Freaky!

What universe have I been dropped into where Ultimate Spider-Man actually puts out a good episode? That's right, the latest episode of Ultimate Spider-Man, "Freaky" was my favorite comic-show of this week. Granted, it only had one other show as competition, but that is still quite an achievement when me and most of the world are still grieving the loss of Spectacular Spider-Man.



In the episode, we start off with Spider-Man fighting Mesmero, and then Wolverine shows up and antics ensue. They play off each other quite well, and later in the episode when their bodies are switched by Mesmero (yes, that happens), even more legitimately funny gags are put forth with an execution that actually resembles comedic timing. That's not to say all the sigh inducing non-sequiturs are missing, but they are heavily diminished in this episode. This is to the benefit of everyone involved. Even Sabretooth shows up to lay the smack-down, and his entrance scene is just gold.

The reason for this episode actually showing something similar to quality, is most likely because it's based on an actual comic written by the person who adapted the script. Say what you will about Brian Michael Bendis, but there is no doubt that he was the best choice to adapt this story, stemming from Ultimate Spider-Man #66-67. He knows it through and through because he wrote it, and that really shows.

It still may not be the Spider-Man show I wanted, but with each episode it does seem to increase ever so slightly in quality. It's finding its feet, as it were. If you were one of the ones who saw the first couple episodes and screamed in derision (like me), I highly recommend you check this episode out, and see if it's up your alley.

Using my new scale that I made up this very minute, I'd give it a 7/10

Other shows that aired this week were:

Iron Man: Armored Adventures - This episode featured Iron Man and Mandarin teaming up to fight Dr. Doom, who has acquired one of the Macluan Rings. It was a good episode, and one of the better interpretations of Doom, but the "Macluan Rings" story-line never should have gone past Season 1. It's way too drawn out, and at this point, monotonous. Also of note is the first appearance of Pepper piloting a suit. Let's hope she gets her own "Rescue" armor soon rather than just using one of Tony's leftover suits. 6/10

Sword of the Atom - Like I said before, a long-form story like this should NOT be told in a bunch of two minute segments. It's jarring. And this episode basically turns the Atom into John Carter. I'm already starting to lose interest. 4.5/10

MAD Presents - This episode features a parody of Batman combined with Benjamin Button. It's one un-funny joke played out over and over again for two minutes. Pass.  2/10

Until next time comics fans, stay golden!