Scarlet Spider

• Title: Scarlet Spider #7
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Christopher Yost
• Artist: Khoi Pham

Although we don’t get the appearance of Kraven (which was teased last issue) things are hardly quiet for the Scarlet Spider who saves a falling beautiful young woman from an explosion in a high rise only to find out later, while in bed with her (in a terrific opening), that she was the one responsible for the explosion.

The fact that the woman disappears without a trace and the man whose building she blew up sweeps the whole matter under the rug leads our hero to initally try and forget the matter, but (as Aracely points out) he can’t. The Scarlet Spider’s investigation into the company Roxxon leads to the discovery of another explosion in Galvaston which was hushed up months ago.

His attempts to get some answers from the CEO of Roxxon do lead him to the identity of the distrubed young woman but also find him squared off against the Southwest’s mightiest heroes – The Rangers. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $2.99]

• Title: Scarlet Spider #6
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Christopher Yost
• Artist: Ryan Stegman

Along with showcasing how Houston’s new hero has taken the city by storm the latest issue of Scarlet Spider puts quite a few stories in motion. We get Kaine squaring off with Ana Kravinoff, his growing frustration with Aracely‘s ability to know more about him than she should (and maybe even more than than he knows about himself), and a couple references to a blue hoodie and the man who used to be known as Scarlet Spider.

The story also gives us a little more information on Aracely and how she’s connected to the mysterious Mexica and “The Darkness” as well as foreshadowing the return of Madame Web and Kraven the Hunter, both of whom have their sites set on the new Scarlet Spider.

Another good issue that give us a big throwdown between Kaine and Ana in a burning church as well as some humorous moments between the frustrated hero and Aracely and some contemplative moments about as Kaine gets used to his new role and place in the world. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $2.99]

• Title: Scarlet Spider #3
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Christopher Yost
• Artist: Ryan Stegman

Despite his intentions to do anything else with his life, Kaine finds himself the popular new super-hero of Houston tracking down street criminals just like Spider-Man (okay, not just like Spider-Man), and still trying to find a way to protect the young illegal immigrant from the people who want her dead.

On the Aracely front Kaine gets some help from the hotel’s bartender Annabelle Adams and Dr. Meland but things get far more complicated when Kaine learns the Doctor has a contract on his head from the greiving husband whose wife and child died on the doctor’s table. Even more troubling is the fact that the Assassin’s Guild now knows that Kaine is still alive and exactly where to find him.

Although I’m a little concerned that Kaine doesn’t understand the basic concept of a secret identity (a doctor, cop, bartender, assassin, and a smuggled illegal immigrant all know he’s the Scarlet Spider) things look pretty good for this title with plenty of action and some really good Spidey narration – Kaine-style. Best of the week.

[Marvel, $2.99]