Spider-Boy #4 Review

 

Writers: Dan Slott

Artists: Paco Medina; Ty Templeton

Colorist: Erick Arciniega; Dee Cunniffe

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Humberto Ramos & Edgar Delgado; Nicoletta Baldari; Philip Tan & Rachelle Rosenberg; Martín Cóccolo & Jesus Aburtov; Ethan Young & John Kalisz

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: February 21, 2023

 

Bailey Briggs risked his reputation to aid Thor. Yet winning the Asgardian's approval meant revealing his monstrous side. Can people trust Bailey, or is he more of a monster than a boy?

 Let's thwip into Spider-Boy #4 and find out!

 

“Nightmare Scenario”

Story

Aunt Mae hosts a movie night at the F.E.A.S.T. center. Tonight's viewing is her nephew Peter's favorite movie, Fast Car Family Five. But Fast Car Family X is playing at the theater down the street. If only Bailey had money, he could watch the latest movie instead of an installment from Ancientville.

 

His friend Christina reminds Bailey that he's got a lifetime pass at Lucky Lane's Bowling Alley. Yeah, he's someone there! Christina cheers him on, even if he doesn't throw all strikes. If only he had accuracy as a superpower, maybe Spider-Man would trust him with web shooters.

 

 

 

In his Spider-Boy #4 story “Nightmare Scenario,” Dan Slott reveals Bailey's frustration. Like us, he yearns to be recognized and at the forefront of everything current. Bailey doesn't try to gain insights into his mentor by watching Peter's favorite movie. Nor does he appreciate how Christina’s family cares for him. He may get free bowling, but when Lucky Lane’s generosity doesn’t extend to free nachos, Bailey abandons Christina to find fun by patrolling the neighborhood

.

 

Blessed with power beyond his years, Bailey grows frustrated when older spidey folks like Peter and Miles don't accept him. Worse, no one remembers him, which isolates him from friends and family. Yet Bailey excels in "Nightmare Scenario" because he finds non-combative solutions to problems. He relies on reason instead of super strength in Spider-Boy #4. Bailey risks losing his friends by using his unpopular abilities to protect someone who feels similarly isolated and disdained. 

 

 

 

 

Art

Aunt May shows no hesitation in greeting the homeless residents at the F.E.A.S.T. center. Bailey’s fellow residents look like ordinary people. Christina cheers Spider-Boy as he hurls a ball down the lane, but the worker pumping cheese onto a serving of nachos lacks enthusiasm. Bailey bounds over water towers and buildings with eye-catching architectural features. He perches atop a pinnacle as the Spider-Men tackling the winged Vulturians steal the foreground.

 

Erick Arciniega lavishes brilliant foreground color on Paco Medina's art in Spider-Boy #4. Background colors are soft, varied, and luminous, making night in the city that never sleeps appealing. Yet the color drains away when a sinister-looking intruder breaks into the bowling alley after it closes. A limited palette enhances thrilling car chases on the big screen. Despite how much money they paid, patrons flee a viewing of Fast Car Family X.

 

 

 

“Missing Pieces”

Story

Dan Slott’s second story in Spider-Boy #4 takes you inside Madame Monstrosity’s lab. After learning that she turned Bailey into Spider-Boy, she searched her records for how she created him. Using the results of her earlier experiment, she births a new entry to the Spider-Verse.

 

“Missing Pieces” is a prequel to "Nightmare Scenario" and enhances our understanding of Bailey's actions in the first story. Madame Monstrosity's actions sow doubt in Spider-Men and Christina's minds, severing Bailey's link with his friends. Whether Bailey can rebuild those relationships and regain their trust remains to be seen.

 

 

 

Art

Ty Templeton’s fanciful art reveals a grand villain, seemingly “forgotten” since the earliest era of Spider-Man. Templeton welcomes us into a lab filled with giant monitors, steam rising from vats, and bubble-filled birthing pods. Humanimal servants carry out their duties and monitor experiments. Madame Monstrosity's eyes widen, and she throws out her arms as her latest creation crawls from a nutrient tank in Spider-Boy #4.

 

Dee Cunniffe steeps the lab in green. Purple, pink, orange, and brown fill backgrounds when Madame Monstrosity takes her Humanimals on tour. Yellow lightning divides panels into scenes from Bailey's life as Madame Monstrosity's latest creation gazes upon the city in wonder. Behind him, a black and white billboard reveals the city's ambiguity with their latest hero.

 

Joe Caramagna thwips black uppercase dialogue into white balloons in “Nightmare Scenario” and “Missing Pieces." Word size shrinks for lowered voices, grows bold for intonation, and enlarges and changes color for shouts. Bailey's monster speech makes another appearance, while an attractive title-style font proclaims the name of Madame Monstrosity's latest creation in Spider-Boy #4.

 

Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Bailey stops trying to gain Spider-Man's respect and embraces his inner monster, while Madame Monstrosity reveals the identity of his mother in Spider-Boy #4.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Spider-Boy #3 Review

 

Writers: Dan Slott

Artists: Paco Medina; Ty Templeton

Colorist: Erick Arciniega; Dee Cunniffe

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Humberto Ramos & Edgar Delgado; David Baldeón & Jesus Aburtov; Paco Medina & Edgar Delgado; Federico Vicentini & Alejandro Sanchez; Leinil Francis Yu & Sunny Gho

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: January 31, 2023

 

Once, Bailey Briggs had a home, a mother, and a life. Now Bailey lives in a homeless shelter, a framed photo of his mother is his only possession, and many regard him as a monster. Can Bailey rebuild his life and gain others' respect? Let's thwip into Spider-Boy #3 and find out!

 

“Nonstop Action Figure”

Story

When he sees a woman fall from her balcony, Bailey races to save her and her cat. Yet he seems more focused on developing a theme tune, and when she gushes with appreciation, he suggests $20. Thankfully, his friend Christina Xu is nearby and talks Spider-Boy out of a faux pas. Yet Bailey has a point. Shouldn't superheroes get paid for defending others? It worked out for Luke Cage, as the former Hero For Hire is now New York City's mayor.

 

Spider-Boy helped Captain America prevent Taskmaster from stealing the Super Adaptoid for his client. While Taskmaster only brings Killionaire the powerful robot’s hand, the precocious child grows incensed and threatens to kill the skull-faced villain. Killionaire’s chief scientist, Dr. Shannon Stillwell, appeases the Evil Richie Rich by rebuilding the robot hand into a remote-control action figure. Imbued with all the powers of the Avengers, the pint-sized hero can transform to suit Killionaire’s desires. Best of all, it’s an exclusive!

 

In his Spider-Boy #3 story “Nonstop Action Figure,” Dan Slott contrasts Bailey's plight with Killionaire. The young villain has money and power but only finds amusement by hurting others. Bailey let a thief abscond with his cellphone—filled with pictures of his mother—when his spider-sense alerted him to someone in need. When the influencer threatens to steal the shoes Mr. Fantastic gave Bailey (when his fellow superheroes accepted and respected him), Spider-Boy overcomes his anxiety over losing another piece of his identity. Instead of employing force, Bailey uses his wits to defuse the confrontation and turn a villain into a hero.   

 

 

 

Art

While security agents in black suits scan the surroundings, Killionaire looks up at Taskmaster and Dr. Stillwell. Taskmaster crosses his arms over his chest. Shannon wears an exoskeletal suit. Light glints off her monocular as she pulls off a cloth. As in her creator's first appearance, the action figure rests its hands on its hips. Killionaire removes his shades. The letter K hangs from a chain link necklace. The young villain’s eyes widen, and he rests one hand in the pocket of his tracksuit as he orders Toy Soldier to destroy Taskmaster. Thank goodness Killionaire doesn't have a freeze-ray gun!

 

Erick Arciniega lavishes full spectrum color on Paco Medina's art in Spider-Boy #3. While Toy Soldier remains green despite changes in appearance, bold colors provide appeal and contrast. Bailey's luminous yellow eyes highlight his striking red-and-blue costume. Yellow suggests Bailey's power as he catches a dog hurtling through the air and the impact Spider-Boy absorbs when hitting the ground.

 

 

“Spi-lingual”

Story

The lighting striking a construction site beckons bystanders to investigate. As Christina and Bailey merge with the crowd, she urges him to help Thor battle a giant spider. His Spider-Boy abilities grant him super strength, leaping, and wall-crawling, but Bailey realizes that only his monster mode can aid the Asgardian’s efforts. Although reluctant, Bailey summons the physical changes. Additional eyes appear on his face, and fangs sprout from his jaws.

 

Dan Slott’s second story in Spider-Boy #3 requires that Bailey risk the goodwill he's gained. People respect hard work, but they also respond to appearances. Despite Thor's insistence that your belief in yourself matters most, Bailey knows he's inviting more front-page articles in the Daily Bugle and other media declaiming the monstrous new Spider-Boy.

 

Like “Nonstop Action Figure,” “Spi-lingual” also pits Bailey against an opponent with far greater powers. While we don't learn about the resilience and magical properties of the Uru in his opponent’s armor, Thor finds the giant spider a worthy foe. Once again, Spider-Boy must break his mentor’s rule of only fighting lesser threats. But like Thor, Bailey finds communication a powerful weapon.

 

 

 

Art

The armored spider stands equal with Thor but forces the Asgardian back. His mighty thews wield a cracked Mjolnir to no avail. Ty Templeton's early panels focus on Christina and Bailey in Spider-Boy #3. The camera and cellphone-wielding crowd fade away as Christina gives Bailey “The Look.”  A metal Y adorns the spider’s battle helmet, and dreadlocks frame the fang-filled mouth of the Lockjaw-sized monster. Thor clutches one of its limbs as the spider pushes his winged helmet toward the ground. The Asgardian struggles to keep his booted feet beneath him.

 

Dee Cunniffe’s loaded palette softens this all-ages tale. Bright blue surrounds crackling white lightning, while the sky grows brown as it nears the ground. When Thor whirls his hammer, he unleashes a rainbow of color reminiscent of the Asgardian hero’s Silver Age adventures. In the final panel, a purple-adorned figure works in a room dominated by green video screens.

 

 

 

Joe Caramagna thwips black uppercase dialogue into white balloons in "Nonstop Action Figure" and "Spi-lingual." Word size shrinks for lowered voices, grows bold for intonation, and enlarges and changes color for shouts. Toy Soldier speaks green dialogue, while Thor summons a distinctive font. Caramagna helps us hear the tiny green Avenger battle Bailey and Mjolnir clang off Uru armor. Yet Bailey’s monster-mode utterances remain Caramagna’s most unique contributions to Spider-Boy #3.

 

Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Giving triumphs over getting, seeking the best in others prevails where strength fails, sacrifice wins respect, and people prize their pets in Spider-Boy #3.

 

Rating: 9.6/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

 

 

Spider-Boy #1 Review

 

Writers: Dan Slott

Artists: Paco Medina; Ty Templeton

Colorist: Erick Arciniega; Dee Cunniffe

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Humberto Ramos & Edgar Delgado

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $5.99

Release Date: November 1, 2023

 

In Spider-Man #11, Spider-Boy sensed a man was in danger. When he touched a freshly washed shirt hanging out to dry, young Bailey Briggs realized Gutterball was to blame. Can Spider-Boy save the man from the villain? Let's fwip into Spider-Boy #1 and find out!

 

“Solo Run”

Story

Our heroes hurtle into Lucky Lane’s bowling alley. Aided by Spider-Man, Spider-Boy saves the endangered man, the proprietor, and others from Gutterball. Yet everyone regards Bailey with horror. When he sees a photo of him “monstering out” on the front page of the Daily Bugle, Bailey realizes why.

 

With no place to call home, the F.E.A.S.T. shelter where Aunt May works takes Bailey in. Christina Xu—another volunteer—regards him as a friend. Peter Parker arrives with a new edition of the Daily Bugle. Thanks to Peter, the article hails Spider-Boy as Manhattan's latest hero. But when the ten-year-old returns to the bowling alley to receive his reward, the ceremony doesn’t go as planned. 

 

 

Dan Slott’s “Solo Run” raises intriguing questions about how recent Spider-Verse events reshaped reality. Most people seem ignorant of Gutterball. Yet a cop recognizes him. In Spider-Man #11, Bailey claims Gutterball was out to get the man, which suggests he also knows the villain. Timing and logic inconsistencies menace Spider-Man's visit to the Daily Bugle offices. Lastly, Madame Monstrosity's choice of Humanimal to send on her mission is either blind luck or a subconscious suggestion, given she doesn’t remember creating Bailey. Still, readers discover how Bailey became Spider-Boy, meet a friend from his past, and see him pit his spider abilities and wits against one of her Humanimals in Spider-Boy #1. 

 

Art

Paco Medina conveys the fight’s furious action as Gutterball fires his bowling pin handgun, Spider-Boy rescues bowlers, and Spider-Man swoops in for the takedown. Bailey’s conversations with Christina convey the ten-year-old's desire for acceptance, his camaraderie with Christina, and his kinship with Peter. Surrounded by her Humanimal servants, Madame Monstrosity works in a laboratory less impressive than Norman Osborn’s but more upscale than Doc Ock’s recent lair. Erick Arciniega’s bold, vibrant colors energize the bowling lane brawl, reveal how volunteers help make F.E.A.S.T. a home, and enrich the drama as young Bailey relives the day that changed his life forever.

 

 

“Balloonacy!”

Story

Christina drags Bailey away from F.E.A.S.T. for the best meal of the year, so he figures they should nab the best spot to observe the Macy’s Day Parade. Bailey carries her as he climbs a highrise. On the roof, they meet Squirrel Girl. When a child's balloon alerts Spider-Boy that all the spectators are in danger, Spider-Boy and Squirrel Girl leap off the multistory building and race through the crowded streets. Their appearance prompts Professor Emilio Helio to launch his evil plan.

 

Dan Slott’s story Balloonacy in Spider-Boy #1 builds upon children’s love of parades and balloons. It also puts a sinister spin on the inflatable characters people display on holidays and businesses use year-round. Spider-Boy's unconventional solution will please parents and teachers while introducing readers to Balloon Man and Captain Squirrel. Like Spider-Boy, the latter wears a mask to protect his identity. 

 

 

 

Art

As spectators flood Sixth Avenue, giant balloons float between tall buildings. Ty Templeton portrays holidaymakers with expressive faces. Images surround Spider-Boy’s masked face, illustrating the inrush of information from his spider sense. Dee Cunniffe’s palette softens this all-ages tale in which Spider-Boy and Squirrel Girl battle a balloon vendor wearing a balloon over his head and hat.

 

In “Solo Run” and “Balloonacy," Joe Caramagna thwips black uppercase dialogue into white balloons. Whispered exchanges shrink words, raised voices enlarge them, and intonation emboldens or colors them. He seasons Spider-Boy #1 liberally with sound effects to help us hear Bailey's battles and feel the ten-year-old's pain.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Madame Monstrosity’s links to the Scorpion and the Human Fly—as revealed in Amazing Spider-Man #31—combined with Daily Bugle demonizing in Spider-Boy #1, compare Marvel’s newest Spidey Hero with Spider-Man’s turbulent past. After Bailey proved he could tackle adult villains in Dan Slott’s Spider-Man #11, Peter Parker steps aside to let his new sidekick battle people from his past and make all-new friends in the all-ages Spider-Boy #1.

 

Rating 9/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.