An old frenemy comes back into Ock's life.
My last review from this series, Superior Spider-Man #20. Trouble happens, when Stunner comes into town looking to avenge the death of her beloved, Doc Ock!
The Good
In this issue's story, a couple of things happen. First, the Superior Spider-Man has to deal with [possibly] not getting his doctorate for, "Plagiarizing", the thesis of Doctor Otto Octavius (Doc Ock), plus he has to deal with Stunner coming back and looking to get revenge on Spider-Man for, "Killing", Doc Ock. And finally, we see what all is happening with Carlie Cooper and Green Goblin! Writer Dan Slott's story, for this issue, is good; and you'll find something that will make you comeback for the next issue, even though this wasn't one of the best stories from this series. The best aspects for this story, for me at least, was seeing Spock handle getting rejected; seeing progression in Carlie's plans to reveal that Ock is in Spider-Man's body; and how her story, now,intertwines with the Green Goblin's! Stunner's role in this issue was used to help, Spock, move on with certain aspects of his life. (i.e. his doctorate and finding true love.) Which is great. Stunner was the weaker element of this issue, and I like how Dan Slott paved a way for the story to strengthen Spock's character, and close a few doors that were open for far too long. Plus, with the secret of Ock in control of Spider-Man's body; I'm interested in finding out how Carlie's knowledge of the truth, and being kidnapped by Green Goblin, will tie-in to the ultimate, end,of this series. Slott's use of suspense of, "Oh! What's going to happen next?", almost makes up for the weak element of Stunner's story, but not by much. But still, I'm glad Dan Slott could save this issue with just a couple of, series changing events, and make me want to comeback for the next issue!
The Bad
So while Dan Slott saved this issue; I guess it's time for me to tell you what he saved it, from!Stunner makes her re-appearance in Ock and Spider-Man's life, as she's out for blood. (Yes. I've said it before.) But what you do not know, is that it is, really, really, boring. Nobody (mainly me) cares about Stunner's revenge. I like how it was touched lightly in this issue's story, where even the Daily Bugle reporters were like, "Eh, Doc Ock is dead. Where've you been?", It was a nice touch that totally speaks the truth. If this story were early on in the series, it'd be justified. But we are 21 issues in, and now, she appears solely because this issue couldn't primarily have focused on exposing Spock's identity nor his doctorate. She came to a party that ended months ago! Stunner is not a three dimensional character, she's really just flat. Her character is stereotypical, as she's the cliche, "Overly attached girlfriend.", and needs to just let go. Thankfully, Dan Slott did end the relationship between her and Ock, by introducing the fact that, Spock (Ock) is now in love with Anna Marie. But still, the weak storytelling in the area of Stunner, did not make me want to learn, nor care, about her and Ock's [now dead] relationship.
The Verdict
3 out of 5. Next review, Superior Spider-Man #22.
