“Did you really need to break all three windows coming in, wall crawler?”
Spider-Man Adventures #7
Marvel (June, 1995)
“Doctor Octopus Armed And Dangerous” STORY: Ari Arid & Stan Lee TELEPLAY: Brooks Watchel & Cynthia Harrison ADAPTATION: Nel Yomtov PENCILER: Rick Stasi INKERS: Rob Stull & Hector Collazo COLORIST: Kevin Tinsley LETTERERS: Steve Dutro & Susan Crespi EDITOR: Sarra Mossoff
When Felica’s mother cuts off Doctor Octavius’s funding after an accident fuses his exoskeleton tentacles to his body, he becomes Doctor Octopus. Kidnapping Felicia as Peter is about to take her on a date, he demands a ransom to continue working on his cold fusion generator. Spidey’s attempt rescue Felicia only results in JJ being kidnapped as well during the ransom drop. After studying up on Octavius, Peter comes up with a plan that does rescue Felicia and JJ.
What they got right: I don’t remember the episode vividly and it’s an admitted free adaptation so I won’t bother tracking the episode, but it’s close to what I remember. But what I really like is the huge change in art style, dropping the usual 90s eye assault in favor of something closer to the cartoon’s style, which is an improvement without something to emulate.
What they got wrong: After everything that’s happened to Felicia, Peter is still worried about their date? Wow, Fox Kids Peter can be an idiot.
Recommendation: I’d recommend this over any Spider-Man comic at the time. No Clone Saga (although the show would hint at the possibility in the final season…almost worth ending the show) and much less horrid artwork.
BW Media Spotlight 