Beginning a new arc “American Son,” Spider-Man rolls up his sleeves to take down Norman Osborn. How will this effect Parker’s life and his friendship with Harry?

I have mixed feelings about this book. One the one hand, I’m excited that Spidey is finally addressing an issue that should be forefront in his mind – Norman Osborn, his arch-enemy, rules the world. After a chat with Wolverine, Spidey is resolved that he must take down Osborn with lethal force. There is a great confrontation between Spidey and Norman that moves faster than I expected.

Here’s where I didn’t like this book. Norman and Peter are vying for Harry’s allegiance. Norman Osborn’s trump card is bringing back Menace with a big reveal in her belly. I hate the Menace character and to see her return (and more than likely stay around – in her condition she’s not going anywhere) truly disappointed me. I was so looking forward to this inevitable showdown, but now I’m not so sure.

There were some goofy and annoying moments in this issue. Why is there is panel on the first page showing just Peter’s and Harry’s feet? What man doesn’t like to sit with his buddy barefoot in the park? What the hell?!?!? Why waste a panel on it? Last point of bitching, Wolverine and Spidey make yet another Marvel crack at George W. Bush. Give it a rest!! I am so sick of liberal politics being puked on the pages of my comics. Not everyone is enamored with Obama! Focus a little more on writing a great comic.

In the end, I find myself trying to rate this book. The art was decent, the story was okay, but there are too many points that bugged me. I am hoping next issue is better because the direction is promising.

2.5 out of 5

Norman Osborn is a crafty son of a bitch.  Doc Samson is preparing to show the always-hiding-in-the-shadows President Obama a recent tape of Osborn as the Green Goblin.  This occurred a few Thunderbolts ago as Osborn jumped on his glider and got all Goblin-crazy in T-Bolts mountain.  Osborn crafts a seemingly impossible plan aboard Air Force One to prove his innocence, save the President from a decoy Green Goblin attack, establish his Thunderbolts as an efficient team of loyal presidential protectors, and discredit Samson.

I liked the tease panel of a former T-Bolt leader lurking in the background.  Hope this plays into the story soon.

The premise does push the limit of believability and too many pieces lining up perfectly for Osborn’s plan to work.  Hell, you have to suspend disbelief for the entire Dark Reign event. Has the world suddenly forgot that Osborn’s a lunatic?  Is it possible that with one lucky shot he becomes the most powerful man in the world?

Well, you just have to buy into it and have fun.  I have and I am. Maybe in the next issue Osborn will solve the mortgage crisis and give us an effective economic stimulus package.  Osborn for President!

3.5 out of 5