Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 17: Clone Saga

Book Description

As Peter Parker tries to sort out his relationship with the X-Men's Kitty Pryde - and continue his friendship with Mary Jane - a mall-food-court lunch turns into a free-for-all as Peter and MJ are interrupted by the debut of... the Ultimate Scorpion! But who is the Scorpion - and what sinister conspiracy is threatening Spider-Man's very existence? The clues have been laid over the past 96 issues... and it all starts to come together here, as we begin the most shocking, most mind-blowing Spider-Man story ever published! Collects Ultimate Spider-Man #97-104.

Customer Reviews:

things get a little nuts for Ultimate Spider-man.......2007-09-11

More than any previous TPB, the clone saga proves that the Ultimate Spider-man comics are not about regurgitating the original Spider-man characters and plots. The Scorpion and even Dock Ock featured in the Clone Saga are not at all the same characters conceived in the 1960s. The Mary Jane, Gwen Stacy, and Aunt May are also very different characters than we would expect from the mainstream Spider-man universe, and they have very different relationships with Peter Parker. This is not at all a bad thing. It means that instead of grasping at someone else's vision, Brian Michael Bendis is telling the story that to him and his present-day audience is fresh and meaningful.

Don't get me wrong, though. This is still good comic book fun, with all the ludicrous, over-the-top twists and turns the genre implies; in fact, it is even more extremely so. But if you are the kind of person that can suspend your sense of disbelief for a little bit and enjoy some pure entertainment, it doesn't get better than the Clone Saga.

Penciller Mark Bagley is in top form here--there are some truly steller panels in this TPB. As Bagley leaves Ultimate Spider-man for other projects, his contributions to Ultimate Spider-man, and especially his work in the Clone Saga, will not be forgotten.

Bendis and Bagley pour it on for issue #100 of "Ultimate Spider-Man".......2007-04-05

I approached the "Clone Saga" that makes up "Ultimate Spider-Man, Volume 17" with great trepidation. After all, it was the cloning plotlines that became for me where "The Amazing Spider-Man" jumped the shark and I stopped reading it and the rest of Marvel's Spider-Man titles. Then there is the way that writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mark Bagley have consistently come up with creative twists and turns on the original Spider-Man stories, which becomes an additional concern when you are getting up to issue #100 of "Ultimate Spider-Man" because the first time around Stan Lee came up with Peter Parker creating a formula so he would no longer be Spider-Man and it backfired, ironically making him more like a spider by giving him two additional pairs of arms. So you link "Spider-Man" and "clones," and I start getting really nervous.

"Ultimate Spider-Man, Volume 17: Clone Saga" collects issues #97-104 (which means it does not include #105 containing the epilogue). At this point Peter is dating Kitty Pryde and since everybody knows her identity as Shadowcat, when she is seen romantically with Spider-Man that means Kitty cannot be seen dating Peter. However, the fact that Peter is still seeing Mary Jane is driving Kitty crazy: what she calls "hanging out" he calls "going to school together." Their relationship is not helped when MJ drags Peter to the mall so they can talk and he can get back on his game and Ultimate Scorpion shows up and a fight ensues. The ante is upped considerably when Spider-man unmasks the Scorpion and sees his own face looking back at him. Meanwhile, MJ is suddenly abducted from her own bedroom. Spider-Man takes the unconscious Scorpion to the Baxter Building so that Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four can run tests. The results show a 94.2% DNA match with Peter Parker and now the fun begins in earnest.

Bendis and Bagley really pour it on in this story line. In addition to the debut of the Ultimate Scorpion we have the first appearance of the Ultimate Spider-Woman, the "return" of Gwen Stacy, and another even more surprising appearance by somebody who is supposed to be dead. When Aunt May finds Peter and the late Gwen Stacy in her kitchen you figure that things could not be getting any more complicated, but it does, and all before we actually get to issue #100. We still have Ultimate Carnage, Ultimate Six-Armed Spider-Man in a Black Costume, and Ultimate Kaine (sort of), so there are more than enough clones to shake a stick at in this story arc. The net result is, in a word, excessive. I have not yet listed all of the clones let alone all of the major players that make up the "Clone Saga." In these issues Bendis and Bagley get to one of the landmark moments in the history of Spider-Man and because it happens in the middle of everything else that is going on the effect is rather diminished. Or maybe I was just numb after reeling from all of these things being dumped on our young hero.

One of the strengths of "Ultimate Spider-Man" has been the use of multi-issue story arcs so that Bendis and Bagley do not have to come up with a different villain each month (that is how you end up with the likes of the Terrible Tinkerer). If you count multi-part stories in "The Amazing Spider-Man," the Scorpion also showed up in the 17th Spider-Man story, which was issue #20, towards the end of the second year of Lee and Steve Ditko's run on the title. Taking multiple issues to tell a story involving Spider-Man versus the Green Goblin or Doctor Octopus or whoever, allows for more depth in the story telling. Here the piling on of characters and plot lines provides a sense of density rather than depth. The "Clone Saga" is certainly ambitious, more comparable to the "Ultimate Six" mini-series than anything else, but I actually found it to be the least satisfying volume to date.

Next up is the Ultimate Knights story arc, which will be significant because it will be the last "Ultimate Spider-Man" stories drawn by Bagley, which has announced he would leaving the title with issue #110. This ends one of the longest continuous runs by a creative team on a Marvel comic book, technically beating the record set by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby on the "Fantastic Four" (I understand ignoring the "FF" annuals that would mean Bendis and Bagley fall short in number of stories, but anything in triple figures is impressive since we are talking eight-plus years of work). Of course, Mark Evanier and Sergio Aragones did ten years on "Groo the Wanderer" for Marvel, but the witless barbarian was never one of the flagship characters of the company.

The Complete A**hole's Guide to Handling Chicks

Average customer rating:

this is comedy not a how-to guide
Title misleading
Better than you'd think
Counter-intuitive advice
Fantastic

The Complete A**hole's Guide to Handling Chicks
Dan Indante , and Karl Marks
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0312310846

Book Description

Ever wonder why the a**hole always gets the girl? The answers are all here in this cradle-to-grave primer outlining how women can be manipulated, frustrated, and ultimately dominated through-out the course of a man's life. With no political correctness, no B.S., and no holds barred, who else but an a**hole could teach guys the essentials: -Dating in college (i.e., getting blackout drunk and having sex) -Women give sex to get love, men give love to get sex -Breaking up is not hard to do-if you do it first -How to cheat on your wife without getting caught -Everything that pornos are afraid to teach men about sex -And much more! With 'practical' advice throughout (inclu-ding tests, trivia, charts, and sidebars) and tons of hilarious tips to read aloud at parties, men will never be intimidated by women again!

Customer Reviews:

this is comedy not a how-to guide.......2007-09-08

Humor 5 stars. Usefulness 1 star. I agree with other reviewers that the central idea is valid -- you have to be aggressive to get women, but these days there are so many other books that give you a non-wimpy, masculine "how to" guide. To be fair, this is probably the only book that gives you some funny "how-to"s for late in life when you are in the nursing home with diapers and no teeth and losing your memory. One example from the chapter on sex techniques: The Crazy Fireman - set fire to her pubes and put it out with your ejaculate. That's typical of the book's usefulness as well as brilliant Animal House humor. Great politically incorrect comedy, but not useful. I also found it unnecessarily negative and cynical. Yes, it's an effective techique to get college girls really drunk, but there are also more powerful and positive techniques out there. Buy this for great Sam Kinison-style laughs and to put on the coffee table when a bunch of guys are coming over to drink beer.

Title misleading.......2007-09-06

This book's title is misleading. It is more the author's philosophy of life, over the course of life, than a guide to picking up or handling women. It fails at both tasks however.

Better than you'd think.......2007-08-05

I bought this book because I thought it was a joke. It actually is kind of serious but very very true. The authors know what he's talking about. From child to old man, it's all true. And lots of very usefull info on women and life.

Counter-intuitive advice.......2007-07-29

Some of the advice is standard: don't be needy, show value, exploit insecurity. But these guys go a step further: what do you do when you are in your 30s and 40s and 50s? The answer: get married before you turn 40 because women will not trust a man over 40 who has never been married. Of course, they go on to talk about cheating on your wife(always deny, never leave a trail), finding a wife with money(reminds you of the Sam Kinison routine: homelessness is solved by either getting a job or sleeping with someone who has a job), make sure you have a wad of cash for the divorce and take steps to protect your assets. And speaking of Kinison---these guys write like they are channeling him. It is often harsh, sometimes inappropriate, and usually a distortion of the truth, but isn't all humor?

Fantastic.......2007-07-27

The authors really know what they are talking about and break down a guys life into nice manageable parts. One of the funniest books I have ever read!

Average customer rating:

More Spidery Goodness
volume 8 definantly isn't slipping
The Dark Age of Ultimate Spider-Man
Worst volume yet...

Ultimate Spider-Man, Vol. 8
Brian Michael Bendis , and Mark Bagley
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 078512604X

Book Description

This deluxe hardcover collects Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 15: Silver Sable and Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 16: Deadpool, plus extras. In Silver Sable, the head of Roxxon Oil sics the world's greatest mercenary, Silver Sable, on Spider-Man to learn why the web-spinner has targeted Roxxon on his nightly patrols. How violently Ms. Sable wants to handle the situation is strictly up to her. Spinning out of the Ultimate Spider-Man video game (written and designed by our longstanding team of Bendis and Bagley), Ultimate Silver Sable might be the most dangerous foe Spidey has ever faced! Plus: the mystery of Ultimate Omega Red! And in Deadpool, Spider-Man teams up with his new girlfriend - the X-Men's Kitty Pryde, who gets a new super-hero identity for when she's not hanging with her mutant mates! Plus: Meet the dangerous Ultimate Deadpool - and the Ultimate Reavers! It's mutant action guest-starring the Ultimate X-Men, with Spidey caught in the middle! Also featuring Ultimate Morbius! Collects Ultimate Spider-Man #86-96 and Annual #1-2.

Customer Reviews:

More Spidery Goodness.......2007-10-11

Continuing the high quality that this series has seen, volume 8 covers issues 86-96 and annuals 1-2. This means we start with a story about dating Kitty Pride, run through the silver sable storyline, an adventure with the X-Men and vampires. On the way, we pick up ultimate versions of all kinds of classic villains like the Rhino and Vulture.

It's an excellent read. The ultimate stories have, as a general course, included much stronger plotlines, deeper characters, and overall higher sophistication than we saw the first time Spider-Man ran up against these folks. The artwork is great cover to cover.

Annual 2 was not as strong as annual 1 was - bringing Daredevil, the Punisher, Spider-Man, and Moon Knight together ... well, it's been done before and it's been done more effectively. Additionally, I would have preferred seeing Ultimate Spiral or some other Mojo choice rather than Ultimate Deadpool. Those are minor quibbles overall. I would recommend this to literally everyone. It's as much fun for those who have steeped themselves in the marvel mythology of the last 40 years as it is for the folks who are completely new to the story.

volume 8 definantly isn't slipping.......2007-10-10

I really like the Ultimate line, It's excellent writing. Not Watchmen or Dark Knight Returns good. But some of the best stuff Marvels put out in quite awhile.

The Dark Age of Ultimate Spider-Man.......2007-05-07

Like the above post, this is probably the worst of all the collected volumes. Neither of the main stories are really riveting, and they really lack a lot of the characterization and good writing of previous stories. In particular, the "Deadpool" arc is not done well. While a decent crossover, it lacks the development and character depth of previous stories.

The only good part is probably that the annuals are really, really good one-off stories. To me, the real star is Annual #2, which features Daredevil, Kingpin, Captain Jean DeWolfe, Moon Knight, the Punisher, and the Ultimate Kangaroo. The pacing and multiple plots are weaved well, and it gets away from the "OMG CYBERNETIC KILLERS ON MUTANTPHOBIC ISLAND!!" and goes back to the 'Street-pounding' roots of the Spider-Man character. In the end, there is a semi-major event in the Ultimate Spider-Man Universe (At least, I felt it was a revelation).

But, probably the best part of this book is that it is the lowest part of the Ultimate Spider-man series, and it's followed by the absolutely amazing Clone Saga and the (still-ongoing) equally-awesome Ultimate Knights Saga. So for those of you who are worried that Ultimate Spider-Man is going downhill, this will only spark its revival.

Overall, I'd buy it if you're a completist, a fan of crossovers, or just looking for some mindless action. If you are just getting into Ultimate Spider-Man, this is not.

Worst volume yet..........2007-04-28

I am a huge fan of Ultimate Spider-Man, but this volume is perhaps the worst to date. It really focuses on the relationship Spider-Man has with Kitty Pride, and I found that realtionship to feel very forced upon the reader. The development is not very natural, and this fact is very distracting. It is true that some elements are nice, and the two of them seem like they could be interesting together, but the development was rushed, and the romance seemed contrived. The X-Men crossover was nice, but the Silver Sable story just didn't seem all that entrancing. Not a bad book mind you, and it is good by itself, but in light of the whole Ultimate Spider-Man legacy, this one falls short.

Average customer rating:

A must-read!
Best Spider-Man story in years
Very Good
What this is and what this isn't! Or, "How to make a quick buck if your name is Joey Q" ...
Much better than the original "clone saga"

Ultimate Spider-Man: Clone Saga
Brian Michael Bendis , and Mark Bagley
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0785126775

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

A must-read!.......2007-08-01

I won't tell you anything, as that would spoil the fun, but Ultimate Spider-Man: Clone Saga is full of action, drama and much more! A must-read!

Best Spider-Man story in years.......2007-06-12

The worst part about this story was that it took years to put together. The Venom story, the Carnage story, it all ties together in a master stroke of comic-book writing.
Brian Michael Bendis truly frightened fandom by calling this one "The Clone Saga," invoking the most talked about (mostly jeers) Spidey story in 30 years. Rest assured, this isn't your daddy's Clone Saga.

This collection is action packed, filled with Mark Bagley's beautiful artwork (one of the few artists out there born to draw Spider-Man) and BMB's fanstastic pacing, plotting and dialogue. The climax is heart stopping, seat-of-your-pants reading that left me weeping and cheering, just pages apart.

And this story IS important, it DOES count. Sweeping changes come by the end of this, including and especially changes in all of Peter's relationships.

"The Clone Saga" is exactly the kind of story every Spider-Man Fan looks for in their lifetime.

Very Good.......2007-05-30

There is nothing more reviled, nothing more revolting, to a comic fan's ears then the term "Clone Saga." The storyline that ran through the mainstream Spider-man's comcis during the mid to late 90s (never read the original clone saga, but I'm led to believe that it is not vomit-inducing like the 90s one) was such a mess. It was confusing, aggravating, and completely silly. The plot just seemed to go from outlandish to mind-numbing. Indeed, the Cone Saga is widely regarded as one of the worst storylines in comic history. So much so that even Spider-man himself makes fun of the Clone Saga (don't have any issue numbers, but Spidey fans know I speak the truth).

Which brings me to the Ultimate Clone Saga. Bendis, as always, delivers and makes even asinine sotrylines completely enthralling. While not exactly his best work, it is certainly not among his worst. Plenty of laughs, great dialogue, and surprising revelations make this a must-read for Spider-man fans.

What this is and what this isn't! Or, "How to make a quick buck if your name is Joey Q" ..........2007-05-27

Patience, fanboys! Just because this is a $30 hardcover doesn't mean it's the one people are needing to continue their collection. For one thing it is unnumbered. For another it is 1/2 inch shorter and 1/2 inch less wide and 50 to 100 pages thinner than the other USM hardcovers! In my opinion, this was pushed out to stores so it would be on the shelves once Spider-Man 3 hit theatres. Which it is, and it's selling.

BUT WAIT ... I am pretty sure that this is one of the releases that are often referred to as a "Marvel Premiere" Hardcover, which is an early-bird edition of an upcoming trade, in this case the Vol. 17 Clone Saga trade.

In my opinion, the Volume 9 oversized hardcover will come out, late summer or fall, and will of course contain these issues as well as the final Mark Bagley issues, of which there will only be 5 1/2 more (he will leave after pencilling part of #111). In this way the first 9 oversized hardcovers, or the first 18 TPBs, will give collectors the complete Brian Bendis / Mark Bagley run on Ultimate Spider-Man! But you have to wait another few months!

Buy this if you really need to immediately read a Bendis version of the storyline that almost ruined Marvel a decade ago. But it is not "Volume 9" folks, or they'd have slapped a 9 on the dust jacket somewhere.

Much better than the original "clone saga".......2007-05-27

The original Spider-Man Clone Saga was one of the most fan-hated story arcs in the history of Spider-Man. So attempting to do an Ultimate version of this would be tricky at best. But they pull it off wonderfully. This was a spectacular story arc, filled with twists.
I don't want to go into the story too much, because the element of surprise is this collection's greatest strength.
Suffice it to say, if you enjoy Ultimate Spider-Man, this is definately something you want to buy.

Most Important Year in a Woman's Life, The/The Most Important Year in a Man's Life

Average customer rating:

Great for Wedding Gift
Great even before you get married
Good way to open up discussion and work on relationship.
Wish I had it
A Useful Resource for Newly Marrieds

Most Important Year in a Woman's Life, The/The Most Important Year in a Man's Life
Robert Wolgemuth , Bobbie Wolgemuth , Mark DeVries , and Susan DeVries
Manufacturer: Zondervan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Marriage | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0310240069

Book Description

The first year of marriage is the most important. It forms the habits---good and bad---that will define the rest of your married life. Make that first year the best it can be. Unique flip book format. One half written for him. The other half written for her. Winner of the Silver Medallion Book Award.

Customer Reviews:

Great for Wedding Gift.......2007-10-06

This book is a great conversation starter for newlyweds right after their wedding. It helps get your marriage off to a great start. I recommend it!

Great even before you get married.......2007-09-18

This book saved me from marrying the wrong person! I read it before marriage and God helped me realize he was not for me.

Good way to open up discussion and work on relationship........2007-06-01

My wife and I have both read this book (both sides of it) and found the information to be very good regarding the 'normals' each person brings to a marriage and how they are not necessarily "right" or "wrong" but just different. It helps open up discussion about things like sex, money, habits, toilet paper alignment, work, kids, in-laws, church, man/woman roles, etc. Although we didn't read it until after 2 years of marriage (we have read many other sources, though :)) we still pulled some good info from it.

I like that the book reviewed the importance of both love and friendship. You can fall head over heels in 'attraction' for your mate, but if you have nothing in common and don't want to learn how to please or be a friend to them, it's going to be rough. When you can learn together, admit that you make mistakes, and each work on your 'issues', the friendship and marriage grows better. Your problems will NEVER be resolved if you just ignore them! Keep working on constant improvement.

Another recommendation I liked is that each person should SAY what they want rather than trying to 'hint' at it. A woman who thinks, "if my husband really loved me, he would..." may never see it happen. I don't know about you, but I sure can't read minds and don't get the 'hints'. Thankfully, my wife tells me what is on her mind so I don't have to magically figure it out. It's so much less hassle that way. Overall, I recommend the book and am going to buy another copy for a friend at work who is getting married next week.

Wish I had it.......2007-05-29

I got this for a friend for a wedding gift recently. I have looked at it in the store and online and it seemed great and I wished someone had gotten it for me when I was first married. It addressed a few issues (like in-laws) that would have been helpful to know or have in writing that first year of marriage.

A Useful Resource for Newly Marrieds.......2006-03-23

Susan and Mark DeVries and Bobbie and Robert Wolgemuth have put together not only a helpful first year companion for newly marrieds, they've done it with creativity.

This one book is really two books in one. From one side, women can read about what to expect, how to handle, and generally what constitutes a good first year in a Christian marriage. From the opposite side of the book, men develop the same type of material. Then, in the middle, are questions and ideas to bring the two sides together. They tackle topics from a balanced, Christian perspective and give tremendous insight into both sides of the marriage relationship.

The only issue I had with the book was that from the woman's perspective (yeah, I peaked in on that side :) there is great emphasis placed on the woman's ability to change the man. Though typical of our culture today, I think this is the only (though not necessarily insignificant) unbalanced part of the book. I would have liked to have heard on both sides of the book how both the husband and wife provide complimentary change into each other's lives. This then focuses on mutual change, dreams, and submission.

Even with that problem, I think I could recommend this book to newly married couples as a good guideline on how to build a strong foundation for a life-long commitment to an imperfect person.

For a full review, go to the blog in my screen name and click on the Readings category.

Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1: Power and Responsibility

Average customer rating:

Graphic SF Reader
Ultimate Spider-Man
fun, diverting update of the story: nothing revolutionary
Outstanding
good spider-man collection...

Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1: Power and Responsibility
Brian Michael Bendis
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 078510786X

Book Description

The comic book publishing event of 2000 is coming to your bookstore.

Ultimate Spider-Man received extensive press coverage and was the highest selling comics launch of the year. It is the reinterpretation of Spider-Man's origin, updated for today's tweens and teens. Starting over at the beginning, the story of how a tortured teen is imbued with startling powers, has been completely re-imagined to appeal to the hi-tech, media savvy youth of today.

In the process, great steps were taken to make the unfolding saga reader-friendly to the non-comics reader. "Our characters have been around for almost 40 years," explained Bill Jemas, Marvel`s President of Publishing and New Media, explaining the reasoning behind Ultimate Spider-Man. "It's great that our comics are so rich that storylines run forever, but we want the Ultimate books to be accessible to the first-time reader. Someone will be able to pick up an issue of Ultimate Spider-Man and have enough information to understand and appreciate it."

An outsider even amongst his own peers, high school student Peter Parker is a young man at the crossroads of destiny. Orphaned as a youth and raised by his Uncle Ben and Aunt May, Peter finds himself the target of a constant barrage of pranks perpetrated by school jock Flash Thompson and his burly bud, nicknamed Kong. After Peter is bitten by an experimental spider from the laboratory of Osborn Industries, industrialist Norman Osborn takes a deadly interest in this development. Will Peter be able to avoid a violent case of corporate downsizing? When backed into a corner, will our hero learn that with great power there must come great responsibility?

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

A Spider-Man reboot. A young Spidey gains his powers by being bitten by an enhanced Spider on a tour of Osborn Industries.

Otherwise, this is mostly the same, except for Peter has a girlfriend to start with who thinks he is hot, and Norman Osborn, trying the process that made Peter Spider-Man, turns himself into a monster.

Ultimate Spider-Man.......2007-08-06

This is great book. I recently got interested in comics, and I thought I might give this one a try. I read through it and by the end I knew I needed to get vol. 2 Learning Curve. Although it's not my favorite Ultimate Spider-Man, it's definitely a ggreat start. I would reccemend this book to new comic book readers who are looking for a place to start.

fun, diverting update of the story: nothing revolutionary.......2007-07-17

This isn't exactly your parents' Spider-man: no radioactive spider, yes internet, Uncle Ben has a ponytail. But in general, it's the basic Spider-man origin story: bitten by Mr. Osborne's experimental spider, Peter Parker develops the skills. Mr. Osborne injects himself with something and turns into a Goblin. Fight.

Even though this isn't going to turn your ideas of Spider-man upside down (like Batman: The Dark Knight Returns did), the art is good and the story is engaging. I haven't read the original Spider-man, but the story here largely parallels that of the Tobey Maguire movie. I totally look forward to reading Volume 2.

Outstanding.......2007-05-13

If you love The Amazing Spider-Man, or you are just looking to get into spiderman comics, then you will love this. I couldn't help but read it in one sitting, and once i finished it, i wanted the second volume right away. Im not really a big, buy every issue of a comic book, thats why these volumes work extremely well.

good spider-man collection..........2007-01-21

1. i don't like the ultimate universe idea at all. i dislike the infinite earths dc junk also. when you have iconic characters i don't think it's good to confuse the average non-comics fan (or even the average comics fan) with earth-2 superman, superboy prime, ultimates nick fury, etc. they water down the legacy and the impact of the great classic storylines and characters.
2. despite the above, this is a pretty nice comics collection. it's a good read, but just don't confuse the alternative ultimate universe with the real 616 universe.

Average customer rating:

Graphic SF Reader
kitty pryde...cooler than mj!
ONE OF THE BEST ULTIMATE STORIES EVER!!!!!
He's baaaaccckkkkkkk!
A great read (as comic books go)

Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 4: Legacy
Brian Michael Bendis , and Mark Bagley
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0785109684

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Here, Harry Osborn is back at school. His father is not a nice crazy green mini-hulk kind of guy. Nick Fury puts in an appearance at Peter's high school at tells young Spidey they are watching the whacko.

They are illegally spying on him and know that he has threatened violence and mayhem and murder, but they are waiting for him to do it publicly with evidence, so web-boy is on his own until then.

kitty pryde...cooler than mj!.......2007-02-02

ultimate spider-man by bendis and bagley is one of the best series out there. not as much action and non-stop bad guy fighting, but a good mix of that and a lot of peter parker being a teenager with problems (girls, bullies, being grounded, etc.) along with his spidey life.
the series is great great great. only a few minor things that could be better:
1. i don't like how nick fury comes in and tells spider-man he's going to work his whole life for him and shield. the idea of peter being...trapped in a web? haha...well it isn't too cool. superheroes need to fight the good fight because they want to, not because shield will go and take away their superpowers (as fury has threatened) if they don't comply.
2. bendis needs to cut down on the tuchas talk. seriously if parker grew up in nyc today he'd more likely speak spanglish than yanglish.
3. geldoff.

ONE OF THE BEST ULTIMATE STORIES EVER!!!!!.......2005-08-01

The Ultimate version of Spidey tackles Norman Osbourn/Green Goblin, and makes one heck of a story! A must own for Spider-Fans everywhere!

He's baaaaccckkkkkkk!.......2005-07-14

This review is for Ultimate Spider-Man vol. 4 paperback edition: Legacy

You can never keep a good villain down. That's true for all comic book worlds, including Ultimates, which is why Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin makes his return in this addition to the Ultimate Spider-Man library. Far more twisted and evil than in volume 1, Norman is determined to either own or destroy Peter. Nor is Norman Osborn the only threat presented. Nick Fury, of Ultimates fame, makes his presence known to our favorite wall crawler, upping the level of danger for all involved. The end of the original Goblin is slightly different than in original continuity, and more touching in my humble opinion.

Bendis continues to grow and improve with his characterization as he makes these very classic characters his own. The dialog is flawless, appropriate, and flowing as always. His way of showing the madness in Osborn is brilliant, and must be seen. Once you've read those pages, re-read them. It's worth the time and it's too much to take in at once. Bendis is one of the most beloved and well known writers in the comic book industry for a reason, this volume showcases his talents well.

Bagley and Thibert also continue to grow and find their own take on the characters. Their rendition of the Green Goblin is horrible, interesting, and chilling. The human characters are marvelously human, which doesn't happen much in comics anymore.

While this volume can be read alone, I recommend having read at least vol. 1 before. It is appropriate for all ages, and is enjoyable for newcomers and seasoned collectors alike.

This volume reprints Ultimate Spider-Man issues #22-27. Highest recommendations!

A great read (as comic books go).......2005-02-20

This is a great arc in the Ultimate Spider-Man series - in my opinion, the best of the ones I've read (up to Venom - Ugh!). So much is done well here - the story, the pacing, the art; everything seemed to work well together (well, almost everything). If I could give it four and a half stars, I would.

There were two things I felt were done especially well: the portrayal of the goblin's insanity and that Peter Parker's emotions. The goblin's insanity is masterfuly done - at one point we are actually see things through his mind, and witness the manifestation of his dementia, both graphically and in narritive. It makes for quite an effective - if disturbing - scene.
And Peter Parker is finally making some sense as a character; he actually reacts as one might expect a teenager in his position to react - terrified. Super powers or no super powers, the Green Goblin Parker faces is monsterously powerful, totally insane, and, worst of all, fully aware of Spider-Man's true identity and making use of it in a threatening way. It's all done in a very convincing manner - the drawings drive the fear home.

There are other nice surprises thrown in, that help build fill out the long term character of Peter Parker, adding continuity and connectivity. The Mary Jane/Gwen Tracy portions I like less, but it's harmless overall and doesn't hurt the highlights. Over all, the most intense arc I've read in the series so far (which, again, is up to volume 6).

Average customer rating:

Warm and Lovely Book
Not What I was Hoping For
Heartwarming.
Just what I needed
OK, but displeased with customer service

Chicken Soup for the Couple's Soul
Jack Canfield , Mark Victor Hansen , Mark Donnelly , and Donnelly
Manufacturer: Health Communications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Marriage | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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Accessories:

ASIN: 1558746463

Amazon.com

What a good idea all these Chicken Soup for the Soul books are! Instead of reading one book and hunting around for the most touching or uplifting passage, the Soup brigade of editors and writers scours the published world for brief excerpts, arranges them by category, and sells them by the kabillion.

The spoon-size stories in Chicken Soup for the Couple's Soul hit the spot and warm the heart. Take the case of Dame Margot Fonteyn, the legendary dancer. She fell madly for Latin lover Roberto Arias at 18 in 1937, but history flung them apart. He recourted her 14 years later, after he'd become Panama's ambassador to the UN. Five assassin's bullets crippled him, but not their romance: he watched from the wings in a stretcher as she took 43 curtain calls in Romeo and Juliet. "I feel it's rather a fair division," she said of their love. "He thinks. I move. You see, I love him." Another love-triumphing-over-paralysis chapter reprints the most stunning passage of Christopher Reeve's Still Me.

The cartoons aren't great, but many of the celebrity quotes in the book are, like this one from Ursula K. Le Guin: "Love doesn't just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread, remade all the time, made new." But one correction: the line "There is only one serious question ... how to make love stay" is from Tom Robbins, not "Tim Robbins." --Tim Appelo

Book Description

Whether single, separated or someone's spouse, everyone wants to find and keep this elusive thing called love. Bestselling author and foremost relationship expert Barbara De Angelis teams up as a co-author of Chicken Soup for the Couple's Soul, a collection of heartwarming stories about how real people discovered true love with the person of their dreams. With chapters on finding each other, intimacy, commitment, understanding, and overcoming obstacles, readers will find inspiration whether they're beginning a new relationship, hoping to work through a difficult one, or trying to recognize extraordinary moments in their lives. A sweet spoonful of this enchanting Chicken Soup collection will warm the hearts of the romantic readers everywhere.

Customer Reviews:

Warm and Lovely Book.......2006-11-30

This book was so good, I almost read it all in a day. I love true love stories. My two favorite stories were the ones about the apples and about the pay phone. It was really nice to read all these love stories.

Not What I was Hoping For.......2006-11-05

My wife and I had a cross country trip planned (driving from Virginia back to Utah) and we wanted to get some stuff to listen to that would be inspiring and help bolster our marriage of 18 years. We haven't had much alone time with four kids. Well, this one sounded good so we bought it. The stories are okay, but most of them seemed to deal with death and losing a loved one. Didn't do us much good at all.

Heartwarming........2006-08-02

The Chicken Soup series of books have certainly left an indelible mark on society and CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE COUPLE'S SOUL is no exception. There is a lot to like about all of these books. Usually presented in 2 - 3 page vignettes that make for easy reading and a variety of plots reach varied interests.

This particular volume tells of adventures of finding the love of a life. There are chapters here on finding each other, intimacy, commitment and much more. This is a treasure couples should enjoy together.

Just what I needed.......2006-06-10

I'm a huge fan of the chicken soup series, and this book did not disappoint me.
For a married woman who was in a bit of a rut, it reminded me of just what it means to be in love with someone.
Almost all the stories touched my heart and I even had the courage to share some of them with my husband. It's nice to sit down and read about couples who have had ups and downs and have still managed to survive it all. If you are 1/2 of a couple then I would suggest this book in a heartbeat.

OK, but displeased with customer service.......2005-10-12

I thought I was getting a like-new book, but the dust jacket is worn more than I would expect. I asked the seller for a small compensation due to their misrepresentation, but I never heard back from them.
Be careful with this seller.

Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 9: Ultimate Six

Average customer rating:

Graphic SF Reader
What happened to the action and the drawings?
ultimate spidey
Great read which actually offers clever villains.
Good action...after a LOT of talk

Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 9: Ultimate Six
Brian Michael Bendis , Trevor Hairsine , Mark Bagley , and Joe Quesada
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Superheroes | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Marvel | Publishers | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Spider-Man | Characters | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0785113126

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-04

Nick Fury has the Green Goblin, Kraven the Hunter, Electron, the Sandman, and Doctor Octopus locked up so he can study them, and have Henry Pym try and work out how they can do something useful with them.

Very bad idea.

This is really an Ultimates book, with Spider-Man guest starring.

Neither the President or Captain America is very happy with what is going on after much destruction and death.

What happened to the action and the drawings?.......2007-04-19

I am a huge fan of Spider-Man of all the series. I wanted to read this book 'cause it looked cool. I was very disapointed. The drawings were horrible. They all looked like a 14 drew them. Second all there basically was, was talk. No action except at the very beginning and end. If you don't read this book you are not missing much.

ultimate spidey.......2007-02-02

ultimate spider-man by bendis and bagley is one of the best series out there. not as much action and non-stop bad guy fighting, but a good mix of that and a lot of peter parker being a teenager with problems (girls, bullies, being grounded, etc.) along with his spidey life.
the series is great great great. only a few minor things that could be better:
1. i don't like how nick fury comes in and tells spider-man he's going to work his whole life for him and shield. the idea of peter being...trapped in a web? haha...well it isn't too cool. superheroes need to fight the good fight because they want to, not because shield will go and take away their superpowers (as fury has threatened) if they don't comply. plus the issues where the ultimates come in aren't that great, the whole series gets hijacked by them and not a lot of spidey. imo, the ultimates are easily the worst part of the ultimate universe. beyond ultimate spider-man and the ultimate fantastic four the ultimate universe isn't too great.
2. bendis needs to cut down on the tuchas talk. seriously if parker grew up in nyc today he'd more likely speak spanglish than yanglish.
3. geldoff.

Great read which actually offers clever villains........2006-01-10

First off,many of the readers who seemed disappointed with this are mostly fans of the Ultimate Spider-Man comic book.The style is very different and is better suited for fans of The Ultimates.

I actually bought this entire mini in comic form last week and was really impressed.There's good pacing here and little action outbursts and nice splash pages to keep the action hungry satisfied.The art is great,especially during the climactic battle on the White House lawn.Hairsine delivers the goods with lots of details and amazing panels to leave you drueling.

One thing about Bendis' style is that he features alot of dialogue.And most of the time,it's a good thing mostly used for set-up and characterization.This is meant to be a big-time showdown between a team of heroes and baddies.But as generic as it sounds,Bendis make things alot more thick and gives it more depth than that.If you have read The Ultimates,you will have a better understanding of many of the government aspects going on here,but even if you haven't,it's quite easy to comprehend.The villains here,especially Osborne and Octavius,are portrayed as intelligent scientists who hunger for nothing but revenge and power.Their motives are quite clear,and nothing too out of this world or far fetched.

This is a truly entertaining super-hero epic from Marvel's Ultimate line.This would be a great book to read for those looking to get back into comics.It might be wise to read some volumes of Ultimate Spidey and The Ultimates first,but even if you haven't,it's still an awesome read.I myself don't read USM and still understood what was going on.This book is highly recommended for anyone looking for a good epic super-hero read.

I also recommend
The Ultimates:Super Human,The Ultimates:Homeland Security,and The Ultimates:Gods and Monsters if you liked this.

Good action...after a LOT of talk.......2005-08-23

Nick Fury of S.H.E.I.L.D. and his Ultimates (Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Wasp, Giant Man, Hawkeye and Black Widow) have rounded up five of the most dangerous mutants around, and have them locked up together. There's a war coming, and Fury wants whatever secrets they have. But, in putting Dr. Octopus, the Green Goblin, Sandman, Electro and Kraven the Hunter all together, he might just end up with a war right now. And, if its one thing that these villains have in common it's Spiderman.

I must say that I have some mixed feelings about this graphic novel. The action is pretty darn good, but it takes a while to get to it. My twelve-year-old son started reading this book, but he got bored with all of the scenes of people sitting around talking, and finally just gave up. It's filled with a lot of angst, as modern comic books are - is Nick Fury a good guy or a bad guy? what's the American government up to? and who is really creating all of the mutants and why? Captain America walks around with a permanent scowl on his face.

But, that said, I did enjoy the book. It has excellent illustration work, great action, and lots of heroes and villains. Overall, I give it a somewhat guarded recommendation.

Average customer rating:

Lame
Hobgoblin attacks...
great read!
Disappointing

Ultimate Spider-Man, Vol. 7
Brian Michael Bendis , and Mark Bagley
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Superheroes | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Marvel | Publishers | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Spider-Man | Characters | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 078512148X

Book Description

This deluxe hardcover collects Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 13: Hobgoblin and Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 14: Warriors, plus extras. In Hobgoblin, it's the terrifying debut of the Ultimate Hobgoblin as Harry Osborn returns to Midtown High harboring a dark secret that will affect the lives of all those around him - especially his best friend, Peter Parker. And where does Harry's father - Norman Osborn, a.k.a. the Green Goblin - fit into all this? And in Warriors, the Gang War to end all Gang Wars begins! The Kingpin is in retreat, and that kind of a power vacuum won't last long. It's about to be filled by a figure of unabashed dread in the underworld: Hammerhead! Plus: the Ultimate debuts of several Marvel characters, including Moon Knight! And Spidey thinks he's had trouble before... but nothing has ever made him declare, "Peter Parker no more!" Collects Ultimate Spider-Man #72-85.

Customer Reviews:

Lame.......2007-10-08

Just read this, and once again, Bendis is just squeezing stale life out of old, existing Spiderman tales. The writing is just awful: it's like a combination of bad teen soap opera and generic comic book dialog. And is Bendis that narrow-minded in his wording that everything has to be "Oh my G-d!" whenever something shocking happens? What, nothing else comes to mind Brian?
The only plus of this book is the sharp colors, and the art isn't bad (it's not notably good either).
Avoid this, and read some of the past classic Spidey tales, and not Bendis' efforts at ruining the Spiderman saga.

Hobgoblin attacks..........2007-04-28

Like most of the Ultimate Spider-Man volumes, this is excellent. If you are looking to continue with you Ultimate collection, then you wont want to miss this volume. If you are new to the series, you can start here and work your way back. Either way, this is a great volume.

great read!.......2007-01-12

Like the title says, "GREAT READ!" I can't wait for the next one!

Disappointing.......2006-11-03

I've been on board since the first hard cover Ultimate Spider-Man appeared, and I have bought them all sight-unseen. So far they have been very good. Well, until now. This volume was, in a word, disappointing.
The volume itself is still beautifully made, but the stories themselves left a bad taste in my mouth. Firstly it opens with a piece of newly created history that made no sense. I have no idea what this was done. It seemed so unnecessary, and just seemed an easy way to get the break-up that was so obviously coming. Secondly it was made clear that, in this world, nine months have gone past. Ultimate Spider-Man 1 came out in 2002. We've been reading this for four years, but only nine months of story time has gone past. I'm beginning to wonder if Peter is ever going to grow up. Given the emphasis on his youth and inexperience, I doubt it. This, for me, is a real problem. I liked he fact that Peter was young, and seeing the problems he was having trying to be a super-hero while in High school, but it is getting tired.
Having said all that, within this volume there are some great moments, and I found myself really enjoying parts of it. It's just the overall flavour and direction that I found less than enthralling.
The extras on this one are a bit lame. We get bios on the characters. While this is nice, it's nothing like as good as the discussions and explanations we got from the creators in the previous volumes.
I think this may be the last volume I buy (but I reserve the right to change my mind when 8 comes out :-) ).

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