Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Artists: John Totleben with Ron Randall
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Plot: After seeing a mugger discover that his escape plan that involves a trip through the sewer system is a right bad idea, as something monstrous lurks in the dark, we get a pretty good hint at what might be waiting in the tunnels, as we are treated to a letter that Doctor Curt Conners has written to his wife. Yes it's the story of a one-armed scientist who was studying the regenerative capabilities of reptiles, and when his funding was cut off, he has the reaction that all comic book scientists tend to have, as he decides jump right to the stage where they test the experiment upon themselves. This results in Curt miraculously growing a new arm, but he also is transformed into a man-lizard creature, that takes to living in the sewers of New York City. We then look in on Peter Parker, who upon hearing reports suggest a link between Curt Conner's transformation & the creature in the sewers, decides this sounds like a job for Spider-Man. However, while Spider-Man does encounter the Lizard, the arrival of the Man-Thing saves our young hero, and transforms the Lizard back into his human form.
Comments: This issue is a classic example of why I'm never really cared much for the Man-Thing, as nine times out of ten in a story that guest-stars the Man-Thing, one is almost guaranteed an ending like we got this time out. Yes, the Man-Thing is mysterious. Yes, his actions tend to be unexplained, and it's never quite clear which side he's going to help, until he acts. However, I also think that this mysterious element somehow compels writers to forgo their regular method of writing a logical finish to their stories, as they can fall back on the Man-Thing for that quick-fix solution. So isn't it nice that the Man-Thing's touch is able to turn the Lizard back into Curt Conners. Isn't it nice that the Man-Thing has such great timing that he arrives in time to save the life of Spider-Man (I guess muggers don't rate quite so high on the Man-Thing's list). I don't know why writers just assume that readers will find endings like this rewarding, but it does seem to happen every time the Man-Thing is around.
You know just once I'd like to see a scientist whose funding was cut actually make an effort to secure alternative funds, or pick a test subject besides themselves to test their untested, highly unproven formula upon. Heck I'd even take an accidental injection over the overused & highly predictable plot development that has the desperate scientist using themselves as the genuine pig. It's gotten to the point where I've seen this same plot play out literally dozens of times, and every single time I find myself hoping that the writer using will take off in a different direction once the news that the funding has been cut is given, but every time I'm left disappointed. It's like the heroine that runs up the stairs to the roof of a building when she's chased by the knife-welding manic, or wanders outside when they hear a noise. Sure it's easy to write when your characters do silly things that service the plot, but it also makes the story predictable, as your reader can finish the story for you.
Truth be told I've never actually heard of John Totleben before (the reader might be familiar with his work from issues of Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing and Miracleman), but this type of story does seem to play to his strengths as an artist. The dark shadows, and threats that lurk within them are nicely rendered, and while I must say that I missed the bright green scales/purple pants/white lab-coat, I will say that John Totleben's take on the Lizard is a good deal more frightening, and as such is more at home in this story. I also loved his version of the Man-Thing, and wished that the script had given the character more to do, as four pages simply wasn't enough, especially after that amazing one-page spread where the Man-Thing first shows up in the story. Another moment of note was a wonderful one-page shot of the Lizard leaping out at Spider-Man (though personally I feel the spider-sense squiggy lines would've added more intensity to the shot). I also enjoyed the idea that his version of Spider-Man looked like a young adult, which is a detail that some artists on this series forget. Pretty cool borders in this issue as well.
Final Word: An issue that is more interested in creating an atmosphere than in telling a story. So yes there's some moments in the book where I was impressed by the mood that was established, but it's all for naught when the writer forgets the principals of good storytelling. I mean, sure quick finishes are a staple of comics, but there's a difference between quick & contrived, and Brian Michael Bendis' big finish falls firmly in the latter category. Plus, there's also the simple fact that this issue is pretty much a retelling of the Lizard origin in the regular Marvel Universe, and as such most of the book has a been there, done that feel to it. Plus, Man-Thing fans (if such a creature truly exists) are given next to nothing to latch on to besides the fact that John Totleben's art captures the essence of the character remarkably well.
