This story treads (retreads) well-worn ground for Christmas stories; the moral that Herobear teaches Tyler feels derivative of The Santa Clause, which is derivative of hundreds of other schmaltzy Christmas specials. However, those clichs are clichs for a reason, and if you can overlook the re-gifted messages, the unusual wrapping of bizarre plot reveals and good-hearted earnestness makes this an enjoyable Christmas comic.

Overall, Suicide Risk is a decent comic, but it feels like it has come five years too late.

Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber make you laugh, toy with your emotions: Superior Foes of Spider-Man #15 is about terrible people letting you down.

The Superior Foes of Spider-Man #16 lets the fuses burn towards the final issue of this still-great series.

Superior Foes of Spider-Man #17 satisfactorily brings to a close the best series we didn't know we wanted.