Plot: This issue looks in on the Rhino, as he rescues the kidnapped daughter of mob boss from a rival gang, and while he manages to get her to safety, his actions earn the attention of Spider-Man, who quickly sets about proving the idea that brains will always triumph over brawn. Frustrated by his constant humiliation at the hands of heroes who are always smarter then he is, the Rhino realizes that if he wants to break out of this pattern, he's going to have to do something about it. After breaking out of prison, and killing a guard in the process, Rhino pays a visit to the scientist who performed the experiment that left him sealed inside the rhino suit. We then see the Rhino notes another experiment that the scientist is working on that enhanced the intelligence of monkeys, and after he is treated to another humiliation at the hands of the young girl that he rescued, the Rhino decides he wants the scientist to perform that brain enhancing procedure on him.
Comments: From the looks of the other online reviews I seem to be the only one who's going to actually admit to liking the Rhino. Of course it helps that I'm a fan of pretty much all of the classic Spider-Man villains, but I've always held a special affinity for the Rhino, as frankly he's the perfect straight man for Spider-Man's comedy. He gets annoyed, frustrated, and can be goaded into doing some impossibly stupid things. He's the very definition of the big, dumb goon, and even better ever since that classic Hulk Christmas issue (Incredible Hulk #378), he's been allowed to acknowledge that he's not the brightest bulb in the box. Sure his master-plans are never going to be complex, and as this issue demonstrates Spider-Man lives to humiliate the Rhino, but gosh darn it how can you not like this guy. He's like the extra butter on your movie popcorn. You know you want to like him, but admitting you do exposes you also are a closet fan of the mindless slugfest.
When I first heard about this book I was a bit concerned about its creative legs, as on the surface a book that looks at the influence that Spider-Man makes on the lives of others sounds like an idea that would quickly run out of steam. However, the last issue, as well as this current arc has me quickly rethinking this position, as if nothing else this title is easily rivaling the main Spider-Man titles, including the Ultimate books for the position of the best overall title. I mean, I don't think it's ever been this good. There are currently five monthly books that center around Spider-Man, and all of them are proving to be highly readable. There's Ultimate for his early adventures, Marvel Team-Up for his interaction with other heroes, Amazing for old-fashioned super-heroics, Peter Parker for in-depth characterization, and this title for everything those other titles miss. This may not be a Spider-Man title in the truest sense, but if you're a Spider-Man fan you should be kicking yourself for leaving it on the shelf.
I've never seen Duncan Fegredo's work before but I'd very much like to see it again, as his work is a fine example of an artist making the writing stronger. The Rhino has been involved in a number of stories that center around his quest to be more than just a big, dumb goon who smashes into walls, but this is the first one that truly conveyed the idea. The Rhino's lack of understanding, and underlying frustration are perfectly captured on his face. What's even better are the scenes where we see the Rhino reach his breaking point, as when he's hit in the face by Spider-Man's webbing his anger is palatable, and his escape from his metal restrains is another fine example. Other highlights of the issue include the credit page shot of the Rhino, the one-page sequence where we see him get out of bed to perform his morning routine, and the final page shot of Rhino about to undergo the experimental procedure.
Final Word: What can I say. I'm a sucker for stories that focus on characters that I'm fond of. I mean sure the Rhino has been involved in similar stories, and Peter Milligan is hardly doing anything too unexpected, but I enjoyed this story immensely. The Rhino has always been one of my guilty pleasures, as there's just something about a villain who only exists to be the punch-line in a joke, and while this issue is taking a mostly serious approach to the character, the entire story is hinged upon the Rhino realizing he's a buffoon. Now the title itself is an indicator that the Rhino will be back at his status quo when the story ends, but I fully expect next issue will be another fine exploration of the Rhino, and his quest for "dignity" will be another solid read.
