Spider-Man Legends: Todd McFarlane, Vol. 2

The Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998) #306-314

by David Michelinie, Todd McFarlane (Illustrator)

- Collecting what was, at that time, the highest-selling comic book being published - The second volume of Spider-Man stories by Todd McFarlane, whose modern style redefined how a generation saw the web-slinger.

Genres: Comics, Spider Man, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Superheroes

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2003

Reviews

[Kheir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic comics from 1989-90. Each issue has at least one funny reference to the pop culture of the time. McFarlane's art is really unique. This was the only Marvel title I read consistently when I was a teenager, and it's fun to re-read it for the first time since then. I liked reading about Peter Parker dealing with being married to a woman who's more successful than he is; Mary Jane is making big money modeling some amazing late '80s fashions, such as mom jeans (before they were retro). Peter goes on a book tour hawking Webs, his collection of photos of Spider-Man, and Spider-Man conveniently happens to appear at some of the book signings. I liked how Michelinie and McFarlane handled some classic villains like The Green Goblin and The Lizard. Fun, lighthearted comics aren't usually what I like, but these were a fun read.

[Jdetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This continues to be a really good time for the Spider-Man main title, with good solid art and stories.

[j_ay · Rating 4 out of 5]

McFarlane's art (inking himself) hits its stride. Pretty lame writig and stories though.

[Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume is the follow-up to Spider-Man Visionaries: Todd McFarlane, Vol. 1. It would seem Marvel decided McFarlane was no longer a visionary, but a full-fledged legend . Paradoxically, though, the quality of the material in this volume is inferior. Go figure.

High points include the resolution of the "Mary Jane: Kidnapped" plot, & the introduction to Styx & Stone.

Low points include three issues that crossover with the infernal X-Men: Inferno event that Marvel had in the X-books at the time. I know Marvel wants a cohesive universe, so big events naturally spill over to (and affect) the other books, but Inferno was terrible to begin with, so there wasn't much to expect from the crossover issues.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peter continues his Webs book tour. Mary Jane is kidnapped and even Spiderman can't find her. The Mary Jane storyline is well done, and has a satisfying ending. The other stories are typical fights against bad guys. A good read.

[bluetyson]

isbn,original

[Timo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same as the first volume of McFarlane collections. Art with promise, stories that seem a bit naive these days.