Spectacular Spider-Man # 21
Writer: Paul Jenkins
Penciller: Talent Caldwell
Inker: Robert Campanella
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Colorists: Studio F
Cover Date: November 2004
Rating: 
Keeping with my theme of unusual Spider-Man stories, this week I’ll take a look at Spectacular Spider-Man # 21.
This issue for me is highly unusual because the entire issue takes place within a hotel room; It turns out that Spidey and a couple of heroes (The Black Cat, The Fantastic Four, Doctor Strange, and The Angel) get together for a friendly game of poker with the winnings going to the charity of the winner’s choice. The banter and friendly atmosphere is making this a pleasant game- until The Kingpin arrives and buys his way into the game.
The conversations that came out of this poker game are entertaining which in turn keeps the story so lighthearted yet it gives us a glimpse of what some heroes go through, I mean there’s a part where Spidey tells a story of when he comes meets a group of masochists who enjoy getting beat up by superheroes (That’s so weird but even in a world of heroes, there’s always the occasional nutcase or in that case, a couple of them), And we get to see a very interesting yet odd Spider-Man/Kingpin showdown as there are the only two players at the table; Oh yeah, I should point out how Doctor Strange is flat-out horrible at poker (It’s a running joke that never gets old)
Paul Jenkins has always managed to write such compelling Spider-Man stories that range from dealing with non-threatening villains to taking Spidey out of his element but this issue gave us a story that takes joy in how silly it is, so while there are no villains to punch out it’s great to know that comics like this one exist to show us how both heroes and villains can be just like ordinary people, especially when it comes to playing poker. A significant issue that may not be a fan-favorite but it’s quite a fun read.
Well, that’s it for me this week. I’ll be back with a Thanksgiving story to look at so thanks for sticking around and I will see you all next time.
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