Spider-Man Noir: Eyes without a Face #2

Spider-Man Noir: Eyes Without a Face #1
Written by David Hine and Fabrice Sapolsky
Art by Carmine Di Giadomenico
Letters by David Lanphear
Cover by Patrick Zircher
Published by Marvel Comics
Review by Lan Pitts

"You'll notice my boys aren't using their cannons. I want you alive when I split you open and your guts spill out on the floor." -- the Crime Master

This series just became a bit more intense, while keeping the action to a minimal, but heavy on the set up and great climax. Spider-Man continues his hunt for the Crime Master, all the while keeping a close eye on Felicia Hardy, and eventually having to find his friend Robbie who has gone missing. Spider-Man also sweats out a minor player who was a Don Moretti associate and closes his shop. For good. Things don't look well for Robbie as he was kidnapped by the Dr. Octavius (who, in case you missed it last time, is a Nazi scientist in this universe), who is experimenting on the "inferior races".

There is a lot of plot going on here, but Hine and Sopolsky does a fine balancing act without taking any bumps. They've taken the noir idea, but I think the word "pulp" really defines this sort of story more accurately. This issue really concentrates on Octavius' origin and just briefly touches on a bit of the Crime Master's back story. Of course, Hine and Sopolsky are aided by a visually gifted talent like Giadomenico, and everything looks and feels solid. His kinetic style captures Spider-Man's movements and really knows how to panel a fight scene and even handles the subtle moments with an easy touch.

I've had fun with the "noir" series Marvel has put out thus far and, pardon the pun, but this team has really spun a creative web and sucked me in, even if it is weird to see Spider-Man holding a gun. Even if you haven't given this a try, I suggest you should. It's fun and exciting, even if it does take place during one of America's darkest times.

Spider-Man Noir: Eyes without a Face #1

Spider-Man Noir: Eyes Without a Face #1
Written by David Hine and Fabrice Sapolsky
Art by Carmine Di Giadomenico
Letters by David Lanphear
Cover by Patrick Zircher
Published by Marvel Comics
Review by Lan Pitts

"There's an odor. The last time I smelled it was the night Uncle Ben died. I know what it is...the stench of a slaughterhouse." -- Peter Parker, the Spider-Man

Three months after the events in first Spider-Man Noir and the death of the Goblin left a void of a crime boss and there is a new kingpin on the rise trying to ascend that throne. No, not the Kingpin, actually the writers took a different approach and went with a much lesser-known Spider-villain. The book takes place in a pivotal point in history as FDR was just elected, and the New Deal is slowly, but surely working to help people recover from the Great Depression.

When the "Noir" titles hit, I devoured them and this issue is no exception which sets up a multitude of things to come. As a history buff, I really appreciate certain things and love the look of it all. The use of coloring is superb and Carmine Di Domenico's style is somewhere between Tim Sale and Eric Canete, both of which I am huge fans of. The first issue introduces some old-school Spider-villains to the "Noir-world" including Doctor Octopus and the Sandman. The tone is a bit darker than the previous installment, but you can't help but dig these sort of stories that take familiar characters and put them in this kind of pulp-styled universe.

The dialog is smart and characterization can't be beat. I especially love what Hine and Sapolsky have done with Robbie Robertson here and it really works without deviating too much. Felicia Hardy returns, with her and Peter drawing the lines of their relationship. And what they did to Doctor Octopus? Genius, though I'm pretty sure I know where this is headed.

With the darker concepts and more violent elements, it might stir some Spider-Man fans away, however, I don't possibly think I could recommend something like this enough. If you're a fan of the Sandman Mystery Theatre stories or if you read any of the "Noir" books before, check this one out.