The Superior Foes of Spider-Man #2
Written By: Nick Spencer Art By: Steve LieberThe Superior Foes of Spider-Man #2 has a very Seinfeld-esque appeal to it. The point of this series (at least by this point) isn’t to humanize b-list villains, but to watch bad people get away with doing bad things, for the sake of comedy.
Spencer offers a well-planned narrative that ties into the last issue, while seeming like a simple day in the life of loser villain, Boomerang. Overall, this book is a comedy, and delivers on that fabulously. A more focused narration from Boomerang allows the reader to get inside his head to discover his fear of being killed by the Punisher, and anxiety running a team of villains while dealing with his slacker lawyer. A particularly fun moment is when we learn Boomerang’s admiration for Dormannu, of all villains.
A fun supporting cast for Boomerang is introduced between his lawyer, Partridge, and eventually, Mach VII, but the rest of the Sinister Six (or Five) are left as one-note jokes. While these jokes work well, this sacrifice learning a bit more of the team dynamic.
Lieber successfully sells the comedy on art duties, particularly using facial expressions to great effect, especially in the opening meeting. Boomerang’s fantasy of slicing off Partridge’s head is gruesome, but drawn like a doodle, makes for a far less menacing tone.
The Superior Foes of Spider-Man #2′s focus on Boomerang gives an entertaining perspective on bigger-name players in the Marvel Universe and his life as a whole. While more attention could be given to other teammates, Boomerang himself makes for a solid series star.
