Last time we saw Hobie Brown, he wasn’t looking so hot. Thankfully, Madame Web (the newer/Julia Carpenter one) was there to help. Now it’s time to see if The Prowler can make it back to New U in time to get his life saving meds.
The Prowler #4 (Marvel Comics)
Observations
- Wait. I’ve read this scene before in another Clone Conspiracy book—but how does it make sense with what happened last issue?
- Ah, flashback. Got it.
- Julia Carpenter is kicking names and taking ass.
- Oh man. This is both a very cool and extremely awkward reunion.
- :(
- No matter how many different angles we see this scene from, it’s still awesome.
- This scene, on the other hand, feels pretty redundant.
The Verdict
Much as I enjoy watching Hobie and Julia fight bad guys (and each other), The Prowler #4 feels incredibly redundant. From its mirrored book end dialogue to Hobie getting his ass kicked again, this Clone Conspiracy tie-in doesn’t do much to advance its own narrative or the overall story.
It’s also not entirely clear if Hobie’s actions near the end of the issue are due to shock/confusion over his body breaking down or a genuine belief about Julia’s potential involvement with sabotaging New U. And no matter what the reason is, the moment takes away a bit from what was otherwise a wonderful moment between Spidey and Prowler in the big New U Brawl.
That being said, we do get a very cool moment with a classic (and formerly dead) character. We also get more of Jamal Campbell’s art, which is always a good thing. In addition to his excellent fight scenes, he draws what might be my favorite interpretation of the Carrion Call moment that we’ve seen across multiple Spider-Man titles.
It’s enough to save this issue, but the narrative needs to start going somewhere if The Prowler is going to transform from a fun diversion into a solid ongoing series.
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