THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY #2

Creative Team – Dan Slott, Marcus To, Alex Sinclair, Marcus Martin, Muntsa Vicente, VC’s Joe Caramagna, Phil Jimenez

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with the first issue!

The Story

This comic is reviewed by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn, and your truly, Megan!

Shawn – Dan Slott may be on to something with Nega-Punisher. I really enjoyed the character. What do you do when a guy who is comprised almost entirely of inner demons has those demons unleashed? You get The Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Slott perfectly manages the darkest version of Castle we’ve seen this side of a red band or Max imprint. He manages to do it while also maintaining the signature Spidey humor.

The Duolingo joke may be my favorite of this series so far. Amidst all of the humor, there is a serious and well-done story. I love the use of the Lexicon as a device, combined with a Castle under control. Slott seems to really be building a new and interesting Spider-Man story. Mr. Negative is an interesting character, and the interaction with Punisher adds a new wrinkle. I can’t wait to see what comes next. Guess you can just call me an optimist.

Megan – After reading The Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day #2, my head is SPINNING with theories! In the last issue, we left off with The Punisher under Mister Negative’s manipulation. Now we know exactly how. Using “The Devil’s Breath”, Mister Negative can put anyone under control and bring out the worst in them. There’s no telling how much damage Mister Negative can do with whoever he has under his control, but he can do a lot with just The Punisher. Spider-Man is in over his head, and he knows it. Mister Negative has made Spider-Man his prime target and will stop at nothing until he’s dead.

There was so much to enjoy about this issue! Dan Slott gives a masterclass on how to keep the energy high and keep the reader on the edge of their seat. This issue had everything: action, adventure, suspense, even some of that classic Spidey humor. Slott has me sitting and excited for the next issue to drop!

The Art

Shawn – Marcus To and Alex Sinclair do an amazing job on this issue. This issue features a wide variety of settings, each needing a different touch to accomplish for the reader. To and Sinclair manage that perfectly. Whether we are seeing a scene set inside F.E.A.S.T. headquarters or the Punisher and Spider-Man battling it out at a drug warehouse, each line and each color feels to set the scene perfectly. There are a lot of “background” characters in this issue, and the thing that To does well is make them all feel unique. Every character, even if they’re just to help set the scene, feels distinct and their own.

Alex Sinclair uses his coloring to craft a wickedly creepy version of the Punisher. Seeking the deep purples on Frank Castle’s face and knowing what it represents makes for a terrifying combination. The coloring Sinclair uses to capture buildings reflected in glass is gorgeous and shows a level of skill not everyone possesses. Joe Caramanga does a spectacular job guiding readers through the story and handling Castle’s inner turmoil under Mr. Negative’s control.

Megan – The artwork of this issue is simply, for lack of a better word, spectacular! The artists bring something new to the pages of The Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day #2 that brings all-new depths to the story. What I love is how the artists were able to capture the differing emotions throughout the comic and make each one hit like a punch to the gut. Whether it’s Frank’s flashbacks or the sheer menacing energy The Punisher is giving off, you’re able to feel each of these emotions very clearly as if you’re in the story yourself.

Final Thoughts

Shawn – 10/10. This creative team continues another great run. A Punisher that is pointed towards Spider-Man like a weapon without control is an interesting concept and makes this a thrilling series. There’s humor, action, and suspense. This issue had it all!

Megan – 10/10. There was so much to love about this issue! If you haven’t checked it out yet, there’s no time like the present! Head to your LCS and make sure to preorder the next issue!

Overall Grade – 10/10

Let us know in the comments what you thought of this issue!