*First of all, Im a real sucker for mysteries, and this was no exception. I really liked the set-up Fred Ven Lente had here, in that you have a locked-room scenario combined with what looks like a series of serial murders all pointing towards the Sandman who is very likely innocent. After all, its clear from the dialogue that Flint Marko has no idea what Spider-Man is talking about when he mentions to murders; and quite frankly, why would he even use weapons on his victims--much less leave them at the scene of the crime--when he can literally create his own from his own body? But of course, this brings up a whole series of questions? If it wasnt the Sandman, who was the real killer? And how did they get into the evidence locker undetected? And why would they take the weapons? Is Sandman being framed and by who? Is it the Kravinoffs somehow trying to manipulate Sandman into joining them in their revenge scheme? A lot of intriguing possibilities here.
*Also, Van Lente has a very good handle of characterization and dialogue, here, and his portrayal of Spider-Man as an amateur sleuth is a nice change of pace. Theres a funny moment in which Van Lente pokes fun at Batmans uncanny ability to disappear whenever talking to a source by having Spidey seemingly leave Betty unnoticed, only to then appear behind her later. Also, even though I still believe its overdoing the destruction of the Daily Bugle, we get a wonderful scene between Jonah and Robbie which underscores what a deep friendship these two have, united by their common experience despite their different philosophies. Its quite possibly one of the best scenes between the two I can remember.
*Javier Pulidos art I also thought was very well utilized in this issue, as hes definitely channeling Steve Ditkos work on Spider-Man, especially in the climatic battle Spidey has with the Sandman. I liked how he decides to show Spidey wearing winter garb over his costume, as its certainly something that would be common sense considering Spidey IS just wearing tights. Also, the beginning pages showing Sandmans daughter Keemia (or is she REALLY another construct created by the Sandman?) enjoying her time as a princess in Daddys kingdom, which, along with Van Lentes narration, gives the entire sequence encapsulates innocence, but also instills a sense of the surreal, and also a sense of dread--much like an actual dream. Oh, and I liked the touch where, in demonstrating his ability to replicate himself, the Sandman is depicted in various forms--including his god awful Frightful Four costume.
*There were still some drawbacks, however. First of all, I thought the scene at City Hall with Glory Grant showing Peter the proposed Freedom of the Press Tower was pretty tasteless, but then again, I suppose that was the idea. Also, while I appreciate Carlie Cooper showing up and being written by someone other than Dan Slott, she still a very bland character and potential love interest, and is more or less a means to an end to set up the mystery. Also, the scene which Spidey gets a vital clue from Betty, I thought the idea that Betty is now getting inside information from her roommate, Glory, via her talking in her sleep was really corny. Not to mention it makes Betty a real lousy friend and even ****tier reporter if she has to resort to getting information from her friend without her consent, much less something as unreliable as that same friend talking in her sleep and taking that as gospel (It also brought up a question of whether or not this was a revelation that Betty and Glory have entered into a lesbian relationship, but I digress).
