Is the latest issue featuring the now continuing saga of Spider-Ock still offering something that’s worthwhile or has this concept already overstayed its welcome? Read on to find out.

The official description from Marvel:

“Everything You Know Is Wrong”

• Is this all-new Spider-Man in cahoots with… J. Jonah Jameson?!

• Has Carlie Cooper figured out the Superior Spider-Man’s secret identity?

• All this and the return of the villainous Vulture!

Since the inception of this idea, there’s been a lot of mixed feelings and plenty of criticisms thrown around by devoted fans.  Simply put on face value what was done here felt like little more than a gimmick, but so far I have to say I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this literary ride.  The creative team is using numerous perspectives to illuminate a tale that could have easily been done within a few issues but somehow they’re milking it and the results just keep on improving.

The script by Dan Slott continues to be both a compelling and playful jaunt from beginning to end. The author gleefully expands on the history of Doctor Octopus while highlighting the apparent insecurities of a certain ghost that’s latched on to this continuing adventure.  There were some moments where the dialogue came off a bit too stiff but for the most part it more than worked, as minor misshaps fell by the wayside as the comic book marched toward its cliffhanger finish.

Ryan Stegman was absolutely destined to illustrate a Spider-Man comic.  His dynamic visualizations brought forth by his candid and yet professional panel work highlight his own abilities while expanding on the written word.  His action scenes in particular are fluid and full of iconic emotions that herald both the blows and the emotional weight behind them, in short the overall look is simply top notch.

Superior Spider-Man #3 continues to, in my humble opinion, show how something that at first glance seemed like a silly and unnecessary concept can actually turn into something interesting in its own right.  To the creative team: keep up the good work because this comic book comes recommended.

4/5