1252 ( )

I like these stories with Tombstone; the initial story of Flash as a G.I., that is based on a real story (with the information about Corporal Guerin) is great and inspirational. The Punisher story wasn't bad either. ( )

The first story is a fairly powerful one, although a little over-heavy, in which Flash Thompson, wounded in Iraq, is being interviewed as a possible Medal of Honor recipient and links his sense of honor to Spider-man's inspiration. The following stories show Hammerhead being recruited and surgically beefed up by Mr. Negative, after which he takes on Spider-Man as he tries to protect a group of neighborhood kids targeted for recruitment by the local gang. The Punisher story follows and is decently done. But the best thing in this whole book is the introduction of Norah Winters, a Front Line reporter and the best new character I've seen in Peter Parker's life in a long time. Sarcastic, effervescently witty, sardonic, even sexy in an off-key way, and apparently with her sights set on Peter in spite of his instant confused repulsion... I just hope they do justice to this character down the road. Oh, and the bit where Spidey is rescuing a particularly aromatic bag-sort-of-lady is worth the price of admission alone. ( )