Handwritten, The Gaslight Anthem (Mercury)

Handwritten is the New Jersey-based band’s fourth album and the first with a major label. It’s the band’s most versatile work, combining indie punk, raw rock and roll and soulfulness, all in a high-energy sound. It’s easy to hear the influences of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, Tom Petty, and others in these tracks, but Gaslight has reinvented itself enough that they feel fresh and new. The lead single, “45,” gets the listener’s immediate attention and never lets go. Fallon’s voice never wavers, and he sings with such passion and gusto that you almost think he’s singing just for you. Coupled with Rosamilia’s slashing guitar work, this album will speak volumes to a wide audience. Other tracks to check out include “Handwritten,” “Howl,” “Mulholland Drive,” and “National Anthem.”—Will P., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Living Things, Linkin Park (Warner)

Living Things is Linkin Park’s fifth studio album, co-produced by Mike Shinoda and Rick Rubin. This album is full of style, tempo, and mood shifts that set Linkin Park apart and showcases their nonconformity. Living Things is full of noteworthy experimental tracks that demonstrate the constant state of transition of this band and its ability to successfully reinvent itself. Full of bubbling synthesizers, crisp lyrics, buzzing guitar riffs, and the legendary rap-rock interplay between Bennington and Shinoda, this album recalls ’90s rock with a fresh and vibrant twist.  The only disappointment here is the length of the album—a mere 36 minutes, with most tracks under the three-minute mark. That said, Living Things is a great album that fans of the band will crave. Check out “Burn It Down,” “Castle of Glass,” “Victimized,” and “Lost in the Echo.”—Maureen L., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

The Amazing Spider-Man (Activision)

The Amazing Spider-Man game is almost a continuation of the movie version: Peter Parker must save Oscorp employees from a new strain of the cross-species virus that they’ve been infected with. There are more than 20 missions to execute in which Spidey can confront enemies head on or attack from the shadows. He has stealth takedowns using web cocoons, and his signature spider-sense intuition. One of the game’s best features is the webslinging. Being able to move between the skyscrapers of New York is awesome and the game allows Spidey to twist and turn through the air, creating great visual effects. There’s also Web Rush which allows you to see all of the places to send Spidey, in a slow-motion setting. The bottom line? The Amazing Spider-Man isn’t the greatest game out there and the action is very repetitive, but it still provides hours of just plain-old superhero fun.  Rating T for Teen. Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, Nintendo DS.— James M., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Just Dance Greatest Hits (Ubisoft)

Just Dance franchise is at the top of its game. To keep the momentum going, Ubisoft has just released Just Dance Greatest Hits, which features more than 30 of the most popular titles from Just Dance 1–3. Players can choose from “Just Dance” or “Just Create” modes. With the Just Dance option, players can find songs and follow the dances as well as create personal playlists. You can also enjoy some Medley Solo/Duos and Simon Says. With Just Create, players have a dance-off against the original performance and can develop their own choreography for others to perform—definitely loads of fun! Just Dance Greatest Hits will provide hours of great entertainment from the latest chart toppers to the classics from the ’70s and ’80s while satisfying anyone’s need to boogie. Rated: E for Everyone. Platform: Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 3.—Geena G., Grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Peter Parker (Garfield), an outsider with an interest in photography, struggles with typical high school tribulations such as standing up to bully Flash Thompson (Chris Zylka) and untangling his tongue in the presence of his major crush, Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone). Left in the loving care of his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field) when he was a boy, Peter is haunted by the long-ago disappearance of his parents and questions about his own identity. When he finds a briefcase left behind by his father, he’s determined to get to the truth, and his ensuing investigations take him to Oscorp and the lab of scientist Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), Richard Parker’s one-time associate. Bitten by a mysterious spider, the teen finds himself in possession of astounding new abilities and faced by unfamiliar challenges. As Peter hurtles toward a showdown with the terrifying Lizard (the result of Connors’ experiment gone wrong), he must confront the mysteries of his past while making important choices that will determine the course of his future.

On the Web

Teens can visit the official movie website to sample the movie’s blend of gritty-looking realism, web-swinging acrobatics, and explosive action. Photos and brief bios introduce the main players, and viewers can browse video clips, an interactive trailer with additional click-to-access facts, and a gallery of inviting movie photos. A selection of wallpapers and other images are available for downloading, and YAs can also try their hand at taking on villains-and unlocking achievements- in a multileveled online movie game. Additional trailers and videos, photos, and movie news are available at Marvel’s website, along with a round-up of online games featuring the character. Kids who are curious about Spidey and his 50-year-long comic book career can check out the Marvel Universe Wiki for quick-click facts (powers, abilities, weapons, paraphernalia, and more) and a detailed biography that includes images and links to related characters and events in the Marvel Universe.

Book Tie-ins

The Amazing Spider-Man: The Movie Prelude (Marvel, 2012; Gr 7 Up) draws in film fans with a movie poster front cover and a photo of Garfield and Stone in character on the back. This graphic novel opens with the newly minted Spider-Man taking on a bevy of masked fiends, while flashbacks to several weeks ago highlight important moments that have brought him to his current circumstances and state of mind. Some of the storytelling is done from Gwen’s perspective, adding depth to her character and foreshadowing the intricacies of the movie plot. High-energy artwork and succinct scripting keep the pages turning quickly. The book also includes an eye-dazzling reprint of an old-school “Amazing Spider-Man” three-issue comic book bonanza penned by Lee in 1969, in which the hero tussles with the deadly Lizard.

Also adorned with an inviting film photo cover, The Amazing Spider-Man: Secret Origins (Marvel, 2012; Gr 7 Up) collects together several comic book tales that inspired the film plot and provide insight into the characters. Included here are Lee and Ditko’s original story about Peter Parker’s transformation into Spider-Man first published in 1962; installments from the “Amazing Spider-Man” series detailing edge-of-your-seat encounters with the Lizard and other menacing villains; and a tale from Paul Jenkins’s “Spectacular Spider-Man” (2003) that provides a contemplative look at Peter’s inner conflicts and motivations revealed through a graveside “conversation” with his beloved Uncle Ben. Introducing characters such as Flash Thompson and Gwen Stacy, the stories also underscore Spider-Man’s trademark blend of superhuman ability and innate scientific smarts, his struggle to balance the commonplace challenges of day-to-day life with the demands of his alter ego, and his deep-seated sense of responsibility for taking care of others. The artwork is crisply and colorfully reproduced, and the volume ends with a 25-page section of detailed character profiles.

More Great Graphic Novels

Expand the movie-going experience—and update your graphic novel collections—with a selection of recently published works told with a contemporary sensibility that will reel in teens and offer a sampling of the vast body of Webhead lore.

Spider-Man: Season One (Marvel, 2012; Gr 7 Up) provides a slick update of the classic origin tale with modernized details and settings. Detailed artwork and snappy dialogue effectively convey Peter Parker’s experiences, from the fateful bite to his well-known power-equals-responsibility epiphany. A clash with the villainous Vulture provides a fitting climax and sets the tone for future adventures. Spider-Man’s acrobatic antics are depicted in vibrant hues and clean black lines, and the action often bursts beyond the panels’ borders to fill full pages. Plagued by self-doubt and forced to learn on his feet, Spidey is far from invincible and comes across as a believable and vulnerable teenager. Touches of humor—Peter gleefully bending Uncle Ben’s barbell into pretzel shape or trying out a sagging homemade costume and (thankfully) quickly discarded new name (Johnny Arachnid)—abound, along with web-flinging action scenes and instances of self-reflection, adding up to a well-paced and emotionally satisfying tale.

Avenging Spider-Man (Marvel, 2012; Gr 8 Up) collects together the first several issues of a new series by writer Zeb Wells and artist Joe Madureira that teams the Webhead up with other super-powered dynamos. In this stand-alone volume, Spidey goes underground—literally—alongside the gargantuan Red Hulk to save Manhattan from a subterranean invasion, partners up with the sharp-shooting Hawkeye on a stakeout, helps Captain America reconnect with the geeky comics-drawing youngster he once was, and more. Filled with dazzling colors, dynamic energy, and shifting perspectives, the artwork depicts both the events and the emotions. The storytelling is powered by spine-tingling action, clever plot twists, and Spidey’s snide humor and trademark quips. Revealing moments shine through, as readers catch appealing glimpses of Peter Parker’s personality—insecure, racked with self-doubt, kindhearted, often noble, and totally relatable to teens.

The Amazing Spider-Man: Big Time: Ultimate Collection (Marvel, 2012; Gr 9 Up), a hefty compilation of riveting—and more recent (2010- )—issues of this long-running series, gives teens a taste of a more updated version of the Webhead and his world. In these pages, Peter Parker’s personal life finally seems to be settling down (he has a steady girlfriend and a new dream job in a think tank at Horizon Labs, while Spider-Man (who gets to work alongside the Avengers and the Fantastic Four) tangles with a cavalcade of fearsome bad guys tricked out with all manner of super abilities and high-tech gear. It will take all of the hero’s ingenuity, scientific know-how, clever thinking, and perseverance to meet this new array of challenges. The adventures featured here represent a satisfying variety of moods and plotlines, as the protagonist wisecracks his way through conflicts, uses both his superpowers and wits in battle, grapples with personal issues, and bids farewell to a loved one. Readers will be swept away by the sublime storytelling and scintillating artwork.

Set in the alternate reality of Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli’s Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man: Volume 1 (Marvel, 2012; Gr 8 Up) introduces the next-generation incarnation of the web-slinging wonder. Miles Morales, a likeable kid with loving parents, has just won a spot in a prestigious charter school that might be the ticket out of his dead-end Brooklyn neighborhood. However, when he is bitten by a mysterious spider at the apartment of his uncle (a thief recently seen rooting around an Osborn Industries lab), he suddenly finds himself with abilities that seem similar to those of-unbelievably-Spider-Man. Stunned, scared, and even a bit stoked, Miles keeps his metamorphosis a secret from his parents, while wrestling with what the change means to his future: does he have the wherewithal to live up to the responsibility that comes along with the power? His dilemma is pushed to the forefront when the real Spider-Man is tragically killed, and Miles must decide if he is ready to wear the mask. Filled with humor, heartbreak, and pulse-pounding action, the well-written script and detailed artwork create a believable and multi-dimensional character. The youngster’s perspective is spot on and compellingly expressed, as he navigates through difficult challenges and dangerous circumstances with courage and candor. It’s hard for anyone to step into Peter Parker’s shoes, but the charismatic Miles will quickly win over teens.

Movie and comics fans will find a wealth of information and full-color images in Spider-Man: Inside the World of Your Friendly Neighborhood Hero (DK, 2012; Gr 7 Up). This handsome volume begins with a foreword by Lee, who puts a finger on why his character has made such a long-lasting impression (“…he’s possibly the most realistically human of all Super Heroes”) and continues to strike a chord with young adults (he is, after all, a teenager himself, and the first to step out of sidekick status and into role of full-fledged champion). Beginning with a recap of the character’s creation and comic book premiere in 1962, colorful spreads introduce Spider-Man (with in-depth treatments of his origins, suits, powers, web-producing abilities, and alter ego), his loved ones and allies, and the numerous villains who have set their sights on his destruction. An eight-page illustrated timeline details important events and relationships. Sections organized by decade outline major plotlines, providing plenty of meaty backstory and tracing the character’s evolution through the years. Overviews of key comic book issues appear throughout, providing a glimpse of each work’s plot and art and explaining its importance to the oeuvre. The well-written text is abundantly illustrated with spectacular reproductions of comic book art that span five decades and showcase a variety of artistic tones and styles. Both fun to browse and informative, this volume also deserves a place in library comic book collections.

Looking for materials for younger readers? Click here to check out movie tie-ins and related reads.

Publication Information

COHEN, Tom. The Amazing Spider-Man: The Movie Prelude. illus. by Neil Edwards. Marvel. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 9780785164999.

LEE, Stan & Paul Jenkins. The Amazing Spider-Man: Secret Origins. illus by Steve Ditko, John Romita, Gil Kane, & Mark Buckingham. Marvel. 2012. pap. $14.99. ISBN 9780785164722.

BUNN, Cullen. Spider-Man: Season One. illus. by Neil Edwards. Marvel. 2012. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9780785158202.

WELLS, Zeb. Avenging Spider-Man: Volume 1. illus. by Joe Madureira. Marvel. 2012. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9780785157786.

SLOTT, Dan, Fred Van Lente, et al. The Amazing Spider-Man: Big Time: Ultimate Collection. illus. by Humberto Ramos, Neil Edwards, et al. Marvel. 2012. pap. $39.99. ISBN 9780785162179.

BENDIS, Brian Michael. Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man: Volume 1. illus. by Sara Pichelli. Marvel. 2012. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9780785157120.

MANNING, Matthew K. Spider-Man: Inside the World of Your Friendly Neighborhood Hero. DK. 2012. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9780756690892.

Abandoned by his parents when he was a child, Peter has been raised by his loving Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field), but still struggles to understand the mysteries of his past. When he stumbles upon a briefcase left behind by his father, his investigations take him to Oscorp and the research lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), an award-winning scientist and his father’s one-time associate. As events unfold (and a fateful spider bite occurs), Peter finds himself with astounding new abilities…as well as a formidable new enemy, the Lizard (Connors in altered form). He soon faces difficult choices that will not only impact his survival, but also define his destiny as a hero.

Kids can visit the official movie website for a look at the action. Video trailers, character bios, and a gallery of colorful movie photos are presented along with wallpaper and other images to download. An online movie game allows users to take on bad guys while progressing through the levels and unlocking various spider-slick moves, equipment, and achievements. Youngsters can also cruise over the “Marvel Kids” website for more online games, a selection of Spider-Man online comics, downloadable character-themed drawing and activity sheets, full episodes and video clips from the Ultimate Spider-Man animated TV series, and an easy-to-use “Create Your Own Comics” option.

Book Tie-ins

Marvel Press, an imprint of Disney Books, has published a lineup of tie-in titles, each adorned with a fan-grabbing cover. A striking close-up image of the costumed superhero beckons youngsters into The Movie Storybook (K-Gr 5). Including plenty of dialogue and detail, this fast-read describes events and also emphasizes Peter’s gradual realization that along with his new superpowers come great responsibility. Ranging in size from small insets to a double-page spread, the numerous full-color movie photos—laid out with red and blue borders and be-webbed backdrops—include both character portraits and action scenes. This offering can be shared with younger movie viewers or enjoyed by independent readers.

Dr. Connors’s secret formula has unexpected results when the scientist is transformed into a rampaging monster, and all of New York City must Beware the Lizard! (K-Gr 4). Never fear, Spider-Man is determined to put an end to the danger and help his adversary regain human form. This staple-bound picture book blends a clearly written narrative with well-chosen movie photos and gritty, lizard-green backdrops and graphic designs. Becoming Spider-Man (K-Gr 2), a “Level 2″ easy reader, describes how Peter Parker goes from “normal kid” to web-shooting superhero. The book’s simple vocabulary, brief sentences, and open layout will encourage beginning readers. The accompanying movie photos add excitement and provide visual clues for interpreting the text.

The Tangled Webs of Spider-Man (Gr 3-6) will ensnare older readers with an intriguing cover image: Peter Parker wearing his everyday clothes, effortlessly affixed to a towering wall by hands and feet, his shadow falling in the shape of the elongated Spider-Man emblem. Filled by taut suspense, the narrative revisits highpoints from the movie plot with 10 short-story-like chapters. Bits of dialogue are interwoven into clear descriptions of the characters, settings, and conflicts. Each chapter is launched with a black-and-white drawing of Spider-Man in an action pose, and eight pages of captioned full-color film photos are also included.

More Spidey Reads

Catch the eye of moviegoers as well as other devotees of this ever-popular character with inviting titles starring the web-slinging champion. Marvel Press presents a series of staple-bound paperback picture books that pit the superhero against well-known villains: The Amazing Spider-Man vs the Lizard; Doctor Octopus; and The Green Goblin (Mysterio will be released in August). Each tale is told in a straightforward narrative and filled with colorful paintings that convey the action and plot details. Beginning with the kapow-packed cover images, the illustrations reflect the dynamic energy and shifting perspectives of comics-style artwork but presented in a larger-size, easy-to-view format. Just right for newcomers to the Spider-Man oeuvre, the texts explain the origins of each rogue’s super abilities (usually science gone wrong) and evil motivations. While there is plenty of punch-throwing, web-blasting, window-smashing action, the images and storytelling never tip toward overly graphic. The Amazing Spider-Man Storybook Collection (all Marvel Pr./Disney, 2012; PreS-Gr 3), a hardcover volume, compiles 20 action-packed tales similarly told and illustrated. Spidey tangles with a cadre of bad guys (including Sandman, Electro, the Rhino, and many more) while trying to balance his dual existence as superhuman and high school student and contemplating the essence of heroism. This hefty volume is a read-aloud or read-alone bonanza for the youngest Spider-Man buffs.

Great Graphic Novels

Power up your collection with age-appropriate graphic novels starring the web-slinging wonder from Spotlight’s “Marvel Age” line. “Spider-Man Set 4″ includes four spine-tingling standalone volumes: Spidey takes on both the Scorpion and Electro in one busy night and figures out how to make his victory a Two for One deal; survives a twist-turning encounter with a mysterious dragon creature and realizes that “…Everything You Read…” in the headlines isn’t necessarily true; finds himself Playing Hero when a villain-manipulated video game advances to a new level of destruction; and saves President Obama on Inauguration Day (all 2011; Gr 3-7) by foiling an evil plot. All of the tales combine fast-paced storytelling, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and humorous touches. Filled with vibrant colors and gloriously presented on large-size glossy pages, the dynamic artwork clearly conveys events. The volumes are attractively designed, and the publisher’s durable reinforced bindings ensure a long shelf life. Visit Spotlight’s website for other Spider-Man adventures.

Spider-Man: Tangled Web (Marvel, 2012; Gr 3-7), part of the all-ages “Marvel Adventures” line, collects together several exhilarating escapades in an easy-to-thumb-through paperback. Spidey clashes with a dream team of villains, attempts to save a family from being evicted by criminal mastermind Madame Masque, mysteriously switches places—and powers—with the otherworldly Silver Surfer, and more. The writing has a kid-appealingly contemporary tone, and the fast-paced action is balanced with humorous beats and the hero’s funny quips and one liners. Occasionally expanding out to fill a full page, the artwork panels propel the action forward while also emphasizing the light tone of the storytelling. A great first step into the world of Spider-Man comics.

Looking for Spider-Man adventures that will reel in YAs? Check out next week’s SLJTeen e-newsletter for a selection of tie-ins, graphic novels, and more.

Publication Information

SIGLAIN, Michael, adapt. The Amazing Spider-Man: The Movie Storybook. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-142315400-6.

CASTRO, Nachie, adapt. The Amazing Spider-Man: Beware the Lizard! pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-142315479-2.

PALACIOS, Tomas. The Amazing Spider-Man: Becoming Spider-Man. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-142315487-7.

CASTRO, Nachie, Tomas Palacios, & Michael Siglain, adapts. The Amazing Spider-Man: The Tangled Webs of Spider-Man. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-142315399-3.

WONG, Clarissa S., adapt. The Amazing Spider-Man vs the Lizard. illus. by Todd Nauck & Hi-Fi Design. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-142315423-5.

PALACIOS, Tomas, adapt. The Amazing Spider-Man vs Doctor Octopus. illus. by The Storybook Art Group. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-142314274-4.

BEHLING, Steve, adapt. The Amazing Spider-Man vs the Green Goblin. illus. by The Storybook Art Group. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-142314273-7.

The Amazing Spider-Man Storybook Collection. illus. by various. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-142314292-8.

ea vol: Marvel Pr/Disney. 2012.

DEZAGO, Todd. Spider-Man: Two for One. illus. by Jonboy Meyers. PLB ISBN 978-1-59961-779-4.

_____. Spider-Man: “…Everything You Read…” illus. by Sanford Greene. PLB ISBN 978-1-59961-776-3.

SUMERAK, Marc. Spider-Man: Playing Hero. illus. by Sanford Greene. PLB ISBN 978-1-59961-778-7.

WELLS, Zeb. Spider-Man: Inauguration Day. illus. by Todd Nauck. PLB ISBN 978-1-59961-777-0.

ea vol: “Spider-Man Set 4.” ABDO/Spotlight. 2011. PLB $15.95.

Four vol. set. PLB $63.80. ISBN 978-1-59961-775-6.

TOBIN, Paul, J.M. DeMatteis, & Sean T. Collins. Spider-Man: Tangled Web. illus. by Matteo Lolli et al. Marvel. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7851-5258-3.

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