THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week-Year 3 - Week 44 ____________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, July 07, 2009

ULTIMATUM: SPIDER-MAN REQUIEM #1

Brian Michael Bendis (w); Mark Bagley & Stuart Immonen (p); Scott Hanna & Wade von Grawbadger (i); Pete Pantazis, Justin Ponsor & Edgar Delgado (c); Cory Petit (l); cover by Immonen

Publisher: Marvel

Format: two-issue limited series

Concept: The bite of a genetically-altered spider grants high school student Peter Parker incredible, arachnid-like powers.

In this issue: Spider-Man has fallen and the Ultimate Universe will never be the same. Join Brian Bendis, Stuart Immonen and original series artist Mark Bagley as they begin a two-part story celebrating the heroism of your friendly neighborhood webslinger as written by none other than…J. Jonah Jameson(?!). FEATURING NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN ART FROM MARK BAGLEY. (from grahamcrackers.com)

Review: You know what they say: Be careful what you say, because one day you may have to eat your words. Jameson has now found himself in such a position. Given one last chance to finally publish something good about Spider-Man, he looks through some old stories and remembers a time he helped Iron Man. While Immonen handles the present, Bagley steps in and draws the flashback, and it's great to see his stuff in these pages again. But it's really worth reading to finally see Jameson doing the right thing.

TINY TITANS #17 (All Ages)

Art Baltazar & Franco (w); art & cover by Baltazar

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

Concept:

In this issue: It's Robin's birthday party, and you're invited! See what the Tiny Titans get him for the big day. Plus, Cyborg learns what continuity is and why sometimes it works against you. And join Mrs. Atom, Dot and Crumb for a day of shopping. (from dccomics.com)

Review: It's understandable that Robin would have a “no clowns policy” at his birthday party. But it's a great time for everyone else! In this grab bag of goodies, Raven and the Titans turn the tables on Mr. Mxyzptlk, there's a hilarious spoof of DC's current “Battle For the Cowl” event, Robin gets a new wardrobe, Mrs. Atom discovers the perfect way to fit into a dress, Cyborg gets a lesson in comics continuity, Kroc shows us how to walk in the rain, and Baltazar closes the issue with a Bat-Cow pin-up. A great time to be had by all.

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

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