mysteriousmre's Reviews (1.22k)

The series does get better further along, but GEEZ, I forgot how much of a creep Doc Ock is at the beginning of this series (specifically him recalling memories of MJ for his own personal pleasure). I remember why this series was a hard sell at first. That said, it's interesting looking at how different Octavius and Peter view what a successful Spider-Man looks like. Ock is clearly looking how to make his job easier long-term, while Peter focuses more on the day to day. It's pretty cool seeing how the 2 are influencing each other in a positive way too. Peter's encouraging Ock to be a more selfless individual, while Ock is showing Peter how to be more efficient and that it's not objectionably *wrong* to be a little selfish from time to time and want to focus on the people important to you (whether that be other people or yourself).

Introduces a lot of memorable side characters this volume and tension builds as Ock and Peter fight for control. This is where the series starts to pick up for me.

Ock didn't just inherit Peter's powers, he inherited his luck too. In the middle of a time travel crisis, some of Otto's decisions regarding his doctorate and job with Horizon Labz come back to bite him, and that pushes him to make even bolder choices (some good, some bad).

The plot gets a little more chaotic with the addition of Spidey 2099. The concept and world built around the character is interesting, but my admiration for that comes from prior knowledge of the character and not anything in this book, so if you're new to the character, I'm pretty sure this book will leave you ambivalent to him.

Another note: on paper, I like the character of Anne Marie, but 3 volumes in and we dont have much characterization beyond the facts that shes smart, likes to cook, and is enamored with Ock's intellect. I wish we got more of her and knew more about her as a character.

Might not have much to do with the main plot, but it is fun seeing the symbiote in action. Pretty interesting comparing how much the symbiote’s changed the past few years, from a mindless monster to an actual character in Cates’ Venom book.

Middlewest was one of my favorite new books last year, and this volume did not disappoint! There’s some mature subject matter here, delving into Abel’s family history and how a suicide *deeply* affected his father, so heads up about that if you’re that topic’s difficult to read about, but I have zero complaints regarding Young’s discussion on these topics. Love this series and looking forward to the next volume!