Tony Goodwyn Comic Reviews

With an execution every bit as uninspired as its setup, The Spider (Fly) Effect starts off with a shoehorned, ridiculous plot and unsatisfying characterization. It makes me feel like this story will be an obligatory slog.

A fan favorite character is reintroduced, his world expanded upon, and has a full-issue story told before being propelled into the chaos of Spider-Verse. Edge of Spider-Verse #1 manages a lot, and does it well to make for a strong beginning to the min-series.

Introducing a highly anticipated alternate version of Spidey, Edge of Spider-Verse #2 delivers a tale with a familiar flavor, but a noticeably different twist in a stunning visual style. Gwen Stacy's Spider-Woman makes for a memorable take on the wall crawler that will leave readers wanting more.

While Aikman's story has its compelling aspects, there's simply too much crammed into Edge of Spider-Verse #3 for readers to feel very invested in this new character or his plight. The art is great, and the concept is pretty intriguing, but the delivery doesn't quite nail it the way the other issues in this mini-series have.

Taking the traditional Spider-Man tale and turning it eerily on its head, Edge of Spider-Verse #4 offers up a macabre interpretation of the wall-crawler that will leave you haunted and more than a little creeped out. The writing is bold and evocative, as is the artwork, making for a comic that will appeal to both Spidey fans and horror comics connoisseurs alike.

Edge of Spider-Verse ends the mini-series on a solid note, with an intriguing look at a new spider-character who will presumably been seen in the upcoming Spider-Verse story. With distinctive artwork and constant action, Edge of Spider-Verse #5 leaves readers looking forward to Spider-Verse in November.

Though it can get bogged down at times by excessive exposition or narration, the overall concept behind Scarlet Spiders is interesting, and flows pretty well. The artwork is solid and sets up a promising, if not entirely necessary, side story to Spider-Verse.

Mike Costa's story picks up steam and adds a nice twist at the end, setting up an exciting endgame for the final issue. Aided by stylized art and a gorgeous color palette, Scarlet Spiders #2 delivers an intriguing side story to "Spider-Verse" that, while not essential, still delivers action and character moments for our clone heroes.

With exhilarating action, dynamic art, and a plot that both ends one story satisfactorily while feeding uncertainly into another, Scarlet Spiders #3 is a study in how to effectively tell a side story that supports a larger narrative. Definitely one of the bright spots in the "Spider-Verse" saga.

Written from a more personal viewpoint and delving into Cindy's character, Silk #1 shows readers what the character has the potential to be. Distinctive artwork and telling glimpses into her past give a much more compelling look at Silk than readers have yet gotten, making for a promising new lease on life for her.

Robbie Thompson builds strongly on Silk's debut, and has excellent support from Stacey Lee's artwork and Ian Herring's colors. Silk #2 continues Silk's quest to find her family, reconcile with her past, and succeed at being a superhero, all while portraying a heroine who readers can genuinely get behind.

Silk #3 continues to show how great this character can be when left to her own devices and less to the whims of the universe at large. With wonderful artwork and a charmingly flawed heroine, this is a Spider-title worth reading.

Thompson's writing of Cindy remains strong, and while Martello's artwork isn't as distinctive or strong as Lee's, it's still a serviceable stand-in for this less action-packed, more introspective issue. Silk #4 continues to evolve the character, and is worth reading for anyone, especially if they're enjoying Spider-Gwen, Spider-Woman, or Ms. Marvel.

Silk continues to be a strong title for readers of the Spider-family of books, and is making for a decent coming of age hero story so far. While some of the plot details are dragging unnecessarily, there are enough memorable character moments--helped along by Stacey Lee's wonderful artwork--to make the overall narrative work well.

Though clearly yanked into the ham-fisted narrative of Secret War, Silk #7 nevertheless tells a heartfelt story with some of the trappings of a "final" issue. Thankfully, when it relaunches in a couple months, we'll see Robbie Thompson and Stacey Lee back at the helm.

Silk gets a second strong first issue in 2015, with the same creative team that made her memorable in February. Good artwork, developing narrative that builds on the character from the previous series, and a promising setup make this title one worth checking out.

Thompson continues Cindy's story of infiltration into the Black Cat's gang and her vendetta against the Goblin Nation, with the occasional narrative misstep. Tana Ford's artwork captures the characters and action in a fresh, believable way.

With a repetitious series of actions and little real plot development, Silk #3 has strayed from its initially promising premise. Hopefully it can recover quickly and get back to Cindy's undercover exploration.

Thompson focuses on the Goblin Nation subplot, pushing the narrative along and improving things serviceably.Promising artwork by Veronica Fish helps things visually, hopefully setting this title up for a more exciting arc.It still needs to improve, but it's definitely started to do so.

Light on substance but rife with action, Silk #5's script delves into Cindy's undercover story in a way we haven't yet seen. Good artwork by Veronica Fish helps Robbie Thompson craft an installment that somewhat improves on a story that's needed it recently.

While the artwork sometimes distracts from the story, Thompson's narrative has Silk confronting her anger, and her place in a deep cover situation that makes for intriguing reading.

Exploring some of Silk's personal issues while throwing her off balance as she discovers who she is in this reality, Silk #7 balances both the needs of the character and the larger event story nicely. Artwork is shaky in some places, but Tana Ford is improving, delivering a good issue for this character.

This passable segment of "Spider-Women" has its good points, both narratively and artistically, but suffers from a feeling of being done out of obligation. Inconsistent art quality and a number of plot-by-checklist beats brings down what could have otherwise been a much more interesting chapter.

Robbie Thompson plots a good story that allows for strong characterization for Cindy, as well as setting up a compelling conflict with Black Cat. Stacey Lee's lines are a welcome return, and help propel this installment as a worthy read.

Some small character moments are not enough to overcome the uninspired writing and problematic art, making Silk #10 a letdown of a story when compared to the setup from the previous issue.

By returning the focus to the people in Silk's non-superhero life, Robbie Thompson reveals the human side of Cindy Moon, delivering an issue that packs an emotional wallop and shows promise. Artwork by Tana Ford services the story in a memorable way.

Better artwork from Tana Ford helps support the strange new tone of this new story arc, which will undoubtedly surprise Silk readers. A number of narrative and plot inconsistencies don't help the trippy premise, leaving a question of where things will go, and how palatable readers will find them.

Thompson, Ford and Herring bring together a number of elements to resolve one of the long-standing mysteries of Silk's narrative arc in a manner much like the character herself: flawed and imperfect, but endearing nonetheless.

Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriguez return to the character they made popular during "Spider-Verse" and continue Gwen's story, setting up her world and dramas while introducing a new iteration of an old Spider-foe. Parallels to classic Spider-Man situations and fun, kinetic artwork make for a promising start to the series that's worth checking out.

Gwen gets a little break from the action, and her dealings with Spider-Ham and her "civilian" life are in turns revealing and humorous. Solid non-action-y character development and top-notch artwork continue a hot streak from Team Latour/Rodriguez.

A good narrative tightens and the artwork rises to support it magnificently as the action ramps up, making Spider-Gwen #3 a satisfying read for any Spider-fan. The creative team here continues to dazzle, and will hopefully remain on board for some time.

With an intense exploration of character and expressive artwork, Latour and Rodriguez show they can make an issue memorable even when there isn't a lot of fighting going on. With this team on Spider-Gwen, this is definitely a title Spider-Fans should be reading.

Showing off another fun take on another supporting character from the Spider-world, Spider-Gwen #5 delivers kinetic and imaginative fun bathed in beautifully rendered artwork. It's being cut off at the knees, but at least it's going out on a high note.

Emotional but ultimately pointless, this issue's only saving graces are the great artwork and the character study of its likable star. Unfortunately, it's little more than a rehash of what's happened in the main event comics. Do better, Marvel.

Returning to its core stable of characters, Bendis focuses on Miles's father in a story that gives credence to the idea of a father protecting his child. Stellar artwork from Sara Pichelli and Marte Gracia support it beautifully and make for a fine issue.

Beautiful artwork, the start of an interdimensional adventure, and versatile color work combine to make a great installment of <Spider-Man.

Wonderful artwork and a compelling showcase that Miles is still a developing hero who could at least occasionally use the guidance of a more experienced hero make this a good study of the character. Both Gwen and Miles get nice moments, and Jefferson is developed in a way that makes the reader wonder what's going on with him.

With a fun premise that has started to lag slightly, Spider-Man #14 delivers a good, if hyper-paced, penultimate chapter to its crossover with Spider-Gwen. Pichelli's artwork is customarily stellar and helps keep things grounded.

A sensationalistic setup with intriguing dramatic potential is dragged down by an execution that feels overdone and overdramatic. Good artwork and a focus on the characters nevertheless manage to save what ends up being an okay, but less than stellar issue.

More of a continuation of Edge of Spider-Verse than anything different or noteworthy in its own right, Spider-Verse #1 nevertheless collects an enjoyable array of Spider-stories that occasionally tie into the story that's been building in the pages of Superior Spider-Man and Amazing Spider-Man.

From the patent disconnect to the larger narrative (that clearly needs it right now) to the flawed storytelling, Spider-Verse #2 does little to advance the story, and flounders notably despite a few interesting moments. Readers will miss little if they skip this issue.

With lackluster storytelling and less than impressive visuals accompanying it, the Secret Wars' Spider-Verse #1 will leave readers shrugging, wondering why this story is important. The extra dollar in price makes it almost insulting.

While a slight improvement on the first issue, Spider-Verse #2 still does little more than exist to take money from readers. Araujo's drawings do little to sell a script written by Mike Costa that fails to inspire.

While continuing to improve over previous issues, this miniseries still doesn't do enough to make readers care about what's happening to the Web of Life. Not-so-great artwork helps make Spider-Verse #3 a safely skip-able installment.

Despite good characterization and improving artwork, Spider-Verse #5 still ultimately feels like an unnecessary story. Jumps in narrative cohesion and the penchant to tell rather than show make for a series that goes through the motions, but feels empty.

With a strong setup for the Edge of Spider-Verse story arc, as well as some great character moments for Octavius as he runs roughshod through 2099 and various realities, Superior Spider-Man #32 makes for a promising start to a larger story.

Edge of Spider-Verse #32 delivers high-stakes action and a taste of what "Spider-Verse" is going to be like, appropriately setting the stage for it. Throw in a story expanding on Karn and Morlun's family, and great artwork by Camuncoli and M.A. Sepulveda, and you've got a winner of an issue.