This issue features the first time a villain returns to fight Spider-Man again, and I was very interested in seeing how that affected the pacing and the plotting.

It didn't seem to do much. Although I feel Vulture's escape from prison went by extremely fast. You know, when I think of these older comics, I think of more complete single issues. And I think that may be a misconception. Sure, now most writers write for the trade and that leads to a lot of decompressed storytelling. But I gotta be honest, not a ton is happening in these issues. We get little bits of the ongoing narrative, with a big battle taking up the rest. These issues take longer to read, but in terms of what's happening, it's not that much more than what I usually get out of a modern issue.

In my review for issue two, I went through how dumb the Vulture's plan and powers were, and they're still dumb. He has a new wing suit that can change magnetic poles instantly, which makes me wonder again how he could fly whatsoever in his first appearance. It still doesn't make sense, but at least they're trying. Also, I was dumbfounded by the solution to stopping the Vulture in this issue. Just webbing his wings. I thought for sure Spider-Man had tried that in issue two, but I went back and he did not. So, Spider-Man built a brand new device never before created just to stop the Vulture... When he never got the idea to web his wings? Crazy, just so crazy. I was baffled and amazed.

On the Peter Parker side of things, we find out Aunt May also thinks Flash is better than Peter. Betty and Peter finally get together! It's kind of ham-fisted, but hey this is a big deal! Peter's first relationship! And Jonah continues to be such a delightful character. He's the best.

Overall, this was a good issue. I enjoyed the added stakes of Spider-Man having a sprained arm. I enjoyed the interplay between the characters. And I thought the plot moved fast enough to keep my interest. This was an uptick over the last few issues, probably.

Quote of the issue: "He's Such a Fragile Boy... Not a Roughneck Like That Flash Thompson!" more