Preeti Chhibber

It took me a while to get invested in this, but the second half really stuck the landing. I think many people will find it relatable that when confronted with the fact that her first real crush is actually kind of awful, Payal's reaction was "I can fix him!" when it should probably have been to get the heck out of there. I liked how the story dealt with serious issues and with situations that could have easily devolved into melodrama with honest conversations, a good amount of humor, and show more even a little bit of slapstick. There were a couple of dropped threads I was confused by when they didn't go anywhere (what did the Psych teacher think the project was going to be about?!). show less

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S SPIDER-MAN'S SOCIAL DILEMMA ABOUT?
So this is a Peter Parker in High School story—he's been Spider-Man for 6 months or so, he's fought some bigger villains, but he's still got a lot to learn. J. Jonah Jameson is campaigning against him. He's learning how to balance school and web-slinging. It's definitely set in 2022, and isn't in a comic timeline or one from any of the movie universes. It feels a little like the early Ultimate show more Spider-Man, but MJ is closer to the MCU version.

Sandman and Beetle have attempted to steal a 100+-year-old device that is powered by something alien (or so rumor has it). But both of them are acting a little strangely lately—Peter can't say what it is exactly, but they're more violent, more determined. He's still able to hold his own against them, but it's a little work.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT SPIDER-MAN'S SOCIAL DILEMMA?
I really don't have a lot to say about this—it's a fun Spider-Man story. And who needs more than that? But let me try...

It's fun and fast-paced, with good action. Chhibber combined tried-and-true Spider-Foes with a new threat, I appreciate mixing the two rather than just giving us one more ride with the Green Goblin—or someone we're not at all familiar with. The action scenes are handled deftly and you can see them as clearly as if a Romita or a Bagley were bringing them to life.

Chhibber clearly knows this universe well and has a strong affection for the series—and that shines through. I may not have been able to keep up with the comics over the last decade or so, but Spider-Man has long* been my favorite, and to see him handled like this does my heart good.

* In this case, long = since 1980.

Yeah, this is targeted for an MG audience—but it didn't feel that way. It felt more All-Ages to me. A classic Spider-Man story—with requisite numbers of laughs, action, and optimism. If Marvel Press has Chhibber return (and the stage is set here for a sequel), I'll be first in line for this. It was a blast. show less

If you love Star Wars, and especially the television show The Clone Wars, then you will absolutely love this little anthology.

This series of stories is set in The Clone Wars timeline, and man is it good. We visit many familiar faces and continue learning more about their stories. Yoda, Padme, Ahsoka, so many good characters are revisited! It's a great way for nostalgic feeling for old fans and a great way to make new ones. It is also an amazing way to dive into some old stories in a new show more light. Especially with a variety of new authors to check out since they each bring their own spunk to this marvellous universe.

I highly recommend picking this book up if you love Star Wars! I loved sneaking back into the magical world I grew up with.

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. show less

A children's book retelling Luke's story from Return of the Jedi in pictures coupled with rhyming text about becoming a Jedi told in "Yoda speak." Adorable and fun.