The Spectacular Spider-Man returns to our lives in the brand new releases of Volumes 6 and 7! Things are finally looking up for Peter Parker as Liz Allen becomes his official girlfriend and his social status at Midtown High reaches an all-time high. But whenever things start going well for our favorite wall-crawler, disaster seems to rear its ugly head. One of the best things about this series is the serialized nature and it is great seeing how every episode lays groundwork for what is to come. With old enemies returning and a gang war looming on the horizon, things are about to get interesting, for these two releases showcase Spidey at his finest as he must outsmart Venom, Sandman, Hammerhead, Silvermane, Dr. Octopus and more!
Volume 6-
"First Steps"- School is back in session and things are starting to get better for Peter as he gets to enjoy life with his new girlfriend and the return of old friends. Pete, Liz, Gwen and Harry get invited to Flash Thompson's birthday and we learn a lot about Pete and Flash's history together. Secrets will be revealed! Meanwhile, the Sandman returns and is out to make a big score, but keeps getting stopped by our favorite hero at every turn. Can Pete convince this villain to give up his old ways and join the side of good? Also, it seems that Eddie Brock (aka Venom) is lurking in the shadows…but what is he after and has he found the symbiote? One of the best things about this episode is the inclusion of video recorded Birthday wishes to Flash Thompson showcasing the cast of the series and really adding a nice dynamic to the episode. This episode was directed by Kevin Altieri who worked on Batman: The Animated Series.
"Growing Pains"- Col. John Jameson returns to the series! After encountering the alien symbiote in season one, John has become infected by alien spores which increase his size and mass. Jonah convinces him to take on the role of Col. Jupiter to take down Spider-Man once and for all! Things get even more complicated as Venom returns posing as Spidey and causing damage to the city. Will John realize that he is after the wrong web-slinger? And what is Eddie's master plan for getting back at Peter? Continuing the trend of adding new dynamics to the episode, this installment features the students at Midtown High auditioning for roles in A Mid Summer Night's Dream and is a treat for fans, as we get to see some of our favorite characters at their best and their worst. While this episode really is more of a stand alone, it ends with a great cliffhanger and really leaves the audience wanting more.
"Identity Crisis"- After the stunning reveal at the end of the prior episode, everyone is left wondering who Spider-Man truly is under the mask. A new investigation is launched and throughout the episode we get to see several cast members interviewed about their opinions on the subject at hand. Eddie takes center stage in this episode and really takes his revenge on Peter by causing problems in every aspect of his life. Can Spidey save his friends and stop Eddie before too much damage has been done?
Volume 7-
"Accomplices"- The Gang War story arc begins here! Several parties are interested in the plans to create an army of Super-Human soldiers and only Spidey and the Rhino stand in their way. Can these two survive this unlikely alliance and stop Silver Sable and Hammerhead from escaping with this deadly information? This episode also includes a great appearance by the Black Cat doing what she does best!
"Probable Cause"- Peter faces the most challenging team up of his life: a partnership with Sally Avril for a police ride along! Can he survive the night with her and Captain Stacey? As if things weren't crazy enough, The Enforcers return in a new and improved way. The Tinkerer gives Ox and Ricochet similar upgrades as The Shocker so that they can defeat Spider-Man. One of the best moments of the season takes place in this episode with a certain character in an elevator. Make sure to pay close attention for a familiar theme.
"Gangland"- Get ready for a battle at the Opera as the many forces involved in the Gang War come together for an ultimate showdown. Tombstone, Silvermane, Doctor Octopus, Hammerhead, Silver Sable and The Vulture duke it out in a Valentine's day massacre. Who orchestrated this epic battle and who will survive the night? Peter must also choose between a romantic dinner with Liz or stopping all of his villains from destroying each other. This episode features one of the best action sequences in the series.
Special Features-
Like their predecessors, Volume 6 and 7 are lacking all special features. Usually these features are held over until the season box set release.
Overall-
Volumes 6 and 7 of the Spectacular Spider-Man are great additions to anyone's superhero library. Under the guidance of Victor Cook and Greg Weisman, this show has developed into something that is truly special. The serialized nature of the show takes all of the great parts of reading a Spider-Man comic and brings it to life. While each episode could be watched as a stand alone adventure, the payoff comes when watching them in sequence as character and story arcs build to a exhilerating conclusion. Fans are still calling out for a third season of this spectacular series and we need Marvel to hear our calls. Please go support this fantastic series by telling your friends about these new releases. Volume 8, the final chapter of Season Two, will be releasing this April. Make sure you catch up by watching all 7 volumes before the next release from Sony.
ComicsOnline gives The Spectacular Spider-Man Volumes 6 and 7 5 shows with an incredibly catchy theme song out of 5.
Buy Volume 6 and Volume 7 of The Spectacular Spider-Man at Amazon.com.
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