A compilation of issues (51-57) from "Peter Parker, Spider-Man" with a common theme of "senseless violence". The artwork is fine and stylish, although Francisco Herrera's and Sam Kieth's exaggerated body proportions take some getting used to. The writing is consistently witty and fast-flowing, and true to the Peter Parker character that has developed over the decades. The main plot centers around a mafia operation designed to profit by setting up super-villain confrontations against Spidey and other heroes and taking bets in a "gladiator" fashion. But there are many other bits, the most poignant of which involve Peter Parker's visits to the comatose Flash Thompson. ( )