3. Superior Spider-Man #26 by Dan Slott et al. (Marvel)
The Goblin King and the Hobgoblin's forces fight for dominance of New York while Superior Spider-Man is confronted by the Avengers who're cottoning on (remarkably slowly!) that something's not quite right with ol' Spidey. Meanwhile a newly returned - albeit only mentally - Peter Parker struggles to reclaim his memories and prepares to launch his attack on an unsuspecting Otto. And who is it really under the Goblin mask - is it Norman Osborn? Or someone else... This issue is the lead-in to Goblin Nation, which looks to be the final Superior Spider-Man story arc. Three fantastic artists contribute pages to this issue as series regular Humberto Ramos is joined by Javier Rodriguez and Marcos Martin; Ramos drawing the Goblin battles, Rodriguez drawing the Avengers parts, and Martin drawing the Peter Parker sections. As you'd expect from the talent involved, it's a really good-looking issue with Martin's lines being the perfect fit to draw the ethereal Peter, and Ramos' Goblins looking creepy as hell. Dan Slott on the other hand continues to juggle the plot threads nicely, giving us enough story for one issue while continuing to tease certain mysteries, like the Goblin King's identity and just how Peter's going to reclaim control of his own body, especially in his weakened state. The Goblin battle could've been a bit better but it was fine for what it needed to be in this issue before the main arc kicks off next month. I especially enjoyed the Peter Parker scenes as he surveys what used to be his formerly rich interior mind now sacked full of memories save for a few choice moments Otto's left as they're part of his mind now. It's eerie and Twilight Zone-ish but clever and ultimately uplifting as Peter's resolve to fight back hardens and suddenly we see the one true Spider-Man that fans love, once again on the page. Slott knows exactly how to write Peter to superb effect here. Superior Spider-Man #26 is a good issue with some great art that Spidey fans will get a kick out of - next month: Goblin Nation!