General Information

Title: Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 5: Public Scrutiny
Author: Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrator(s): Mark Bagley
Original Publication Date: 2003 reprint of material first published 2002-2003.
ISBN: 0-7851-1087-9
Cover Price: $11.99 US, $19.25 Can
Buy from: Amazon.com or Amazon.ca

Premise

As far as the general public is concerned, Spider-Man has turned criminal. It reprints issues 28-32 of the comic.

High Point

There are a few great moments, and great ideas. The best is probably the complete left turn that I never saw coming with Captain Stacy. Close runner-ups are the entire Rhino issue, the growing feeling of being part of a more complete universe, the care and assistance from sources who won't expend resources without good reason, and the realistic portrayal of the psychological impact this kind of life would have on people.

Low Point

The identity of the imposter was something of a let-down. I sincerely hope he reappears and gets developed into a character that can redeem this appearance.

The Scores

Once again, Bendis manages to retell old stories in a way that feels original. I recognize the basis for some of these moments from the Essential volumes I've read, but most of the time, they were only visible in retrospect. Bendis has mixed in a healthy dose of new stuff (like the imposter villain; I was expecting Ultimate Chameleon) to make it feel alive. I give it 5 out of 6.

The artwork is good, but not quite as good as the previous volumes. It looks like Bendis can handle the increased work schedule (as this title moves to 18 issues a year) but Bagley's work seems to be slipping a bit. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story was well done. The first issue is really more of a one-shot than a part of the story, but it's well done. The last four issues in the set are well crafted and easily blend together. The only gripe was that the villain needed more work. (Where in blazes did he get the web-shooters?) I give it 5 out of 6.

The characterization is excellent. We learn more about everybody; Peter, Aunt May, MJ, MJ's parents, Gwen, Gwen's parents, even some of the Bugle staff. We've even got insight into the Wasp! I give it 6 out of 6.

The emotional response this produced was excellent. I laughed through a lot of the Rhino issue, particularly at its conclusion. The rest of the set wasn't really played for laughs, but it had several moments that kept me right in the pages. The ending was a partial let-down, though, so I can't justify a perfect score. I give it 5 out of 6.

The flow was better than usual, primarily because there was so little fighting going on. It just felt like a hectic couple of days. I give it 6 out of 6.

Overall, it's another example of excellent work by the best team in Marvel's Ultimate lineup. I give it 5 out of 6.

In total, Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 5: Public Scrutiny receives 37 out of 42.