Public Scrutiny, the fifth collection in the Ultimate Spider-Man series, blends light moments and heavy scenes in a delightful complex pattern -- much as real life is wont to do.

Peter Parker is still leading two lives as he continues his studies in high school and fights crime as Spider-Man. The two lives clash when he learns a beefed-up bad guy named Rhino is trashing the downtown; it's not easy dressing up in colorful tights and escaping school premises when there are parent-teacher conferences, sobbing friends and schoolyard bullies to block the way.

And what's a hero to do when show-offs like Iron Man get there first?

But then a violent new criminal takes center stage with a brand new gimmick -- committing crimes in a Spider-Man costume. Immediately, the hero's tenuous relationship with the NYPD takes a nasty turn -- especially when a man is killed and everyone thinks Spider-Man is to blame. The story moves fast, with thrilling intensity, as Peter strives to catch the imposter while dealing with another death on his conscience and a troubled girlfriend to boot.

Public Scrutiny is, for Peter, a very bad day. For us readers, it's an excellent chapter in Peter's life story.