Loeb Jeph

Blue

Spider-Man

Savindi Jinasena

I’m a sucker for Gwen Stacy and Peter Parker’s relationship. I’ve thought that she was much more suited for Peter than MJ, so I was really looking forward to reading this Graphic Novel. Also Jeph Loeb is a writer that I like. He did a fantastic job with the two Batman: Hush volumes with Jim Lee covering the artwork. That was a good team and I was expecting the same chemistry to be transferred to Spiderman: Blue sadly there was much left to be desired.

I think I was left disappointed with this Graphic Novel because I had such high expectations for it. But that is partly my fault because this book was about how they fell in love rather than their love. I enjoyed the way the narrative was told; Peter Parker sitting in an attic recording the story of how the entire saga with Gwen Stacy unfolded up until that fateful kiss at the very end. This story was more emotions and circumstances rather than the action which I had no problem with. The flashbacks in this graphic novel showed Peter’s old High-School nemesis Flash Thompson, former room-mate Harry Osborn, Peter’s current wife MJ and of course Gwen Stacy along with some more villains from the Spider-Man universe.

I liked how Loeb characterized the tension between MJ and Gwen Stacy during those flashbacks. At some points I caught myself smiling as these two women vied for Peter Parker’s affection and they were both victorious in a way, despite MJ’s victory coming at a price. However I felt like Gwen Stacy’s character was not developed enough. I wanted to see more of her and Peter. Surely they may have talked a bit more that was portrayed in the story? I understand this was pre-honeymoon phase for them, but I’m sure they may have said more to each other.

Harry Osborn of course was a character in the story who irked me. Personally he’s one of the weaker characters along with Flash of course. As I think about it more this is Gwen and Peter’s story, therefore everyone is in a secondary role . So Loeb probably didn’t think it was necessary to make them more appealing.

Let’s talk about Art Work. In all honesty I think this was probably my first experience with Tim Sale’s work and I wasn’t that impressed. I think I’ve been spoilt by the works of Jim Lee, Ed Benes and the late Michael Turner. Their work has left an impression on me. Those artists brought the characters to life for me and sadly Sale didn’t. Gwen’s appearance is what irked me the most. I didn’t think Sale captured her true essence.

Overall, Spider-Man: Blue was an ‘okay’ read. My high expectations is what left me disappointed with Loeb’s work. However I will say I did enjoy the final chapter of this Graphic Novel; it was touching.

Omar AlHashmi

As usual Jeph Lobe and Tim Sale do it again. They are my favorite duo in graphic novels. They can really paint a character and focus and his or her main points. Reading Daredevil Yellow and Hulk Yellow and now this just solidified that they are able to do any story and dont just stick to something they are used to. Each one had a different taste and feel. Similar to the colors assigned each comic felt like the color. Daredevil was yellow and full of energy, Hulk was grey and dull and sad, Spiderman was blue and gloomy as he mourned for a loss. I love this style that they made. Great addition to my comics collection, highly recommended

Spider-Man Blue

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