Review: Symbiote Spider-Man #4 (of 5)

Â “I have that effect on people.” – Quentin Beck

Synopsis:

This issue opens with Black Cat bringing Mysterio a piece of Spider-Man’s suit. But is it enough to do Quentin Beck any good? Will Beck give Black Cat what she wants in exchange for what he brought her, or will he keep the file for himself? Mysterio lives up to his name in this exciting chapter of Betrayal by Black Cat.

The Creative Team:

Peter David has a prolific career in the history of writing comics. Ever since the late ’80s, he’s written for some of the greatest characters from both DC and Marvel including a 12 year run on the Incredible Hulk. He brings his level of expertise to this title and leaves us with an exciting tale of intrigue as Peter Parkers on again, off again, love interest Felicia Hardy has apparently betrayed him and given a portion of his symbiote costume to Mysterio. I’m really enjoying this title as we’re left scratching our heads over why Black Cat would betray Peter. She doesn’t even get what she wants in return for the costume and is seemingly left in the cold. The dirty dealings of Quentin Beck are what drives this issue and it’s an enjoyable exposition into one of Spidey’s more underrated members of his rogue’s gallery. Great stuff includes Beck’s reaction to the costume and the ultimate showdown with Spidey.

Land and Leisten are a great team for this title. They keep Spidey in the shadows and that works so well with his completely black costume. They are an asset to Peter David’s unique style and flatter his script in an awesome way. The only point that really bugs me is the point where Black Cat is handing him the portion of the costume and she says “I hate you” as Mysterio refuses to hand her the file. She appears to be smiling in the panel, but other than that great work! Highlights include the splash where Spider-Man takes on Mysterio and the fight between Beck and Wilson Fisk.

In Conclusion:

An issue that creates more questions than it answers, but that’s ok as we’re promised that the next issue is the conclusion. Mysterio has seemingly gained the power of Spider-Man’s suit as Spidey mysteriously retreats from his enemy. He must have something up his sleeve and we the reader can’t wait for the next issue to find out what it is. Spider-Man is on his way to meet with Aunt May when, all of a sudden… to be continued. ***1/2 (8.3 rating)

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Writer – Peter David
Art – Greg Land, Jay Leisten
Colors – Frank D’armata
Letters – VC’s Joe Sabino
Publisher – Marvel

Author Profile

Kevin Given

Kevin Given has studied with â€œ Longridge Writers Group â€ and â€œ Writerâ€™s Boot Camp â€ a speech/communications major from the University of Maine Presque-Isle/Orono sites. He has created the â€œ Karl Vincent Vampire Hunter â€ franchise which includes novels and comic books. They can be found on amazon, Indyplanet and Kindle. For a limited time you can get digital copies of â€œ Karl Vincent: Vampire hunter â€ # 1 and â€œ Files of Karl Vincent â€ # 1 for free on Indyplanet. Kevin is producing the third novel in the series â€œ Dracula Rising â€ (working title) and developing â€œ Foul Blood â€ into comic book form. Don't forget to check out the YouTube show " Comics: Let's Talk " hosted by Kevin Given