The dialogue is really strong, and I feel like Romita, Jr.'s art is like if Mark Bagley was even better. ( )

This is the first issue from the Hachette Partworks series under “The Ultimate Graphic Novels Collection” banner. The novel collects issues 30 – 35 from volume two of the regular Amazing Spider-Man series and comes early in the Straczynski run on the title. Straczynski had been brought in to breath new life into the title and brings Spider-Man back to basics. At the beginning of the story Mary Jane has left Peter Parker making him a depressed loner again. To add to his worries he’s just taken up a new teaching post at his old High School. Two mysterious new characters appear: Ezekiel who warns Peter of impending danger and that danger itself in the form of new villain Morlun, a super-powerful vampiresque character who wants to devour Spider-Man’s totemic spider-essence. The story itself offer nothing new, but in many ways the narrative is simply a vehicle for re-inventing and reinvigorating Spider-Man through an exploration of his origin. This works well and is cleverly done by Straczynski, who redefines Spider-Man, staying true to the origin myth, while playing it out against a slam-bang action story. Romita Jr’s storytelling is excellent, with the art a clever amalgamation of classic clean-line style and the scratchy, blocky-style that has become his trademark. The volume comes with an introductory piece and has a range of outro pieces including a writer / artist overview and a sketchbook by J. Scott Campbell, cover artist on the original run. The book is printed on heavy glossy paper is hardback bound – and makes for an excellent high quality product. ( )

An astonishing tale reprinted from the comic books, which more than almost any I can recall showcases Spider-Man's sense of responsibility, will to survive, and general indomitable inner strength against an apparently unstoppable foe whose only desire is to kill and consume him. There are a lot of nice touches in this powerful story, including Peter's taking a high-school teaching job to give something back to his community, and the shock at the end when Aunt May discovers his secret. Great artwork, too. ( )