Spidey embarks on a learning curve (Ultimate Spider-man: Learning Curve - Brian Michael Bendis)

Member Name: pmcds

Product:	Ultimate Spider-man: Learning Curve - Brian Michael Bendis
Date:	01/11/09 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great storytelling and artwork

Disadvantages: Nothing really

This collection of Spiderman issues runs immediately following 'Power & Responsibility', which chronicled and took a different tack on the Spider-Man that we know from the motion picture that was released at the beginning of this millennium. This collection, which features issues 8 to 13, continues to be solid work from writers Brian Michael Bendis and Bill Jemas, and is very similar to the previous collection in many ways.

The previous story arc is a much experienced one, with the Green Goblin the main protagonist, Spidey's villain, and is directly linked to the webslinger's run in with a radioactive spider that caused him to develop spider like powers. However, this run of 6 issues sees him up against a newer villain, a mob boss, known as the Kingpin, a certain Wilson Fisk. Kingpin is another of Spidey's well explored villains, but not as commercially recognisable as the Green Goblin or any others that are shown in the films. In fact, in terms of cinema, it is Daredevil who experiences the Kingpin as the main villain, albeit in the form of Michael Clarke Duncan.

Typically, what we get is further development from Bendis, and excellently so as well. In amongst the fact that Peter Parker now has superpowers, it is also important to not elevate such a hero so far above all villains that he becomes boring. As such, he is painted as fighting a losing battle much of the way through this, being bested by regular crooks as well as those with powers. At the same time, as Peter Parker, he lands his temp job at the Daily Bugle, with an intent to help out a bit at home as well as try to clear Spider-Man's soiled name in the paper.

Nothing goes to plan, and in questioning himself and his powers, we see a different side to Parker and Spidey, one that must wrestle with his own beliefs and determinations, showing that, despite the whole superhero thing, there is still a human brain and hormones at work here, with confidence levels affected just as much as they would do with you or I.

The artwork is excellent, although it takes a bit of getting used to, with a very cartoony way of attacking it. The disproportioned elements are common with the musculature, but not in the usual Marvel way with overgrown muscles. This is more about size and stretching muscles and the wispy hair, etc, and makes it very appealing to those who expect something that isn't complicated. In this respect, it really isn't complicated, and on the surface, this is true, but there is something a bit deeper at work here, particularly where the whole tale is concerned lurking beneath the surface. Sure, this is story arc featuring the Kingpin as the villain, but it serves mainly to develop Parker and Spidey as one character, with one brain, and how they come to terms with the whole alter ego superhero thing. As such, it is a very well presented collection of issues.

Learning Curve is an aptly named title for this collection, and I urge you to read it, particularly if you have read 'Power & Responsibility'. It is currently available from amazon.co.uk for £10.35, which is not a great reduction from the original retail price of just under £12. It may be worth having a look for it elsewhere, or doing what I did and taking it out on loan from your local Library. Recommended.

Summary: Volume 2 of the Ultimate Spider-Man storyline