Ron Zimmerman (–2022)

Five Spider-Man stories outside the continous story arc, in which Spider-Man plays a minor role, sometimes not even appearing. All the stories are good and have their special moments, focusing on the private lives of the "bad guys" in Spider-Man's world. But two of them are special: "Double Shots", set in a bar frequented openly by the costumed criminals, and featuring a boy's night out with the Vulture, Kraven's son, and a mysterious character whose identity we only learn at the end, when show more he tells them why Spider-Man doesn't make with the jokes and banter with him like he does his other opponents. The other gem is "The Last Shoot", about Crusher Hogan's effort to save the wrestling gym he works at by offering $10,000 to any contender who can beat him. Long-time Spidey fans know the outcome of this. But the story is actually a moving prequel, that unexpectedly shows Hogan as a man of integrity who refuses to sell out his friends for a shot at the big time, and is unfortunate enough to be on the wrong end of a budding hero who is trying to find himself. Powerful final page. The other stories are good, but mostly filler. show less

So many people were upset when this came out, either because the Rawhide Kid had been declared gay, or because it was offensive to gay people. Yes, there are stereotypes in this book, but it works for one reason: it's funny. A lot of sins can be forgiven if something is entertaining. This series is. And it's not just a bunch of gay jokes, either. There are lots of things to laugh at in here. Fun.

In my childhood there were three Marvel western heroes whose adventures I followed: the Two-Gun Kid, Kid Colt, and my favorite, Rawhide Kid. The Rawhide Kid was the most dapper (very stylish blue shirt with large blue buttons up both sides, and decorative armbands) the fastest gun (he actually outdrew Kid Colt in one meeting), and the best fighter, despite his slim stature. He was also the most interesting of the three, with a definite style and occasional foray into humor. So I was show more intrigued when Marvel came out with a remake, compiled in this graphic novel which takes in the first five issues. Turns out the stylish clothes and sensitive personality are hallmarks of a stereotyped sexual preference, even in the old west (although Johnny Bart avoids the fall into clownish typecasting). The story is classic (actually, several classics) and well-told, and I love the befuddled reactions of the other cowpokes to Rawhide Kid's sharp double entendres. And some of the covers are a joy to behold in their subtle hidden images. The artwork is basic, but fine, and the humor is intelligent and top-notch. My only quibble is that some of the punchlines are poorly served by the artist, muffling their effectiveness. All in all, a fine foray into turning a classic convention of comic books and Americana on its ear. show less

A graphic novel that continues the resurrection of Marvel's Rawhide Kid as our -- shall we say, and they do herein -- "well-dressed" western hero assembles a team of 7 western legends to rescue Wyatt and Morgan Earp from a scheduled hanging. Some interesting guest stars include Annie Oakley, Wyatt and Morgan Earp, the Ghost Rider, Doc Holliday, Kid Colt, the Two-Gun Kid, and Billy the Kid. The same wit and humor as in the previous "Slap Leather", but the Rawhide Kid is a bit more smug and show more self-centered here, and I don't care that much for Howard Chaykin's artwork. Still a lot of fun for an old fan of Marvel's westerns. show less