Comics Bulletin logo
Search
  • Columns
    Random
    • Attention Please!

      Daniel Gehen
      July 19, 2008
      Columns, Fool Britannia
    Recent
    • The Full Run: Final Crisis #4

      Daniel Gehen, Jason Jeffords Jr.
      December 11, 2019
    • What Looks Good for the Week of December 11, 2019

      Daniel Gehen, Jason Jeffords Jr.
      December 9, 2019
    • What Looks Good For the Week of December 4, 2019

      Daniel Gehen
      December 2, 2019
    • What Looks Good
    • Comics Bulletin Soapbox
    • The Full Run
    • Leading Question
    • Top 10
    • The Long-Form
    • Jumping On
    • Comics in Color
    • Slouches Towards Comics
  • Big Two
    Random
    • On "Batman: Zero Year" Part 3 - Savage City

      Daniel Gehen
      August 1, 2016
      Big Two, Columns, DC Comics
    Recent
    • The Full Run: Final Crisis #4

      Daniel Gehen, Jason Jeffords Jr.
      December 11, 2019
    • Collecting Profile: Orm (Ocean Master)

      nguyen ly
      December 7, 2019
    • Collecting Profile: DC Stargirl

      nguyen ly
      November 30, 2019
    • DC Comics
    • Big Two Reviews
    • Marvel Comics
  • Indie
    Random
    • Spawn #300 Gets Art from McFarlane and Capullo

      Daniel Gehen
      May 20, 2019
      Image, Indie, News, Press Release
    Recent
    • Review: Transformers Galaxies #3 and the problem with Constructicons

      Stephen Cook
      December 3, 2019
    • AHOY Comics Announces A Wave of Titles for 2020

      Daniel Gehen
      November 12, 2019
    • What Looks Good for the Week of November 13th, 2019

      Daniel Gehen
      November 11, 2019
    • Reviews
    • Archie Comics
    • Boom! Studios
    • Dark Horse
    • IDW
    • Image
    • Oni Press
  • Reviews
    Random
    • 5.0

      Daken: Dark Wolverine #23

      Daniel Gehen
      April 6, 2012
      Reviews
    Recent
    • 2.0

      Review: Roku #1 Fails to Deliver

      Jason Jeffords Jr.
      November 11, 2019
    • 3.5

      Review: AMAZING MARY JANE #1 Starts Strong But Plays it Safe With Messaging

      Daniel Gehen
      October 29, 2019
    • 4.0

      Review: Count Crowley – Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter #1

      Mike Nickells
      October 22, 2019
    • Singles Going Steady
    • Slugfest
    • Manga
      • Reviews
    • Small Press
      • Reviews
      • ICYMI
      • Tiny Pages Made of Ashes
  • Interviews
    Random
    • A Professional Comics Experience With Andy Schmidt

      Daniel Gehen
      November 16, 2007
      Interviews
    Recent
    • Interview: V.E. Schwab on revisiting Red London in The Steel Prince

      Stephen Cook
      March 13, 2019
    • Interview: David Foster Wallace and Hellblazer, words on Wyrd with writer Curt Pires

      Stephen Cook
      February 27, 2019
    • “The Night Has Teeth” An Interview with Sarah deLaine, Artist of Image Comics’ “Little Girls”

      Jason Sacks
      February 26, 2019
    • Audio Interview
    • Video Interview
  • Classic Comics
    Random
    • Classic Comics Cavalcade: Elric: The Sailor on the Seas of Fate

      Daniel Gehen
      October 2, 2015
      Classic Comics, Classic Comics Cavalcade
    Recent
    • Countdown to the King: Marvel’s Godzilla

      Daniel Gehen
      May 29, 2019
    • Honoring A Legend: Fantagraphics To Resurrect Tomi Ungerer Classics

      Daniel Gehen
      February 15, 2019
    • Reliving the Craziest Decade in Comics History: An interview with Jason Sacks

      Mark Stack
      January 2, 2019
    • Classic Comics Cavalcade
    • Classic Interviews
  • News
    Random
    • Exclusive Marvel Preview: Age of Apocalypse #5

      Daniel Gehen
      October 15, 2015
      Big Two, Marvel Comics, Previews
    Recent
    • AHOY Comics Announces A Wave of Titles for 2020

      Daniel Gehen
      November 12, 2019
    • Valiant’s BLOODSHOT Trailer is Finally Here

      Daniel Gehen
      October 21, 2019
    • The Rafaels Team-Up for “HIDDEN SOCIETY”

      Daniel Gehen
      October 3, 2019
    • Titan to Release Phantom of the Opera GN

      Daniel Gehen
      October 1, 2019
    • GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Title Awarded to Todd McFarlane for SPAWN

      Daniel Gehen
      September 30, 2019
    • Jim Shooter Brings SLOW CITY BLUES to IMAGE

      Daniel Gehen
      September 24, 2019
  • Books
    Random
    • "THE BEST OF WITZEND" is a Wonderful Celebration of Artistic Freedom

      Daniel Gehen
      September 15, 2018
      Books, Classic Comics, Fantagraphics, Reviews
    Recent
    • Collecting Profile: Disney Frozen

      nguyen ly
      November 22, 2019
    • Collecting Profile: NFL Superpro

      nguyen ly
      August 31, 2019
    • “THE BEST OF WITZEND” is a Wonderful Celebration of Artistic Freedom

      Daniel Gehen
      September 15, 2018
    • Review: ‘Machete Squad’ is a Disappointing Afghan Memoir

      Jason Sacks
      July 31, 2018
    • Review: ‘Out of Nothing’ is the Antidote to Our Sick Times

      Jason Sacks
      July 23, 2018
    • Review: ‘Bizarre Romance’ Shows Rough Edges in the Early Days of a New Marriage

      Jason Sacks
      July 10, 2018
What's New
  • The Full Run: Final Crisis #4
  • What Looks Good for the Week of December 11, 2019
  • Collecting Profile: Orm (Ocean Master)
  • Review: Transformers Galaxies #3 and the problem with Constructicons
  • What Looks Good For the Week of December 4, 2019
  • Collecting Profile: DC Stargirl
  • RSS Feed
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Contact Us
  • Write for us!
  • Visit Video Game Break!
Home
Big Two

Comictober 2018: Amazing Spider-Man: Hooky by Putney and Wrightson

Daniel Gehen
October 16, 2018
Big Two, Columns, Marvel Comics

In looking back at the process which ultimately lead to the creation of Spider-Man, it’s fascinating to think that the character has become associated more with lighthearted, superhero fare. Borne out of the final issue of Amazing Fantasy, Spider-Man’s look is unlike anything comic readers had ever experienced. From the intricate web-pattern on his body-suit to the full face-mask, Steve Ditko design became instantly iconic and changed the way people thought a superhero should look. Ditko also drew Spider-Man differently from other heroes of the time. Rather than a big, barrel-chested hero with a square jaw, Spider-Man was often rendered in twisted contortions that were as cool as they were creepy. No doubt, Ditko’s history in horror comics played a major role in this, but few artists since have managed to capture that look for Spider-Man. That is, until 1988 when the legendary horror artist Bernie Wrightson teamed with writer Susan K. Putney for the graphic novel Amazing Spider-Man: Hooky.

Let’s make one thing clear from the get-go: this is not a horror title. However, its success is the result of two very distinct things. First, Putney fully understands what makes Spider-Man a hero. Secondly, the story allows Wrightson to do his thing. To borrow from another Marvel hero, he’s the best there is at what he does, and what he does is draw terrifying monsters. In addition to creating Swamp Thing, his bibliography includes work at IDW, Dark Horse, and in film productions – including the 1984 hit Ghostbusters.  But while his work is well known to those fans of the horror genre, Spider-Man: Hooky offered mainstream readers a glimpse at his expertise, and he delivers a knockout performance.

https://i1.wp.com/i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1490011633i/22272109._SY540_.jpg?resize=500%2C692&ssl=1

Most artists for Spider-Man has followed the example set by John Romita Sr., who gave the character a distinctly heroic and more polished look. However, Wrightson’s work channels the character’s co-creator and original artist, Steve Ditko. This is unsurprising, given both artists’ history in horror. Amazing Spider-Man: Hooky sees the titular character less likely to puff out his chest, but announce himself while creepily perched on a ledge. While upside down. In the shadows. Throughout the story, Wrightson draws Spider-Man is bizarre situations and in contorted positions that hearken back to charming weirdness of the Ditko era. Compared to the comics of the time, this was markedly different. This is further evidenced by the explosion in popularity seen by Todd McFarlane, who took over regular duties on The Amazing Spider-Man two years later in 1988. McFarlane has often credited Ditko as his inspiration. This only shows how visionary Wrightson was in recognizing the potential of a dynamically positioned Spider-Man.

Putney’s script is very self-aware that this is not a typical Spider-Man tale. Throughout the fantasy-horror, characters make a note how Doctor Strange would be better suited for the situation. There is speculation in some corners of comics fandom that Strange was supposed to be the star of this, there is nothing to corroborate this. What is certain is that this story takes place in Peter Parker’s adult life. Because of this, Putney writes Spider-Man as a confident and competent crime-fighter, as evidenced by the opening sequence. Throughout the story, it becomes clear that Putney understands who Spider-Man is at his core: a hero who will never give up if it means saving someone, no matter the odds. This holds true when Spidey comes face-to-face with the reason we’re even talking about this.

Image result for amazing spider-man hooky

Glimpsed on the cover, Wrightson’s creature work reaches its apex with the monster known as the Tordenkakerlakk. Also referred to as the “Spindrifter’s Bane,” this seemingly unstoppable force is as gorgeous to look at as it is disgusting. What begins as a cockroach or mosquito-looking thing about the size of a child becomes an overpowering mass of tendrils and teeth. This thing is truly grotesque. It has mouth-pincers in addition to razor sharp teeth, until it doesn’t. Then it become a gigantic serpent, until it isn’t. Then it’s a blob with a blank, emotionless face that is absolutely haunting… until it morphs yet again. Throughout the story, this monster not only grows, but adapts in order to prevent its attacker from using the same method twice. Suffice to say, this creature is a formidable antagonist.

Amazing Spider-Man: Hooky is far from the most conventional pick for a Halloween read. It certainly lacks the scares of other stories – including those starring old Web-head. What it does possess, however, is a terrifying and nearly unstoppable force that brings with it a building sense of dread. For an offbeat Spider-Man story that retains the core essence of the character while delivering some truly outstanding art by a horror master, this is an easy recommendation to read on a brisk fall evening.

Amazing Spider-Man: HookyBernie WrightsonComictober 2018Spider-ManSpider-Man HookySusan K. Putney

Share On:
Tweet
ICYMI — Small Press Comics Criticism and Whatnot for 10/6/18 to 10/12/18
Comictober 2018: Blackest Night, Superhero Fright

About The Author

Daniel Gehen
Editor-in-Chief

Dan was introduced to the 1960s Batman show at a young age, which developed into a lifelong passion for comics. When he's not grinding out his day job, he can be found reading about Scarlet Speedsters, Web-Heads, or Sagas just about anywhere. If it's good he'll read it. If it's bad... there's a chance he still might read it.

Related Posts

  • What Looks Good for the Week of September 18, 2019

    Daniel Gehen
    September 16, 2019
  • Collecting Profile: NFL Superpro

    nguyen ly
    August 31, 2019

Support Us!

Buy Me a Coffee at ko-fi.com

Friends of the Site

  • Your Chicken Enemy
  • Psycho Drive-In
  • Women Write About Comics
  • The Beat
  • Loser City
  • Comic Book Collect
RSSTwitterFacebookgoogleplusinstagramtumblr

Comics Bulletin is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, Comics Bulletin earns from qualifying purchases.

All content on this site (c) 2018 The Respective Copyright Holders