Spider-Man Noir #4 (Marvel comics)
Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I’m going to be reviewing the latest issue of Spider-Man Noir from Marvel Comics!
Set in a universe separate from the Peter Parker & Marvel Universe we all are familiar with. This universe has a familiar feel to things but is putting a very interesting spin on things! Peter is a Private Eye & has been tasked with finding just who exactly is responsible for the death of Gwen Stacy’s father. The only problem? Spider-Man is inadvertently responsible! Now Gwen knows, and she wants Peter to track him down! Just how will Peter get out of this one? Let’s jump into it!
Credit: Marvel Comics// Spider-Man #3 by Erik Larsen (Writer), Andrea Broccardo (Artist), Rachelle Rosenberg (Color Artist), VC’s Joe Sabino (Letterer) & Simone Di Meo (Cover) is an interesting twist in the story that adds an interesting layer to things.
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The Story
This issue surprised me with the twist this issue takes, especially considering the familiar path it was taking. The introduction of a new character added some spice to things. It ends up working really well, plus the human elements with Peter & company come together for a really good issue.
I really liked how the issue starts with Peter looking for a distraction from his current assignment of trying to find Spider-Man for Gwen Stacy. I’m sure I don’t have to explain the complications of that statement, so it’s understandable why Peter is stressing about it. However any distractions are quickly dashed after he asks Gwen, “I mean…what do you want with this guy?” and she replies, “He killed my father.” It’s a poignant reminder of just what Peter is dealing with and the stakes he’s facing.
We’re then introduced to a new villain who is wearing an old fashioned diving helmet plus a tattered jacket & pants. We don’t know this persons name yet, or what their motive is, but all we do know is they have a targeted agenda. It’s at this point the wrinkle gets added into the story. I won’t go into spoilers on what it is, but it works really well. It adds yet another mystery for our private investigator that’s so determined to help everyone.
Ultimately the wrinkle puts our hero into a bit of a corner, and it’s going to be interesting to see just how he gets out of things. Trouble has come knocking, and it isn’t going to wait for an answer.
The Artwork
Andrea Broccardo & Rachelle Rosenberg are on the artwork for the issue and they did a fantastic job. The look of this helmeted individual has an incredible look about them, and it fits so well of the time period. It reminded me of some of the golden age comics I’ve read and some of the villains you might find showing up in some of those issues. The overall look they’ve given to the issue also is fantastic and really helps set it apart from the other Spider-Man series on the shelves right now. It really helps with the immersion & setting the tone for the issue overall.
FINAL POINT: Erik Larsen continues a fantastic story that adds a very interesting wrinkle to the story. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out, and should keep readers guessing. Together with artwork that really helps set the tone, this issue is one that should be at the top of your list this week!
FINAL GRADE: 8.0
Thank you for taking the time to check out my review, be sure to check out more of my reviews. Be sure to reach out to me on Twitter, and let me know what you thought of the issue!
