Avenging Spider-Man #6
Writers: Greg Rucka and Mark Waid
Art: Marco Checchetto, Matt Hollingsworth [Color Art]
Recently, Daredevil acquired an item called the “Omega Drive” that is full of intel on “mega-crime cartels” like AIM, Hydra, Black Spectre, Agence Byzantine, and the Secret Empire. All of these organizations, and others, want the drive.
The issue opens with panels alternating between Spider-Man fighting Hand ninjas–who are everywhere these days–and flashbacks of Reed Richards explaining the Omega Drive to him. The ninjas, of course, were staking out the rooftop across from Matt Murdock’s law office because, as mentioned in the book, Daredevil has the worst-kept secret identity in the world.
It turns out the Punisher wants the drive, as well. He and his new partner, former marine Rachel Cole-Alves (who has a “my family was massacred” back story similar to the Punisher), pay Murdock a visit and attempt to take the drive for their own uses. It isn’t long before Spider-Man and the ninjas crash the party, leading to–you guessed it–a team-up.
This is a flawless start to the Avenging Spider-Man/Daredevil/Punisher “Omega Effect” crossover. The writing is tight, and has some of the best Spider-Man one-liners I’ve seen in any book, and I’m really fighting the urge not to spoil any of them because they’re just that good. If you’re not a regular Daredevil or Punisher reader, there’s enough context here to bring you up to speed and prevent any confusion. The tone, detail, and overall flow of the art is on par with the writing, as well, making this issue a definite “must buy.”
STORY: 10/10
ART: 10/10
