Spider-Man: The Assassin Nation Plot

The Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998) #320-325

by David Michelinie, Todd McFarlane (Illustrator), Erik Larsen (Illustrator)

Spider-Man uncovers a terrorist plot to start a war between America and the small republic of Symkaria

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Spider Man

144 pages, Comic

First published July 1, 1992

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story where Spider-Man teams up with Silver Sable, Paladin, Solo and Captain America to stop an assassination attempt on the leader of Sable's government. McFarlane has been more influential on Spider-Man than any other artist since John Romita Sr. He was the first to draw Spidey as the bendy acrobat that is now the norm for the character. He does draw MJ as a pinup queen though, always showing her in skimpy underwear of workout outfits. There is a new edition of this book that includes this story along with a year's worth of McFarlane drawn Spidey stories, Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection Vol. 19: Assassin Nation.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 stars. Good, solid summertime story arc featuring Spidey in the "bond like" role of international super spy trying to foil and assassination plot. I was always a fan of both Solo and Paladin and it was nice to see them get some decent screen time in this action packed adventure featuring the art of Todd McFarlane.

[John Lustrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2.5 stars. It’s a fun quick read but not too much substance to it. The twist reveal villain at the end was fun. Plus seeing Mary Jane’s (and everyone else’s) 1989 style was delightful.

[Szabo Levente · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a memorable story. McFarlane art is didn't stole the story

[Bj Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. Why Sabertooth? Kinda pointless

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, maybe nostalgia had something to do with this book being awarded 4 stars. But consider this: this story's got a lot going for it.

- An assassination plot which, if successful, could lead the US to war with Symkaria (Silver Sable's homeland, a fictitious country on the border of the just-as-fictitious Latveria).
- Guest appearances from Captain America, Silver Sable, Paladin, Solo.
- The involvement of bad-ass villains such as Sabertooth & the Red Skull.

Definitely a product of its time (the BIG hair, the thought bubbles, that certain innocence about it...), "The Assassin Nation Plot" is still a good read, with a surprising amount of violence (courtesy of Solo) for a 1989 comic book (that isn't a Punisher book, that is!).

Also of note: in this story, Mary Jane Watson-Parker gives the X-Men's Psylocke serious competition: the number of ass-shots is staggering!!

[Timo · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit sad 90s style conspiracy plot. Some nice art, but still.... a bit sad.