Dan, your experience with the original USM is strikingly similar to my own (though I think I started reading around the age of 9 or 10, which is arguably a tad young for that series).
Despite the fact that I’ve since purchased the omni collecting the same issues, I can’t make myself ditch the very well-worn trades that I also used to tote around everywhere. When I use this word “countless,” it’s normally intentional hyperbole. But I truly cannot begin to say how many times I’ve read those first six trades. The only book that comes close is The Essential Spider-Man Vol. 1 AKA the book that made me think (for way too long) that all old comics were in black and white.
Had to drop a thank you for making me feel seen here!
Really excellent reviews all around though. There are several B titles here that I haven’t gotten to read. Though I really dig the DeFalco/Frenz era, I had no intention of reading the Secret Wars comic. These retreads have largely left me more depressed than anything, and I didn’t want to see DeFalco go the way of JMD. But now I’m legitimately excited to check this one out!
I own all the single issues and the trades, mostly because those trades are essentially pulp now, despite not being made of newsprint. I remember I got BMB to sign my first volume trade and he was like, "Is this still readable?"
I am having trouble squaring my thoughts on the new Ultimate Spider-Man. It’s clearly beautiful and a good comic. But it’s hard to be too blown away that feels like an elseworlds tale more than a new ongoing continuity. The Maker’s shadow really affects this just being What if Spider-Man was older. This kinda just feels like Life Story in that it’s just a different version of Pete. Albeit with high profile creators.
In addition I have lots of little thoughts on Ben, the Bugle, some writing tics, that keep me from loving this book. Which I’m not going to bore anyone with.
But i am intrigued and that’s big.
Still if I had to choose between only reading this or the current 616 Peter I’m choosing 616. It’s more fun! Maybe subsequent issues will sway me.
Dan, your experience with the original USM is strikingly similar to my own (though I think I started reading around the age of 9 or 10, which is arguably a tad young for that series).
Despite the fact that I’ve since purchased the omni collecting the same issues, I can’t make myself ditch the very well-worn trades that I also used to tote around everywhere. When I use this word “countless,” it’s normally intentional hyperbole. But I truly cannot begin to say how many times I’ve read those first six trades. The only book that comes close is The Essential Spider-Man Vol. 1 AKA the book that made me think (for way too long) that all old comics were in black and white.
Had to drop a thank you for making me feel seen here!
Really excellent reviews all around though. There are several B titles here that I haven’t gotten to read. Though I really dig the DeFalco/Frenz era, I had no intention of reading the Secret Wars comic. These retreads have largely left me more depressed than anything, and I didn’t want to see DeFalco go the way of JMD. But now I’m legitimately excited to check this one out!
Thank you both for the great commentary!
I own all the single issues and the trades, mostly because those trades are essentially pulp now, despite not being made of newsprint. I remember I got BMB to sign my first volume trade and he was like, "Is this still readable?"
Glad you enjoyed this newsletter!
I am having trouble squaring my thoughts on the new Ultimate Spider-Man. It’s clearly beautiful and a good comic. But it’s hard to be too blown away that feels like an elseworlds tale more than a new ongoing continuity. The Maker’s shadow really affects this just being What if Spider-Man was older. This kinda just feels like Life Story in that it’s just a different version of Pete. Albeit with high profile creators.
In addition I have lots of little thoughts on Ben, the Bugle, some writing tics, that keep me from loving this book. Which I’m not going to bore anyone with.
But i am intrigued and that’s big.
Still if I had to choose between only reading this or the current 616 Peter I’m choosing 616. It’s more fun! Maybe subsequent issues will sway me.