THE BASICS
A brand new Rhino is on the scene and he's itching for a chance to "de-skin" the original, despite the original's new, lawful life.
MY COMPLIMENTS TO THE CHEF
- Of all the characters in Spider-Man's rouges gallery, the Rhino is the last one I would have thought to have a deep, character rich story in him. But, in the universe's ever continuing quest to show me just how little I know about everything, this issue pops up, in which not only do we see Aleksei turned away from the criminal life working a straight job, but we also see Aleksei as a brave and sincere man. He has a wife whom he loves, a job he's dedicated to, and a genuine desire to help others. Now, all that could be pretty hard to swallow given his record (Spider-Man sure thinks so), but all of it feels genuine, not forced. His actions show his new mind set and the side story and the end of the comic shows the process that lead him there (it's also a very sweet story). A great job is done of not just telling the reader a change has taken place, but showing as well. Something I applaud.
- This is really Aleksei's story; Spider-Man just guest stars. Normally I don't like that, but such a good job was done developing Sytsevich that I don't mind. Plus, it's full of awesome moments like Aleksei standing up to a giant mechanized Rhino like it's nothing, getting hit in the face with a wooden horse and just walking it off, and putting his love for Oksana in words after a heart to heart with Spidey convinces him not to battle the new Rhino for her sake. "For her I can do anything. I can even be a coward."
- The creative team behind this issue put in a great effort. The story's great, the action is fun, the script is wonderful, and the art is fantastic. They should all be very proud of the job done here.
FEEL THE STING OF MY DISCONTENT!
- I've really got nothing bad to say about this issue.
WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE
A fantastic issue and probably the second best thing to come out of The Gauntlet (
this being the first). A definite must read for Spidey fans.
