I am a loyal reader of Superior Spider-Man and a fan of Nick Spencer, so there was no doubt that I would scoop up this debut issue at the comic shop.

Boomerang, Shocker, Speed Demon, Beetle and Overdrive. They are the members of the new Sinister Six. Yes you counted correctly. There are FIVE of them. Neither of them is the sharpest tack in the box. And Shocker and Speed Demon are dumber than a box of rocks. Boomerang is the leader and he’s a downright liar and cheat.

The new Sinister Six is a gang of villains. Street thugs. And they all have one thing in common, THEY ALL HATE SPIDER-MAN. I am more than certain that Spider-Man will be kicking their butts everyday, because if they’re already getting on my nerves, then I know that Spidey will be more than irritated with that attitude of his (I sure hope by now everyone knows that Doc Ock is now Spider-Man).

Although the story is set-up well for a debut issue and the character interactions are funny, it does not suit my current personal taste. So far it’s an easy read and suitable for all ages.

Nick Spencer is the writer of this new Marvel NOW! title. I am used to his writing style on Morning Glories and I’ve read a few issues of Bedlam and his story arc in Thief of Thieves, so I was curious to see his style for this title. After reading Superior Foes of Spider-Man, I now know that Spencer is a talented writer regardless of genre. Well written dialogue, funny and easy to read. Well paced. I may read a few more issues to see where the series is headed. Knowing Spencer, it could only head in one direction, and that is up.

The creative art team consists of Steve Lieber (artist) and Rachelle Rosenberg (colors). My favorite panels are where Shocker was under a table grabbing money off the floor during the bar fight, and where Speed Demon took that puppy from the little girl! Great job team.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

Although this title does not suit my personal taste, I still recommend it. I especially recommend it if you are looking for a light and easy fun read, and/or if you are a fan of Superior Spider-Man.