His name on the cover notwithstanding, Spider-Man isn't the focus of this book.

Tangled Web is an out-of-continuity series, of which this is the first collection, that looks instead at the characters large and small who exist on the periphery of Spider-Man's world. These are their stories, not his.

It's an intriguing concept and, by and large, the three tales collected here are fine examples of a good idea in action.

The first story -- "The Coming of the Thousand," written by Garth Ennis and drawn by John McCrea -- gets things off to a slow start. Another in a long line of bullies from Peter Parker's past figures out his identity and, trying to gain the same powers, eats an irradiated spider. But instead of getting nifty spider powers like Parker's, this sad excuse for a man becomes the homicidal host of a thousand little spiders. Ick. It's a fairly weak story with fairly weak art. But things pick up with "Severance Package," written by Greg Rucka and drawn by Eduardo Risso, which examines the fate of a man who fails the Kingpin when Spider-Man foils a crime. This story has little action, but the plot is sublime and the execution darn near perfect. And, finally, Peter Milligan writes "Flowers for Rhino," illustrated by Duncan Fegredo, in which one of Spider-Man's more brutish foes undergoes radical surgery that enhances his intellect beyond genius level -- with unexpected consequences.

Combined, this is a fine package of stories for Spider-Man fans who'd like something a little different with their breakfast cereal. It is the first of several collected volumes although, unfortunately, the series did not last as long as it deserved.