Scarlet Spider

• Title: Scarlet Spider #12.1
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Christopher Yost
• Artist: Reilly Brown

I put Marvel’s .1 issues in the same unnecessary column as DC’s Zero issues and foil comic covers. Marvel has no problem releasing multiple comics for a paticular title during the same month (hell, it’s become common practice for Marvel NOW!) and slapping a .1 on the cover (which originally meant a reintroduction to the character) doesn’t really mean the same thing anymore because of the sheer number of these the House of Ideas has pushed out.

That said, Scarlet Spider #12.1 is an interesting read. I’d call it a one-shot, featuring Houston’s hero taking on white slavery, but the fact is the comic lays the groundwork for huge changes for our killer turned hero (which, when you think about it, is kind of a dick move for a .1 issue to do).

While tracking a killer whose mark reminds Kaine of his past, the Scarlet Spider takes on the gangs of Houston and The Hand who have shown up to make their presence known in the port city. And, if that news isn’t bad enough for our hero, the Kingpin appears to have major plans for Houston as well. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $2.99]

• Title: Scarlet Spider #12
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Christopher Yost
• Artist: Reilly Brown

With the events of Minimum Carnage finally done (and best forgotten) Kaine returns to Houston with plans to throw in the towel, stop playing hero, and leave the city for good. His quick getaway is halted by a drunken slumber (which may or may not have been brought on by the telepathic abilities of Aracely) and his hotel being robbed by a gang of machine gun wielding Santas.

I’m glad to see the comic deal with the events of the (again, best forgotten) crossover and move on quickly with Kaine getting some good advice from one of his new friends and then throwing on his costume to kick some serious Santa Claus ass. It’s also nice to see the comic give us a single one-off story rather that jumping directly into a new multi-issue arc.

The comic continues to tease the abilities of Aracely, play on the guilt of our main character, and provide plenty of opportunities to prove to everyone (including himself) that he is indeed a hero. (And the cover’s pretty cool, too.) Merry Christmas. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $2.99]

• Title: Scarlet Spider #9
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Christopher Yost
• Artist: Khoi Pham

“The Second Master” concludes with the Scarlet Spider joining forces with the Rangers to battle Mammon, the monster Roxxon has unleashed while attempting to control an ancient, and sentient, power source that grows more powerful with each human host it takes control of.

Once again writer Christopher Yost and artist Khoi Pham provide lots of action with the smart ass style of humor (Kaine understanding he doesn’t know what he’s doing and plotting Peter Parker’s demise for trying to make him more responsible) we’ve come to expect from the new Scarlet Spider. Although Kaine does a little bonding over the course of the issue, we don’t have to worry about the loner joining the Rangers (or another other group) anytime soon.

The twist at the end involving Zoe Walsh (the woman Kaine saved, slept with, then discovered is all kinds of crazy) is also well thought-out, creating a beautiful but volatile enemy who knows Kaine’s face and has a reason (albeit a crazy-ass one) and near limitless resources to plan her revenge. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $2.99]

• Title: Scarlet Spider #8
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Christopher Yost
• Artist: Khoi Pham

Finding himself in the ridiculous position of trusting an obviously mentally unstable woman he saved, then slept with, then learned she created the explosion he saved her from, leads the Scarlet Spider to trespass on Roxxon property and threaten the CEO when a group of heroes show up to stop him. All-in-all, he’s had better days.

Battling the Rangers, Kaine manages to escape with the young woman who convinces him once again that her father is truly up to no good. This leads him to break into another of Roxxon facilities only to find no evidence to support the woman’s claim (cursing his decision to believe Zoe), and once again be ambushed by the now even more ticked off Rangers.

Of course that’s not the end of the story as the ensuing battle uncovers the awful truth about what Roxxon is really up to and creates an unstable new situation the Scarlet Spider and Rangers will have to work together to stop. Here’s hoping the conclusion is filled with as much action and humor as this issue. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $2.99]