Spider-Man 18 Giant Coloring Pages (Crayola)

Background

These products from Crayola are some of those "almost-a-book" items which really test the boundaries of our database inclusion guide. We're going to make a courageous line call and say they are "In".

I guess that means I need to write a review then. So here we go.

Story Details

This review covers six different products. All are roughly 13" x 19.5" portfolios of loose-leaf black and white line art coloring pages.

In 2010, Crayola published an 18-page "Spider-Sense Spider-Man" and a 20-page "Spider-Sense Spider-Man" version of this book. They both feature the same front and back covers, and nearly identical pictures. But the 20-page version is maybe 0.5" larger in each dimension, and features an additional two pictures not in the 18-page version.

In 2011, both the 18-page and 20-page "Spider-Sense" folios were re-released. The 18-page 2011 edition was identical except for new front and back artwork. The 20-page 2011 edition was available only at "Target", and included a sheet of "framing stickers" which were intended to allow you to stick your favorite pictures to the wall. The contents were otherwise identical.

Spider-Man is by far the star of the show in all versions, although there's a plenty of guest appearances too. The original "Spider-Sense" pictures feature Spider-Woman, Vulture, Rhino, Green Goblin, Kraven, Sandman, Lizard, Shocker and Mysterio. The Sinister Six appear only in the 20-page versions.

In subsequent years, additional folios were released:

• A "Marvel Super Hero Squad" 18 page folio, featuring "Super Hero Squad" artwork.
• In 2013, a "Marvel Ultimate Spider-Man" 18 page folio (the "Heroes" cover), featuring artwork inspired by the Ultimate Spider-Man TV (2012) cartoon.
• In 2014, another "Marvel Ultimate Spider-Man" 18 page folio (the "Villains" cover), featuring more artwork inspired by the Ultimate Spider-Man TV (2012) cartoon.

General Comments

In all cases, the pages are tidy, and nicely detailed. Crayola has a good reputation for high-quality products, and these are no exception. The pages are large and impressive, with clean lines and a good balance of detail ideal for coloring.

Overall Rating

This product has set the benchmark for loose-leaf coloring folios. Four Webs.