Spider-Man's Social Dilemma

May 15, 2022
As if a changing relationship with friend and classmate Mary Jane Watson isn't enough of a distraction for Peter Parker, an alien hive mind is on the verge of conquering the world. By day, a high school student who wears the same shabby shirt over and over and is habitually racing for the bus, by night, a costumed superhero who helps children and old ladies in between battles with supervillains, Peter presents a convincing picture of an overscheduled teenager on the ragged edge of a breakdown. Still, in this first of a planned trilogy, he somehow finds the time to land a job as an intern at the Daily Bugle, work on a science project about using social media to promote worthy causes, and investigate a weird series of incidents involving an antique invention powered by mysterious alien matter. Not to mention fuss and fret about getting closer to MJ, her active efforts to encourage him notwithstanding. Along with assuming that readers are sufficiently familiar with the Spider-Man canon to make explanations of spider-sense or why Peter lives with his Aunt May unnecessary, Chhibber trots in a trio of veteran Marvel foes led by occasional antihero Sandman (Flint Marko) for brief set piece battles on the way to a climactic dust-up that at least puts the larger threat on hold--and clears the way for Peter and MJ to reach first base. Names and descriptions cue a diverse cast supporting the White leads. A fun outing, with your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man just doing what he does. (Fantasy. 9-13)

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