VERY FINE/NEAR MINT
Written by Peter David, pencils by Roger Cruz, cover by Mike Wieringo. Hold onto your webs, spider-fan! A major character from Peter Parker's past returns! Meanwhile, is that the Hobgoblin terrorizing the skies? And if so, how is he connected to the shocking changes in Spider-Man's life? Continuity fans better break out their back issues, because both Spidey's past and future will change when an old (and unexpected) foe executes his master plan!
BONUS REVIEW by Rick Berg
Well it only took 8 issues but I finally enjoyed this new unnecessary Spider-Man book. Mike Wieringo’s art (as always) is fun and enjoyable. If Untold Tales of Spider-Man ever came back he definitely should be the artist. He draws my favorite teen Peter Parker since Ditko. Peter David finally free of Others and wrestlers and lameness tells one of the best in-continuity What If stories in a long time. I loved how his Peter turns out after one slight change in history. It presents a compelling look into just how much Peter is or is not influenced by his tragedies. Plus Aunt May getting her drink on is just awesome. Sadly this is issue is deducted two grahams because of Iron-Spider and a H.R. Gigeresque (see Alien) villain without the cool.
BONUS REVIEW by THE RIDDLER
Unless you've been out of comics for a year, you've gotten a look at this new Spidey book. Not only does Mike Wieringo show back up at the top of his game on art, but Peter David (a last minute sub for Mark Waid) has been telling some off-beat, fun stories. Coming off a lackluster previous arc, though, David's got something to prove. Luckily, he comes out swinging with a killer concept. Eagle-eyed readers of this review might get what the big shock is, but it shouldn't matter if you don't. By the third page, Peter David fills you in and completely hooks you. Every Spidey fan on the planet'll be familiar with this surprise too; it's not a crazy "son of Rocket Racer" obscure thing. Now reread this review to see if you can figure out who's come back! 8 Grahams