Sinister War #2

USER REVIEWS

• 10
  

  Psycamorean

  Aug 05, 2021

  You know, I usually wait until I read everything over the course of the week to post my reviews, but I read this issue Wednesday morning, because I'm really enjoying this run of Amazing Spider-Man, if you couldn't tell by my very fair and balanced reviews, and after I did, I went to look at the reception, and I saw... a lot of hate for this one. In an effort to ensure that my review is seen, I feel like it's worth it to forgo my typical reviewing strategy in favor of pumping this one out now. Now, you're probably thinking that my score is a reaction to these negative reviews, and not what my score would've been if the user reception was more positive. That's not the case. I alluded to it above but you can check yourself - I am very positive about Nick Spencer's run - and of course that means that maybe I don't see the cracks in the firmament that these other people see. I'm used to this run having a divisive reaction; I've poked at the other side of the aisle a lot. But I actually like The Dark Knight Detective, who posted a very long, very negative review of this issue. All my interactions with them have been civil and nice. So, I'm not doing this to start an argument or to invalidate what they said. Comic book opinions are a fine thing to disagree on. And I'm not meaning to single them out, either. I know they weren't the only one, but they clearly put forth an effort with their review, whereas I don't think I could say so for the others. And therefore, I think it's something worth engaging with. Their first point is about the price. I completely agree with this. I also don't like spending more and more money for less and less comic. This is a trend that I believe started with DC's Year of the Villain: Hell Arisen miniseries. It's something that Marvel especially has taken advantage of. Any event comic is now at a baseline $4.99. It's not dependent on page count or formatting, it is just what it is now. I think this is price gouging and given the circumstances of the American and global economy at the moment, as prices rise due to inflation caused by a sudden spike in spending by consumers as the pandemic (hopefully) comes to an end, that this is even more intolerable than it would be otherwise. Their second point is about the multiple artists, and the extremely fast shipping of this title. While I can't speak to any of the potential reasons why the shipping is so fast, I will say that most likely, they want to get the title to a big milestone as quickly as possible, at least that's the best reason for the speed right now. I think when Beyond starts, the speed is definitely because the Ben Reilly stuff will end at 900, and they want to get through it as quickly as possible in case sales aren't great. But I will say, sales on Amazing Spider-Man have been much better with Nick Spencer's run, with the main title typically hovering just outside the top 10 selling comics of the month. So, this could simply be a case of the title being a money maker for Marvel, much like why Batman ships bi-weekly over at DC. This makes me think it is unlikely that Marvel is giving Nick Spencer the boot. As for the artists changing up, I don't mind it. Specifically, in this issue, the change ups were mostly saved for scene changes, with each artist keeping up with their scene. Bagley, of course, doing the main set piece of the issue. Therefore, I especially don't mind it here. As for Beyond, based on solicitations, it looks like there will be several creative teams working in tandem, meaning one artist and one writer pairing, which I think is much more agreeable as there shouldn't be artist switches mid issue. Change ups are most annoying when there isn't any structure to them, but I don't think that is the case in this issue. Their third point about how they read comics is entirely subjective and perfectly reasonable. I, like most people, prefer when good writing is matched with good art. But I will say, I am much more okay with bad or off art if the writing behind it is great. But if the writing sucks, and the art is great, I am much less forgiving. I think the narrative supersedes all else and if that is lacking, I am not happy. Now for the story itself, this issue doesn't have much in the way of progression, that's true. However, it does establish why all these villains are working for Kindred. Their individual motivations also had to be explained within the context of this event. This is all necessary for the story, within the confines of this event miniseries. That's what this issue does. We also do get some form of plot progression, with Ana Kravinoff seemingly killing Spider-Man. I guess that's a cliffhanger, but I have a feeling he's dead or close to it. I guess we'll see. As for Kindred, he's obviously divisive among the fandom. I don't mind him in this issue because his whole role is explaining why these villains are working for him. I don't mean to hit it over the head too much, but that's the point of the issue. I think Sinister War will end with OMD being openly addressed, but there's a chance it'll be saved for the final giant issue of the run. Their next point about not caring about OMD being fixed is something I actually firmly have to push back against. One More Day is a terrible storyline that changed Spider-Man in ways that have been a burden ever since. Like, Peter's constant dating that never goes anywhere because Mary Jane is right there and Marvel knows that's what fans want. Peter's shift from an adult with relatable problems to a man-child, perpetually stuck in a status quo that doesn't allow for real character growth. There is more to it than whether Mary Jane and Peter get back together. The stories would have to change, for the better. That's part of the whole thesis of Nick Spencer's run. Peter is consistently referencing this exact loop he's stuck in. And sure, from the solicitations, it looks like Peter is out of commission. Let's assume that's true. Ben Reilly is not going to last long. Like I said earlier, I expect him to be gone with 900. But even if it goes longer, even years, eventually Peter will be back, and assuming OMD is fixed, Marvel can't pull that genie out of the bottle again. It would be so despised that it's just not worth it. Beyond the "good" kind of controversy that Marvel sells comics on. Peter will be back, and hopefully will be able to grow in a way that he hasn't since the mid-2000s due to Marvel's obsession with keeping him young. We have Miles now, who can fulfill that role of a teenage Spider-Man. Peter can, and should, grow up. Assuming OMD is undone here, that is a big step in the right direction. Look, I've read all of Spider-Man, all of it, and I can say without any uncertainty that Peter getting remarried to MJ would be a definitive improvement on the character and the title. And therefore, regardless of Ben Reilly taking up the mantle for a brief moment (just like in the clone saga), I care about what happens with Peter here. As for disliking the various parts of this run, I mean, that's just subjective. I cared because... I mean, it's just what the run was. I like the run, so of course I cared about the plot. I will say the Chameleon stuff wrapped pretty poorly. With all that said, I respect The Dark Knight Detective's opinion and decision to drop the title(s). I have no love for the editor on ASM, personally. He's a very mixed bag (Remember JJ Abrams' Spider-Man?). But I do think the lineup for the new Beyond era is solid, on both fronts. So, I hope if they do check it out in trade, that they like it and some goodwill can be built on that. more

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  • Julhin

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  Psycamorean - Aug 5, 2021

  I'll be clear, I would much rather want Mark Bagley drawing each and every page of this event, like what was solicited. I don't know why he wasn't able to, given all I've heard lately when other creators talk about him is how fast he is, and how they struggle to keep up with his pace. But I don't think the artists are bad and I thought there was some measure of order to the pages they drew.

  

  Psycamorean - Aug 5, 2021

  I'm glad we agree on OMD being fixed. I understand the frustration with the pacing but it doesn't really bother me. I don't really have a firm reasoning why it doesn't. I guess I just liked the writing enough.

  

  Psycamorean - Aug 5, 2021

  For sure, he's gotta be up there. With Ditko and Romita Sr.

  

  Psycamorean - Aug 5, 2021

  It's tough because as much as I like MacFarlane's costumed character work, I'm not so fond of his people. But I guess he was influential enough to deserve it. Just for the sake of being different, I'll say Ross Andru.

  

  Psycamorean - Aug 5, 2021

  Romita Jr was great in his prime, but I wouldn't want him back on Spidey now lol. I agree that Ross Andru doesn't get his due. Romita Sr did define what Spidey looked like for... basically everyone, so I think Andru gets overshadowed a bit, as does Gil Kane (at least on Spidey).

  

  Psycamorean - Aug 5, 2021

  You know, I own all the ASM Epic Collections but I haven't really gone through them as Marvel Unlimited is so convenient. My recent attempts at reading through ASM again is, in part, so that I actually read through the collections and get my money's worth. But that was a nice little surprise, and man, the difference in some of those panels is really remarkable. Those are examples of him getting literally overshadowed by Romita.

• 8.5
  

  Comics Code Authorities

  Aug 13, 2021

  I'm amazed so many readers are complaining. While it's true this was more filler than Sinister war, it does explain why everyone's out to get him. Who or whatever Kindred is, he certainly wants to see Spider-Man suffer. Almost as much as Norman. And I'm not convinced for sure he's Harry. Not entirely that is. Could he have been split into 2 halves, good and evil? Hmmm. Despite the disappointment most feel, I'm still pretty impressed and enjoying this more than any story since the Sin Eater story. My only complaint is having to pay extra for these issues when they could just as easily sell for regular price as just another story arc in the regular series. But considering how every story in it lately has a special expensive conclusion spec ial, why not make every part into a mini-series and charge us more and just use the regular book for filler material. But then should we be surprised? By this time next year I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if all regular comics were $4.99 and 48 page specials will be even more constant at $6.99 each. And they wonder why the industry is on such shaky ground lately. Still, a pretty good issue. more

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• 8.0
  

  Mother of dragons

  Aug 07, 2021

  Finally there is action, spider has to face the villains. The action vignettes are incredible.

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• 7.5
  

  DDJamesB

  Aug 08, 2021

  Just a really fast action issue. Not much is revealed but, it it least was entertaining.

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• 7.0
  

  PalancasLocas

  Aug 06, 2021

  Spencer is again dropping this comic, hell give this man an antidepressant or something.

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  • daspidaboy
• 7.0
  

  things as they are

  Aug 07, 2021

  What the hell happened here? This looks like the roller coaster, pick up the story and then drop it, Spencer dude, really?

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• 7.0
  

  eowyn

  Aug 07, 2021

  An absolute filler book

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• 5.0
  

  Kalaoui

  Aug 09, 2021

  After talking with the people at the Local shop and how many are disappointed with it, I heard from them some dropped it way back and others read it but are not happy. Again I had to wait 5 days to read this book because I just can't do it right now and as expected it was a disappointment. The story progression is at a snails pace and it's just another ASM issue or a tie-in for me. Nothing special and the fact that they had to bring in Brisson as help to write this is just weird. But what's worse is having 4 pencillers and 5 inkers in 1 book is a nightmare for me to read. Anything the story Spencer is trying to convey just goes out the window as soon as the art changes drastically. None of these guys complement each other. I know I keep say ing the same thing over and over again but ASM is the last book I'll drop and it hurts me to see it like this. more

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  • daspidaboy
• 4.5
  

  Federico Liguori

  Aug 05, 2021

  Here we go again! Another Spider-Man issue that gives me headache. Who thought this was a good idea, exactly? 26353 villains trying to kill Spider-Man while Kindred babbles about "hell" and "sins" and whatever the hell is this storyline, Jesus Christ. I literally couldn't keep track of the events because it was so freaking rushed! I'm just waiting for this run to talk about the elephant in the room, but the other things have completely went downhill.

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  • daspidaboy
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• 4.5
  

  CrazyforRAMU

  Dec 30, 2021

  3 of the villain teams play keep-away with Spider-Man (who could be/practically is played by a football) while Nick Spencer does a C-minus job revealing how Kindred recruited them. This volume's established tragedies -- Passive Pete and artist roulette -- are in full effect, and in this issue, they drag an average-at-best premise down into the depths of mediocrity. Perhaps the one silver lining to the way this volume is ending is that it demonstrates, in excruciating clarity, why Marvel shouldn't publish ASM (or any title) so quickly.

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• 4.0
  

  daspidaboy

  Aug 04, 2021

  This issue was a HUGE step down from last issue. The art is inconsistent, the pacing is insane. One minute we see spider man fighting the villains, then in the middle of a climatic scene we see a long flashback. The pacing is all over the place. Honestly my favorite superhero of all time is spider man but this issue was a huge let down. Wow very disappointed that I am more hyped for batman than my favorite superhero of all time

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  • Mark
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• 4.0
  

  Afre

  Aug 05, 2021

  It's not bad. In theory. It shouldn't be. There are good artists and writing isn't bad. But nothing happens. Literally nothing. We find out the motivation of all groups and that is it. Spider-Man fights them and that's it. We also have three artists that have so different styles that it makes harder to think this book as a whole package. It feels like someone took quorter of pages from two books, mashed them together and said this is full, overpriced package. This was a huge letdown. After being just buildup for the first two parts of the series, this really isn't the time to slow pacing EVEN MORE. And hey, another very miss-leading synopsis? Otto and Toomer have only small cameo in this issue! But the next issue's synopsis is p retty accurate. "You haven't read the end of SINISTER WAR #2 yet, but when you do, YOU WILL BE VERY MAD YOU HAD TO WAIT TWO WEEKS FOR THIS!" Yup. Pretty much. more

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• 2.0
  

  KFuqua

  Aug 05, 2021

  I tried. I gave up on most Marvel books years ago, but I thought I'd give this a try. The first issue wasn't bad, so I came back for the second one. I won't be back for #3. The issue was just a mess and was all over the place.

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  • daspidaboy
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• 2.0
  

  superstan52

  Aug 05, 2021

  So, uh, why does Kindred need 30 villains to kill S-M when he repeatedly killed him by his lonesome? And sneaking up on all these super villains while they were sleeping and implanting something IN THEIR HEADS without waking them? May be the single stupidest thing I've read in a comic book.

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• 2.0
  

  Brownie

  Jul 28, 2022

  Кал продолжается, паркер перемещается в точку Б.

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• 10
  

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  Aug 04, 2021
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  Aug 20, 2021
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• 9.0
  

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  Aug 06, 2021
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