DOC OCK: Year One

[Kistler]

This is coming out on TPB, so I wanna know ... is it worth it? How is the story? Is it a really cool story? Should it be considered the NEW First Meeting/Origin story of Spidey and Doc Ock? Does it give me a whole new appreciation for the character of Dr. Octopus? Or is it reminiscent of just an interesting "what if"/elseworlds type of thing?

[Crimson]

Its meant to be the origin of Doc Ock... it all depends on if the fans accept it I suppose.

I enjoyed the story and the art work was alright. It was a good look at Doc Ock and added a bit more to his character then he was only messed up after the explosion which fused the tentacles to his body

If the TPB is a fair price, I say try it

[Gorakmev]

I dropped of at #3. The story was good but I've seen better art in the sunday paper and could not buy any more, however, if you are a fan of Doc Ock, it will give you some very interesting history about his life before becoming Doc Ock.

[Kistler]

My only thing about the "past history" of Doc Ock is that I've already read extensive past histories of him way back in Spider-Man Unlimited vol. 1 Issue # 3 I think (or somewhere thereabouts) and the issue in which he regained his memories after being ressurrected. Does this alter that past at all or just retell it from a new perspective?

[Rich L]

My only thing about the "past history" of Doc Ock is that I've already read extensive past histories of him way back in Spider-Man Unlimited vol. 1 Issue # 3 I think (or somewhere thereabouts) and the issue in which he regained his memories after being ressurrected. Does this alter that past at all or just retell it from a new perspective?

Haven't read that issue in years so I can't quite remember. That said, the Doc Ock Year One series was the only movie tie-in mini I bought; the story is a very creepy look at young Otto and Kaare Andrews' art is simply fantastic in it. It's a great book and definitely worth a look. The only problem I had with it is that it seems to make Otto about only 10 years older than Peter (which makes the May/Otto romance in Amazing all those years ago seem a little odder than it already was - although it makes a lot of sense from Otto's perspective when you look at his mom....shudder).

Give it a try.

[Santanico]

It's great, really well-written and beautifully characterised (and personally, I liked the art - got a very Sam Kieth vibe from it). But I don't consider it at all in continuity; too much divergence from what's already been firmly established about Otto's past, and, given that the mini wasn't all that popular, I don't see the facts as presented here gaining precedence over the earlier ones in most fans' minds. So, yeah, I'd say, take it as an Elseworlds-type deal and you'll probably really enjoy it.

[Gorakmev]

My only thing about the "past history" of Doc Ock is that I've already read extensive past histories of him way back in Spider-Man Unlimited vol. 1 Issue # 3 I think (or somewhere thereabouts) and the issue in which he regained his memories after being ressurrected. Does this alter that past at all or just retell it from a new perspective?

I wouldn't know. I am not familiar with history from that era.

[pmpknface]

It's a good story. The art went well with the tone of the book, which is always very important in good storytelling. I don't think you'll be disappointed with this collection.

[Kistler]

Well, gang, I think I got a clear picture of things now. Thanks for all the help and input.