Spider-Man Fights Substance Abuse by Marvel Comics

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The title makes the book sounds like its chalk full of boring PSA comics, but for the most part, this isn't true.

The book begins with the landmark Spider-man Issues 96-98. Stan Lee ran the books without the Comic Code Authority blessing so that he could discuss how drugs were a plague not just on the lower classes, but on all of society. The story features the Green Goblin and Harry turning to drugs to deal with the rejection of Mary Jane Watson.

Overall, the story is okay, but certainly not up to the highest standards of Goblin stories, but it is a true Spidey story featuring Peter Parker dealing with real life problems while having to keep a supervillain at bay. While the battle with the supervillains aren't memorable, Peter Parker has his best moment as he gets medieval on the drug dealers who sold his friends drug. The story has heart though its been reprinted elsewhere. Grade: B+

Next up was Spider-man, Cage, and Storm battling Smokescreen in anti-smoking story that was just silly. While the book arguably works the best in terms of communicating actual information about the dangers of drugs, the story is absurd as three of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel Universe battle one guy trying to make a fortune by rigging the betting on high school track meets. And Storm disappears for three days after being knocked out by one of the henchman. Oy vey. Rating: D-

Next up are two Canadian promo comics that featuring Spider-man going to Winnipeg on the trail of Electro and illegal drugs being shipped to the country. These comics flow well with some good Spidey action against Electro and the Chameleon. These aren't the toughest battles Spidey ever faced, but it's still good clean Spidey fun. Rating: B+

Next up is a four part 32 page insert called, "Fast Lane" that Marvel did with an anti-drug message as Spider-man battles Mysterio, while one boy tries to follow his idol, a drug-using star and quickly learns that things aren't quiet what they seem. The battle with Mysterio is decent and the character development with even Jonah showing some depth of character. There was a two page spread with a weakly explained cameo by most of Marvel heavy hitters. Still, pretty fun with a good message. Rating: B

Finally, we have Spectacular Spider-man #1000. (No, there weren't really 1000 issues of that magazine. Marvel was just trying to tell comics.) This out of continuity tale has Spider-man and the Punisher teaming up to take on Russian drug dealers, while a young jock has to make some tough decisions about life. This was a good character study in the boy. Not really sure this was a story worthy of an Issue 1000, but since I didn't actually buy the comic, I'll take it for what it is. There's some violence, some tension, and some pretty mature material dealt with decently as our teenage focal character discovers a lot about himself. Overall, I'll give this a grade: B-

One additional complaint I'll add goes to the book's editing. The first 129 are numbered. The rest aren't. Come on, that's just sloppy.

W0hile the book doesn't contain the greatest Spider-man stories, it does contain some rare ones (other than Issues 96-98) and it's worth a look for Spidey fans.



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