Cain Winstead Comic Reviews

Two solid one-shots make for a enjoyable comic book experience. There isn't much going on in either story for it to become endeared for generations, but it's worth picking up if you enjoy lighter, goofier comics.

Gerry Conway and Ryan Stegman's debut issue for Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows offers a fresh kind of story for the Marvel Universe, one about family, togetherness, and growing up. Conway's dialogue is true-to-life and Stegman's lines are phenomenal.

Conway takes a step back to examine a married Mary Jane much like last issue caught readers up to a married Peter Parker. Fans of classic, character driven Spider-Man stories will be more than pleased, while those itching to see what happens next might be a little disappointed.

The first Annie May-centric comic gives us a look at the school yard plus some new powers while also failing to move the plot forward more than a few paces. Regardless, Gerry Conway and Ryan Stegman deliver a solid story about a little girl with super powers trying to do her best for her parents.

Full of subtly, character, and laughs, Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #4 showcases why Gerry Conway and Ryan Stegman are masters of their craft. This is a must-have for all fans of Spider-Man.

Writer Gerry Conway and artist Nathan Stockman deliver another chapter in what is shaping up to be required reading for all Spider-Man fans. Stockman's animated figures and Conway's razor wit make for a blast of an issue that moves much faster than the previous four.

Hey, you got your X-Men in my Spider-Man! Gerry Conway introduces his version of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngster. While Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #6 might be frustrating for those who wanted a laser focus on the Spider-Family, the X-Men tour does wonders to build the world around the characters.

Densely packed, Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #6 continues it more dialogue-heavy approach to story-telling while also trying to slip a few scenes of superhero beatdowns into the mix. While this issue does plenty to set up the next arc in smart ways, it struggles to stand on its own merits.

A strong sense of character helps smooth over a few continuity hiccups in the first Conway/Stegman co-written issue of Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows (vol. 2). An issue that holds its cards close to its vest, #8 does not present too many new twists and turns for those familiar with the original "Homecoming" arc of Amazing Spider-Man, but it is the motivation behind Mary Jane's choice that compels the reader further.

Conway and Stegman plot a familiar Venom storyline for the Parker-Watson family, but some clever twists inserted into Stegman's script make for a subtle but enjoyable twist to the Spider-Man/Venom relationship. Guest artist Frigeri's draws an appropriately slimy and intimidating Venom, but it's colorist Jesus Aburtov who takes home the prize for the art department in this issue.

Emotional and crafted with an deft hand by both Stegman and Stockman, Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #10 delivers a meaty Spider-Man story steeped in history, but not to the detriment of those unfamiliar with the events it recalls.

Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #11 serves as a solid penultimate issue to the series by raising the stakes gradually through the issue. While the emotional beats between Normie and Spiderling are somewhat of a miss, the anguish and rage of both Spider-Man and Spinneret is well established.

Exciting and suspenseful, Gerry Conway and Mike Perkins inject some much needed focus into Carnage #11. While nothing is definite, the series seems to be picking up speed as it builds to an explosive conclusion.

Carnage #12 showcases the more heroic side of Eddie Brock while the anti-Carnage task force falls apart. Artist Mike Perkins works his magic on the traumatic childhood memories of Cletus Kasady while Conway plays with the reader's sympathy in what turns out to be one of the better issues of this series.

Perhaps setting up something for the remaining three issues, perhaps not, Carnage #13 returns to the wheel-spinning narrative that plagued issues prior. Never a true disappointment, the issue is saved by Mike Perkins's strong pencils and inks.

Mike Perkins really brings his "A" game for an issue featuring the beastly Man-Wolf. Conway's script is on-par for this series, coming together to put Carnage #14 just above some of the more middling issues of Carnage.

Gerry Conway and Mike Perkins turn the dial to 11 for the penultimate issue of Carnage. With big, in-your-face splash panels, doom and gloom, and plenty of destruction, Carnage #15 delivers the thrills this title has been needing.

While the narrative did not deliver a spectacularly large climax, Mike Perkins's art brought plenty of thrills to the table. Carnage #16 ends the series on a somewhat abrupt note, scattering characters and a concept that still has some steam in it into the wind.

While Daredevil #9 offers a better conclusion than the conclusion to Soule's previous arc, this series still has problem finding its footing. A team up with Spider-Man offers a nice serving of nostalgia, even if it is ultimately of little consequence.

Offering the promised "back to basics" book Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man was marketed to be, the Free Comic Book Day zero issue gives us a quick preview of what's to come from Chip Zdarsky's upcoming title. While nothing ground breaking, the story delivers some good chuckles and fantastic art from Paulo Sequeira.

Chip Zdarsky and Adam Kubert kick off Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #1 with plenty to dig into and more than one good laugh. Fans longing for the Spider-Man of a different era might just find what they're looking for here.

Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man (vol. 3) #2 takes a nosedive in quality thanks to an overstuffed recap as well as some questionable character choices. Adam Kubert's art is as stellar as ever, but writer Chip Zdarsky would be wise to rein in his meta-commentary and save that for the Deadpool book he's destined to write.

Adam Kubert's art carries yet another puzzling script penned by Chip Zdarsky. If the previous two issues have not sold you on the third volume of Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man then this one is not going to win you over.

It's hard to trust after two misses, but the more character focused Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #4 shows that writer Chip Zdarsky is capable of curbing his jokes in favor of dramatic tension, leaving hope for future issues.

Showing subtlety previously unseen in its humorous moments and promising focus on the Spider-Man/Jameson dynamic in the next issue, Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #5 begins to transform into the comic it was marketed as during its relaunch announcements.

Irreverent, crass, bawdy, and with a hint of heart, Kelly and McGuinness bring back the Merc with a Mouth like they never left the character. Oh yeah, Spider-Man's there too! An amazing first issue that works as both as a launching point for a story line as well as a stand-alone team-up issue. Though it may lean on Deadpool a little more than Spider-Man, this is still a book worth picking up for fans of either character.

While it has more heart and arguably bigger laughs than its predecessor, Spider-Man/Deadpool #2 remains a title worthy of a place in any comic fan's pull list. That said, a bizarre narrative jump suggests that a page or two might be missing from the story.

Spider-Man/Deadpool #3 delivers its own flavor of the international adventures we've been seeing in Amazing Spider-Man, but with the laughs and heart we've grown to expect from this title. #3 maintains the high level of quality seen from its previous two issues and makes promises for an explosive conclusion in the future.

A cliched ending does not detract from the goofy fun of Spider-Man/Deadpool #4 but is an indication that the series may be losing steam. Proving that no one puts Ed McGuinness in a corner, this issue really showcases his talents as a visual artist.

Spider-Man/Deadpool #5 concludes its first arc with some familiar yet surprising faces. Though some events are initially left hazy and later explained through heavy-handed exposition, this issue lives up to the quality that precedes it and leaves readers wanting more.

Taking a break from the bromance, Scott Aukerman of "Comedy Bang! Bang!" fame and Cable & Deadpool artist Reilly Brown deliver a Hollywood hijinks story that's heavy on the Deadpool and light on the Spider-Man. While the balancing act between the two characters isn't perfect, Spider-Man/Deadpool #6 delivers the light distraction that every decent fill-in issue should.

Visually nostalgic but narrativly jarring, Spider-Man/Deadpool #7 serves as a decent stop gap. Pick up for the art, which is an impressive recreation of the printing technology used in the '60s, read the story for a few laughs, and wait patently for Joe Kelly and McGuinness's return next month.

Joe Kelly and Ed McGuinness are back to tie up some loose ends with Spider-Man/Deadpool's first arc. While some questions are left dangling, Patient Zero's unsettling minions and Ed McGuinness's stellar art make this an issue worth the wait.

Spider-Man/Deadpool #9 kicks off its new arc with the quality laughs and action we've come to expect from this title, small continuity errors aside. The qualms found in the previous issue are nowhere to be seen and instead we've got one great ride of an issue.

Providing some of the best banter of the series so far, Spider-Man/Deadpool #10 doubles down on the laughs and the pugilism in this explosive issue.

With overbearing narration and disjointed plotting, celebrity guest writer Penn Jillette delivers a tale that might appeal to his fans, but leave those more unfamiliar with his act wanting a book more focused on its title characters.

A bit more unique than your standard holiday themed issue, Spider-Man/Deadpool #12 delivers a one-shot that highlights both the positive and the negative aspects of this title's unique structure.

While still containing a few great laughs, Spider-Man/Deadpool #13 falls flat in delivering the strong character drama that has elevated this series past. Setting this issue in Weirdworld does not feel like an organic choice and ultimately robs this issue of some of its impact.

Shocking moments and dramatic reveals start to tie together plot threads between opening arc "Isn't it Bromantic" and the current "Itsy Bitsy." Spider-Man/Deadpool #14 takes Spider-Man to uncharted waters which doesn't land quite as strongly as it could due to the title's unorthodox shipping schedule.

The penultimate issue to Joe Kelly and Ed McGuinness's long-running story delivers some great twists and turns. Any problems you've had with the title since the start of its current arc won't be addressed by this issue, but if you're in for one of the better crafted Spider-Man stories in recent years if you're able to over look a few problems.

Joe Kelly and Ed McGuinness end their run with a bang (as well as a few biffs and pows for good measure). While the execution is a little shaky, ultimately the issue delivers one of Marvel's most satisfying and fully realized endings this side of "Death of Spider-Man."

The fill-in issues of Spider-Man/Deadpool have never been consistent in quality, but #19 delivers a story with a head-scratching gimmick, a shoe-horned team-up, and plenty of holes.

Expressive facial art that feels misassigned, a no-stakes plot, and a deus ex machina ending makes Spider-Man/Deadpool #20 and its preceding issue one of the weakest entries in the Spider-Man/Deadpool guest issues.

Neither good nor bad, Spider-Man/Deadpool #21 delivers yet another unremarkable fill-in story destined for the 25 cent box.

Elliot Kalan and Todd Nauck tell a surface-level Spider-Man/Deadpool story with some good, fun spreads including a robot dinosaur exploding and a daring water rescue. Unfortunately these qualities do not overcome the sense of aimlessness the series has taken since Joe Kelly and Ed McGuiness's departure, and suffers for it.

If the original "Spider-Verse" left you wanting something less dark and more fun, this will definitely scratch that itch. Lightening pacing and solid dialogue work make this an enjoyable issue if you can look past some of Saturday morning cartoon trappings. The backup story fits squarely in the tradition of the Marvel Avengers line and is enjoyable for readers both young and old.

Though it was missing the charming backup featured in last month's issue, Ultimate Spider-Man: Spider-Verse #2 delivers exactly what it sets out to do without any frills or pretensions. This remains a good book to give to a young reader showing interest in comics, but something to pass over for those looking for more nuance.

While it does feature fan favorite Miles Morales, Ultimate Spider-Man: Spider-Verse #3's supersonic pace leaves no room to enjoy the story it's telling. While the comic is competently adapted, I'm beginning to think too much is being left on the cutting room floor.

Ultimate Spider-Man: Spider-Verse #4 gives us a predictable, but satisfying conclusion to the kid-friendly version of Dan Slott's saga. While there is nothing that will wow a reader, Joe Caramagna does a serviceable job adapting the cartoon to the page.

Ultimate Spider-Man: Web Warriors #12 features an eclectic cast of characters who are marred by issues with color and shading. Looking past the art, it is a perfectly serviceable Halloween themed story for the kids, but the shallow treatment of surprise villain the Living Mummy's motivations might leave adults looking for a bit more.