Since December of last year, it almost seems like writer Dan Slott has been going on out his way to make geeks get riled up and pissed off. Superior Spider-Man #9 is his latest release and it’s kicked up an online shit-storm as expected. The storyline is simple, Doc Ock has figured out Peter’s conscious is still in his body and decides to battle him within their shared mind. It’s a “fight” comic with some interesting twists and turns and helped by the solid art of Ryan Stegman.

The storyline involving Doctor Octopus taking over Spider-Man’s body as a whole has been controversial, getting fans whipped up into a frenzy over how Slott “ruined” their favorite character. For me, not being a regular Spidey reader, the story seems fresh and entertaining. Enough so, that I’m now regularly reading the series, something I wasn’t 6 months ago.

What’s interesting is Slott’s ability to have Ock balance between being a hero, or at least what he thinks one is, and being the villain he was. There’s a fine line in that and interesting character growth that Slott’s been slowly teasing and using as a plot device.

In this issue, the story could have gone numerous ways, and with that last page, we’re lead to believe (not going to give the spoiler away). But, for those that read Amazing Spider-Man #700, things aren’t always what they seem. And to me, that’s what’s so interesting about this storyline and some of these key issues.

The results and overall plot is somewhat predictable, but it’s still tremendously enjoyable. I’ve loved Slotts dialogue and plotting, he’s a master at both when it comes to delivering entertainment. The fact the community is so enraged brings more enjoyment. To think things won’t be resolved in some way in time for the next Spider-Man movie is laughable. Peter will be back most likely, it’s not if, but when. The meltdowns over it all shows Slott is doing a good job.

Comics are supposed to entertain and elicit and emotion. We can feel joy, sorrow, laugh or in this case for man, anger. The fact Slott is doing a mix of that for so many shows how solid of a writer he is and what an excellent run it is for the character. He’s doing his job, and doing it really damn well.

Story: Dan Slott Art: Ryan Stegman
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy