Writer Christos Gage

Penciler Mike Hawthorne

Inker Wade von Grawbadger

Colorist Jordie Bellaire

Letterer VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover Artists Mike Hawthorne & Morry Hollowell

This book continues to be an extremely fun read and is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Otto Octavius, I can’t believe I’m writing this, has to be one of my top 10 favorite capes right now. Writer Christos Gage is handing this book and Otto’s delicate personality beautifully. 

In the middle of this issue is a perfect example of what I’m loving about Mr. Gage’s writing. The city of San Francisco has learned that Otto is not the actual Spider-Man, but is in fact Doctor Octopus in a new body due to Norman Osborn/Spider-Man from Earth-44145 informing the public. 

This is not good news for Otto, and you’d expect, as I did, that Otto would fly off in a rage and seek immediate revenge or react in his typical selfish ways. Instead, Otto, through Mr. Gage’s pen, rushes off to face the disappointment and hard questions of a little boy that he’s been helping to get adopted by a new family. This whole series of events was written splendidly, from Otto’s initial reactions and the funny things he says, all the way to doing the right thing and being truthful with the little boy. 

The pencilwork giving bones to this body of art was strong and professional. I like how penciler Mike Hawthorne has been drawing Otto when he’s not in his uniform, he looks very much like what would come to mind if I thought long and hard about what a young and fit Doc Ock would look like. I especially like the haircut that Mr. Hawthorne has given Otto, sharp, clean, and just a little old-school. If you haven’t read the book, it’s that standard ‘50’s Era haircut that most men and boys had in that period (or so many movies would have me think),  Forrest Gump comes to mind.

My favorite colorist, Ms. Jordie Bellaire, a.k.a the Goddess of Colors, did what she does, animating cold pencils and inks by giving them warmth and life. This isn’t some of her best or most creative work in terms of the colors themselves, but what really stuck out to me about her share of the art is how good she is at settling into a book and making it more of itself. I know how that sounds, like I might be one of those “very discerning people,” but when one lacks a certain level of education and, unfortunately, intelligence, one must try to get his point across in some way. 

Jordie Bellaire’s ability to enhance and add to a book were on full display in the two pages directly after the Marvel Contest of Champions advertisement, in those nine panels I found myself in Otto’s shoes as he held his dearest.

 Hopefully this book has enough readers to keep it going because I love it.

Before you travel to another Earth in the mulitiverse, make sure to bring this book so others can…

Read It!

P.S.

If anyone can think of a fitting title for a woman of Ms. Bellaire’s talents, please email adultspeakscomics@gmail.com