover noted, this is a positive turn-about for Jessica Drew─and this series.

“Bring On. . .the Clown!” (#22): A greasepainted misogynist terrorizes women, drawing Spider-Woman’s ire.

“Enter the Gamesman” (#23): Spider-Woman meets─and is romanced by─Tim Braverman, a reporter who may be more than he says. She also stalks and battles the masked thief (Gamesman), whose gang has been stealing high-profile jewels. Silly, romantic melodrama in this one, given how fast certain characters connect.

“Trapped in the Doomsday Room!” (#24): With Tim Braverman (a.k.a. the Gamesman) in prison professing his love for her, Spider-Woman deals with Braverman’s old gang, who are still on the loose─and perhaps more dangerous.

“To Free a Felon!” (#25): Spider-Woman continues to thwart the Gamesman’s gang as they try to get the loot that Braverman stole from them.

There are some ill-timed inner-dialogue plot explanations in this issue, but it is otherwise okay.

#

On August 30, 2018, Marie Severin, co-creator of the Marvel comics character Spider-Woman, “died at age 89, following a stroke”. The “longtime Marvel Comics artist and colorist. . . was inducted into the Will Eisner Hall of Fame in 2001”. Severin designed Spider-Woman’s “iconic costume. . .in 1976”.

I got this from Brian Cronin’s online/CBR article “Spider-Woman Co-Creator Marie Severin Dies At Age 89” (posted 8/30/18). The article also said: “Severin broke into the comic book industry in the early 1950s when her older brother, comic book artist John Severin (1922—2012) asked her to color one of his stories for EC Comics. She did such a good job that she was soon the regular colorist for EC Comics. When EC Comics’ comic book line went out of business following the institution of the Comic Code Authority (which seemed almost specifically designed to put EC Comics out of business), Severin worked for Atlas comics a little bit before leaving comic books entirely to go work at the Federal Reserve.

“In the late 1950s Severin began to get back into comic books, working for Atlas again doing some production work. As Atlas turned into Marvel and began to expand, Severin’s work for them expanded as well. By the end of the late 1960s, Severin was the main colorist at Marvel while also doing the occasional penciling job. When the Hulk gained his own series, Incredible Hulk, Severin was the penciler for the first five issues. . .

“In the 1980s she began working in Special Projects (again, her likenesses were always amazing). She was let go by Marvel during their restructuring following their late 1990s bankruptcy. She continued working as an artist until retiring in the mid-2000s.”

Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago. . . Volume 3 by various artists and writers

(pb; 2011: graphic novel. Collects Star Wars issues #50--67 and King-Sized Annual #2. These stories take place between The Empire Strikes Back [1980] and Return of the Jedi [1983].)

From the back cover

"From 1977 to 1986, Marvel Comics produced monthly 'Star Wars' comics. This was when the continuity for that galaxy far, far away was still brand-new, when almost anything could happen-- and often did."ar,
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Overall review

Volume 3 is a fun, action-packed read with the occasional plot-awkwardness that marred the previous volume. This time out, though, there are less discrepancies with now-established canon. Again, many of the stories are standard science fiction stories that could be applied to any series, but then the same could be said about Star Wars. The artwork, again, varies from decent to god-awful, but between nostalgia and the general fun tone of the work, this volume is a worthwhile read for fans like myself. Followed by Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago. . .Volume 4.


Story arcs

“The Crimson Forever” [#50]: A deadly plague sweeps across the galaxy, Luke numbering among its barely-alive victims. His friends seek a cure for it. Domina Tagge, last seen in issue #37, makes an appearance.


“Resurrection of Evil” [#51] ─ “To Take the Tarkin” [#52]: The Rebels face a new Imperial super-weapon, as dangerous as the Death Star was. Meanwhile, Vader fends off a coup among his men.


“The Last Gift from Alderaan” [#53] ─ “Starfire Rising” [#54]: Cheesy and melodramatic characters and events highlight this “meh”-writerly tale about Leia, sword-wielding people on Shiva IV (a backwater planet), the Empire and a black hole.


“Plif!” [#55]: Chewie, Leia, Artoo and See-Threepio scout out a planet (Arbra) as a possible new base for the Alliance and get to know the smart and fierce wildlife, one member of it named Plif.


“Coffin in the Clouds” [#56]: Lando Calrissian returns to the Cloud City. While there, he faces a killer robot, Imperial troops, treachery and possible allies.


“Sundown!” [#58] ─ “Bazarre” [#59]: While Leia, Artoo and See-Threepio try to rig a force field around a sun-circling Rebel fleet, Luke, Chewie and Lando deal with a sneaky black marketer (Ferret) in order to secure more ships for the Alliance.


“Shira’s Story” [#60]: Shira Brie, the hot-shot Rebel pilot and Luke’s friend, returns to her Empire-devastated homeworld with the Jedi apprentice. Once they arrive, they ─ of course ─ encounter hostility in the form of Gundarks, a war-loving race. (Brie originally appeared in issue #56.)


“Screams in the Void” [#61] ─ “The Mind Spider” [#63]: When Luke makes what appears to be a tragic error about Shira Brie, he is shocked to discover that the truth may or may not be worse than he thought.


“Serphidian Eyes” [#64]: On a medieval alien world (Serphidia, in the Belial system), Luke tries to recruit new allies by negotiating with their Imperialistic, corrupt leader.


“Golbraith Never Forgets!” [#65]: When the Rebels realize that a crystalline record of their activities was left at an old base (Golbraith), they race there to erase it ─ only to find that an Imperial military attachment has beat them to the site.


“Water Bandits!” [#66]: Luke, accidentally abandoned by his Rebel friends after the events of the previous issue, helps a water farmer (Darial Anglethorn) fight off thieves and odd alien creatures.


“Shadeshine!” [King-Sized Annual #2]: Lando and Luke, pursued by stormtroopers on Ventooine, are told a tale about Han Solo via a recording made by Solo years before.


“The Darker” [#67]: On Arbra, planet of the new Rebel base, See-Threepio, Artoo, Chewie and some hoojib (including Plif) discover and combat a negative-energy creature seeking to escape its force shield prison.

Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago. . . Volume 2 by various artists and writers

(pb; 2010: graphic novel. Collects Star Wars issues #28--49 and King-Sized Annual #1)

From the back cover

"A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..."Farm boy Luke Skywalker dreamed of going to the stars, only to get more than he ever hoped for when he joined an old Jedi to rescue a princess, aided a galactic rebellion, and singlehandedly destroyed the deadliest super-weapon ever devised. But Luke's adventures in the film Star Wars: A New Hope were just the beginning. From 1977 to 1986, Marvel comics published monthly adventures in comics form, keeping alive the excitement and fun of Star Wars for a whole generation as they waited for the next chapter in the film series.

"Collected here are issues #28 to #49, and the Giant Size Annual #1."


Overall review

This twenty-two-issue edition collects issues #28─19 and King-Sized Annual #1, which were originally published in the late 1970s and early 1980s. A lot of these stories took place between A New Hope (1977) and The Empire Strikes Back (1980). They also include the comic book version of the latter film, as well as between-film stories, with additional bad guys and good guys. 

This is a fun, sometimes plot-awkward read, as Luke and Leia’s sibling relationship was not yet known, Jabba the Hut’s appearance and character is different (he is now thin) and other Star Wars themes and elements were not yet established. Many of the stories are standard science fiction stories that could be applied to any series, but then the same could be said about Star Wars. The artwork varies from decent to god-awful, but between nostalgia and the general fun tone of the work, this volume is a worthwhile read for fans like myself. Followed by Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago. . .Volume 3.


Story arcs

“What Ever Happened to Jabba the Hut?” [#28]: Han Solo and Chewbacca battle with some of Hut’s bounty hunters on Orleon, an “obscure planet” filled with acid-blooded stonemites.

“Dark Encounter” [#29]: On Centares, a planet ruined by industrial waste, Dark Vader and Valance ─ a cyborg bounty hunter ─ race and fight each other in order to capture a Rebel Alliance deserter (Tyler Lucian).

“A Princess Alone!” [#30]: Leia Organa sneaks onto the Empire-run factory planet, Metalorn, on a secret mission. While doing so, she tangles with Baron Orman Tagge, last seen in issue #25.

“The Long Hunt” [King-Size Annual #1]: On the planet Tirahnn, Luke and Leia offend the haughty Majestrix of Skye and her beastly Catuman Warriors. They, along with Han Solo, Chewbacca and their old friend [Katya] also fend off an attacking smoke demon. This is one of the my favorite issues in this series, it is one of the better-illustrated works as well.

“Return to Tatooine!” [#31] ─ “Saber Clash! “ [#33]: Luke does that. He encounters an old acquaintance, a hick named Fixer ─ as well as Baron Orman Tagge and his scientist brother (Silas) and a lot of stormtroopers. Han Solo, See-Threepio and Artoo get caught up in the action, also.

“Thunder in the Stars!” [#34]: Luke tries to save his Rebel friends from the Omega Frost, created by Silas Tagge, a device that freezes ships in space.

“Dark Lord’s Gambit” [#35] ─ “In Mortal Combat!” [#37]: Seeking new recruits for the Rebellion, Luke and the gang visit the fourth moon of Yavin, where the flirtatious Sister Domina, Priestess in the Order of the Sacred Circle, holds sway. Complications arise when her family history is revealed and Darth Vader shows up.

“Riders in the Void” [#38]: Luke and Leia find themselves stuck in an icky, hallucinogenic alternate reality. This is an especially fun issue.

“The Empire Strikes Back” [#39] ─ “Duel a Dark Lord!” [#44]: These issues are the comic book adaptation of the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back.

“Death Probe” [#45]: Artoo and Luke battle an Imperial death probe, which is tearing their ship apart, and the Star Destroyer it contacts.

“The Dreams of Cody Sunn-Childe!”: Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian crash land on an unfamiliar planet and meet legendary Rebel heroes (Cody Sunn-Childe and others) ─ who have sworn off violence. When Imperial trackers find them, the tale takes a tragic turn.


“Droid World!” [#47]: Artoo and See-Threepio try to stay alive on a space station where hostile droids hunt them.

“The Third Law” [#48]: Leia, See-Threepio and Artoo fend off assassination attempt ─ guided by Darth Vader ─ on a neutral-ground banking planet (“Aargau. . . third planet of the Zug system”). There is a lot of potent and imaginative writing in this issue.

“The Last Jedi!” [#49]: A rescue signal brings Luke and Leia to an out-of-the-way planet, where they cross paths with an Empire-deposed prince (Prince Denid of Velmor) and Jedidiah, a legendary Jedi Knight ─ as well as an Imperial attaché, Traal, who wants to kill Denid.

Essential Marvel: The Amazing Spider-Man Volume 5 by “Stan Lee, John Romita, Sam Rosen & Friends”

(pb; 1970, 1971, 1972 and 2006: graphic novel. Collects The Amazing Spider-Man #90-113.)

From the back cover

"Granted amazing, arachnid-like abilities by the bite of an irradiated spider, Peter Parker has vowed to protect his fellow man! In this volume: The return of the diabolical Doctor Octopus! A side trip to the Savage Land that time forgot! The first-ever appearance of Morbius the Living Vampire! The death of Captain George Stacy! Plus: the wall-crawler's climactic battle with the grinning Green Goblin!"


Overall review

Caveat: possible spoilers in this review.

The fifth volume of The Amazing Spider-Man shows Peter Parker maturing, in fits and starts, and sports some experimental – for the series – storylines and backdrops for the webhead to explore and fight in. There is less adolescent melodrama and less roll-your-eyes filler issues, making this one of the better entries in this series. Even the oddball issues that do not work, and there are a few, have something interesting in them, something that later issues build upon in a more effective way.

The artwork continues to be, well, amazing. Vol. 5 is worth owning, and includes a section with diagrams showing how Spider-Man’s web shooter and belt-camera work, as well as Doctor Octopus’s tentacle harness – interesting, well thought-out stuff. Be warned that this graphic novel ends on a cliffhanger note. Followed by Vol. 6


Story arcs

“And Death Shall Come!” (#90): In this carry-over storyline from issues #88 and 89, Spider-Man is still battling Doctor Octopus, a.k.a. Otto Octavius, resulting in the death of a major character.

“To Smash the Spider!” (#91): Sam Bullitt, a corrupt politician, tries to exploit the death of police Capt. Stacy, Gwen Stacy’s father. Bullitt does this by framing Spider-Man for murder.

“When Iceman Attacks!” (#92): The frosty X-Man, believing Spider-Man responsible for Capt. Stacy’s death, tries to bring the web-slinger to justice.

“The Lady and – the Prowler!” (#93): Hobie Brown, a.k.a. the Prowler, comes out of retirement to try his hand at capturing Spider-Man, still thought to be a killer. [The Prowler was last seen in issue #87.] Meanwhile, a grieving Gwen Stacy struggles with a decision – whether or not to stay in New York City, or move to London, England, with her distant relatives.

“On Wings of Death!” (#94): Spider-Man’s origin story is recounted. Also, the Beetle is back, with the intention of stealing something mysterious. While doing this, he kidnaps Aunt May!

“Trap for a Terrorist!” (#95): Peter Parker flies to London, England, to look for Gwen Stacy. While there, he tangles with terrorists.

“. . . And Now, the Goblin!” (#96) – “The Goblin’s Last Gasp!” (#98): Norman Osborn remembers his criminal past as the Green Goblin – as well as secret identity of Spider-Man. The Goblin’s mission this time: to kill his arachnid-enhanced foe. While this is happening, Osborn’s son (Harry) struggles with drug addiction, and Peter Parker’s separation from Gwen Stacy reaches its conclusion.

“Panic in the Prison!” (#99): When rioting prisoners take their warden hostage, Spider-Man swings into action. This roll-your-eyes filler issue has a remarkably upbeat finish – if only all hardened criminals were so innocent and agreeable!

“The Spider or the Man?” (#100): In one of the more boneheaded and bizarre issues, the web-slinger – seeking to rid himself of his super powers – drinks an untested laboratory formula. He has an issue-filler dream, and mutates in a theme-consistent way.

“A Monster Called Morbius!” (#101) – “Vampire At Large!” (#102): Panicked by his mutation, Spider-Man goes to the Everglades in Florida to see if Curt Connors – sometimes the Lizard – can help him undo his boneheaded experiment in the previous issue. The situation is exacerbated when a vampire (Michael Morbius, also called Morbius) shows up, sparking a three-way battle between Spider-Man, the Lizard [a transformed Curt Connors] and Morbius.

This is Morbius’s first appearance in this series.

“Walk the Savage Land!” (#103) – “The Beauty and the Brute” (#104): J. Jonah Jameson leads an expedition into the Savage Land, a beneath-the-earth realm located in Antartica. The reason: Jameson wants to publish a series of stories about a mysterious monster said to be there. His fellow travelers include Robbie Robertson, Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy.

While they are there, another monster – Gog, an oversized reptilian alien – snatches Gwen and escapes into the prehistoric forest. Spider-Man, with help from Ka-Zar and his sabretooth tiger (Zabu), goes after Gog to rescue Gwen. The giant reptile is not the only threat to Gwen, it seems: Gog is the pet of Kraven the Hunter, a villain familiar to the web-slinger and Ka-Zar. . . These issues were especially fun and out-there for this title.

“The Spider Slayer!” (#105) – “Spidey Smashes Thru!” (#107): Dr. Smythe, who has built a new arachnid-like robot, is once again hired by J. Jonah Jameson. Their goal: to kill Spider-Man. Dr. Smythe also appeared in issues #25 and #58.

On the friends-of-Peter Parker front, Harry Osborne – fragile in his recovery from drug addiction and longing for Mary Jane Watson – returns home. So does Flash Thompson, back from the Vietnam War – and it seems he is afraid of something, though he won’t say what. Not only that, his yen for Gwen Stacy, Parker’s girlfriend.

“Vengeance from Vietnam!” (#108) – “Enter: Dr. Strange” (#109): Flash Thompson is kidnapped by Vietnamese monks, who hold him responsible for the death of their leader. This prompts Spider-Man to save Thompson, with unexpected help from Dr. Strange, who has additional information about the monks. This is Dr. Strange’s first appearance in this comic book series.

“The Birth of. . . the Gibbon!” (#110) – “To Stalk a Spider!” (#111): Spider-Man meets the huge, ape-faced Martin Blank, a.k.a. the Gibbon, and tries to discourage Blank from embarking on a superhero career. Blank, who has low self-esteem, takes this the wrong way and is manipulated by Kraven the Hunter [thought dead at the end of issue #104] into joining forces with the vengeful hunter – Kraven is still raging against the web-slinger about previous defeats, as well as the death of his friend, Gog.

“Spidey Cops Out!” (#112) – “They Call the Doctor Octopus!” (#113): Peter Parker, worried about the disappearance of Aunt May, considers – for the zillionth time – quitting the superhero gig. His self-pity session is interrupted by the accidental reappearance of Otto Octavius, a.k.a. Doctor Octopus, who was laying the groundwork for a new criminal scheme while fighting a turf war with Hammerhead, whose head-shape and attitude reflect his moniker. This is the first appearance of Hammerhead in this comic book.

Essential Marvel: Tomb of Dracula Vol. 3 by Marv Wolfman, Gene Colan & others

(pb; 2004: Collects Tomb of Dracula #50-70, The Tomb of Dracula magazine #1-4. These issues were originally published between 1976 and 1979.)

From the back cover

"Delve deeper into Marvel's Golden Age of horror with the Lord of the Vampires and his host of hated pursuers, including filmdom's superstar Blade! Follow Dracula through centuries of adventures, each darker than the last! From a cosmic clash with the Silver Surfer, to a fight in the streets as a mere mortal, to literal family struggles with his daughter, the Demoness, and his son, the Angel! Includes rare black-and-white tales unrated by the Comics Code Authority!"


Review

Tomb of Dracula Vol. 3 is an uneven read. While Dracula is a larger than life character, his personality -- petty and foolish, even for an arrogant undead regent -- is too over-the-top: this made me wonder how someone this emotionally erratic survived for so long. It appears that part of the reason for his survival is that many of his enemies (even those sworn to destroy him at any cost) have the plot-convenient habit of letting him go when they have the chance to eradicate the storied bloodsucker. (Oh, they have their justifications, but they read like the dying gasps of a comic book series that should have been a miniseries or two, at best.)

It should be noted that the four issues of The Tomb of Dracula magazine that close out this graphic novel have better stories (for the most part) than the twenty-issue series that precedes the magazine.

That said, Tomb Vol. 3 is a fun, park-your-brain (if character-inconsistent and melodramatic) storyline with excellent, spooky, nostalgic and action-oriented artwork. It is worth reading, if the above caveats do not put you off.