Challenges of Doom: Spider-Man #1 (Marvel Comics)
Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the FIRST issue of Challenges Of Doom: Spider-Man from Marvel Comics!
Doctor Doom is trying to take over the world! And he’s trying to recruit Spider-Man to his cause to assist him in his schemes! Will he be able to convince him? Or is it all for naught? Let’s jump into it!
Credit: Marvel Comics // Challenges Of Doom: Spider-Man #1 by Al Ewing (Writer), David Messina (Artist), Rain Beredo (Color Artist), VC’s Travis Lanham (Letterer), Fabrizio De Tommaso (Cover)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The Story
It should be stated from the start that this story, at least right now, does NOT appear to have anything to do with the ongoing stories in the Armageddon or Captain America stories. It’s set in a time in the past, specifically in the early days of Peter Parker’s journey as Spider-Man.
The set up for the story and it’s execution are equally intriguing and should be very interesting to see play out. I went into this issue with no real expectations and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the story. It starts out simply enough, Doctor Doom is figuring out how to conquer his ongoing Fantastic Four issue and he comes up with a rather interesting idea to “distract the pawns to reach the King”. His idea is that he’s going to recruit none other than Spider-Man to join his side to take on the Fantastic Four.
As I said this is early in Spider-Man’s career, so he isn’t as friendly with the Fantastic Four yet and so on the surface it makes sense in a way to see why Doom would think this way. After a VERY interesting way to get into contact with him, Doom ends up meeting up with Spider-Man and having a discussion to sell him on his idea. If you’ve read any Marvel Comics ever involving these two characters, then you know how this is going to go. Which isn’t a real drawback because the conversation between the two is so compelling that it’s sure to keep you turning the pages.
The dialogue throughout this issue is incredibly well done and some of the most compelling work I’ve read this year. There’s a lot to love with the story throughout this issue and it all is done superbly. The most compelling thing however is the ending, because oh boy. If they end up working this into the present day stories that are taking place with Doom…it could get VERY interesting.
The Artwork
David Messina & Rain Beredo are in charge of the artwork for this issue and it really is incredible. They’re able to keep the familiar look readers are used to with Spider-Man & Doom but also put their own spin on things. I really liked the way they were able to blend action panels with speaking ones and they way it was done is simply spectacular. It also might be the most visually impressive issue I’ve read in a while. It looks like a classic Marvel issue visually, but it still has some modern qualities that help it stand out and make it that much more impressive.
Overall Grade: 9/10
An incredible issue that has something for everyone. Incredible dialogue, amazing action sequences and artwork that is simply amazing. If you’re looking for an incredible story, look no further!
