Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #3

The rap against the Ultimate Spider-Man series is that it's just rehashing old adventures, giving them a fresh coat of paint and stretching out the stories that Stan and Steve told in 20 pages over multiple issues.

And there's some validity to that, although writer Brian Bendis deserves credit for giving everything a fresh spin and taking the stories in unexpected directions.

But with the Ultimate Spider-Man Annual, Bendis treads onto new territory - the sex life of Mary Jane Watson and Peter Parker. What's even more impressive is that he does it in a way that's both realistic, touching and believable.

And I can't help but wonder if he's using the stage to tweak recent events in the original Amazing Spider-Man comic, as he depicts a young couple who are most definitely in love with each other and happy to be together.

There is, of course, a villain in the story - one of Spider-man's classic foes who hasn't popped up in the Ultimate universe until now. But the main story is the love story, and it's well worth the investment.

Also quite wonderful is the artwork by David Lafuente - it's just brimming over with energy, enthusiasm and genuine affection for the characters. It's not perfect - in a few panels Spidey's eye shields virtually cover his entire mask, and in another panel he looks like a bobblehead - but those are minor quibbles. Lafuente's work is just plain fun, and I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future.

Marvel's original Annuals were once the home for some very special stories, such as Reed and Sue's wedding, the birth of Franklin Richards or Spider-Man facing the Sinister Six. I couldn't tell you what happened in most annuals in recent years - but this is one story I'll remember.

Grade: B+