The Origin and Fate of the Punisher (well in 1983 anyway)

Issue #83 of the SSM was by Mantlo and Greg Laroque. His art wasn't quite as good as Milgrom's run on this title.

The overall issue wasn't too bad though. We got the Black Cat back in action, Spidey's concerns over her wellbeing and the origin and trial of the Punisher. As you will know, the Punisher is not one of my favourite characters and it wasn't until Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon did him that I enjoyed any of his stories. As a supporting character he was good for Spidey as their respective methods were so different.

Rating 6.5/10


After recent dramatic events concerning the Hobgoblin, Stern and Romita Jr. take a breather with this issue and take a look at the daydreams of some of the main characters in the Spidey mythos.

We get to see Black Cat wishing Spidey would join her as a glamorous secret agent, JJJ fantasing about defeating Spidey, exposing him for the fraud that he is and becoming a hero to the nation, Mary Jane as a film star and Spidey as a member of the Avengers and finally getting the respect that he deserves.

It was an entertaining issue. Rating 8/10



Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy much of Spectacular # 84 by Bill Mantlo and Dave Simons. (He is clearly not as good on full art as he is on inks) This was probably due to the art but the story was quite boring as it lacked much drama. Or that the characters involved were very unsympathetic.

The issue had "Filler" written all over it and at least I know thing improve next issue when Milgrom returns.

Rating 4/10