Ultimate Spider-man. Vol. 7: Irresponsible. Script by Brian Michael Bendis, pencils by Mark Bagley.

Unlike most graphic novels, this one is not completely loaded with action, which is good for a change. The Ultimate Spider-man series has definitely improved some, due to realistic dialogue, character interaction, and better artwork. The story is about the young superhero Spider-man (this time with no costume!) and another young boy with special abilities and an unknown origin. The X-Men mutants show up to help the foreign lad discover who and what he is. Overall, it was a fine reading, but the preachiness and teenage drama keep one from giving it a 5. -David D.