Amazing Spider-Man #29 Review

 

Writer: Zeb Wells

Penciler: Ed McGuinness

Inker: Mark Farmer

Colorist: Marcio Menyz

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Ed McGuinness & Marcio Menyz; Marco Checchetto & Richard Isanove; David Nakayama; Giada Perissinotto

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: July 12, 2023

 

Peter Parker opens his eyes to find he’s flying the friendly skies. Only he’s not enjoying a United Airlines flight. J. Jonah Jameson's carrying him from a great height. Using Doc Ock’s old legs, J.J. scampers above the street while Ock’s got Osborn strapped to a seat. Will Amazing Spider-Man #29 make you jump and shout? Let’s peer inside. We might find out!

 

 

 

 

Story

The Beyond Corporation has a lot to answer for. Peter Parker ended up in a coma while their scientists messed with people’s minds. Like Ben Reilly, Doctor Octopus wants to reclaim his memories. As he can't, his anger drives him to hurt anyone who's ever opposed him. And now Norman Osborn's going around, telling people he's a reformed person—that he's better than his former supervillain buds? Angry Otto can't have that!

 

Thankfully, with great power comes great opportunities. Embracing those could change Peter Parker forever. But to achieve that gain, he must endure the pain.

 

Amazing Spider-Man #29 reminds us how destructive envy can be. I like J. Jonah Jameson's concern for the man, employee, and superhero he once ridiculed. I love that—for the second issue in a row, the story features a cameo of a fan-favorite character. But most of all, I love how smoothly this story flows. It seems like the natural evolution of events and is a ride worthy of those rare E-tickets.

 

No worries, Disney fans: Amazing Spider-Man #29 includes a Fastpass, so you need not wait to enjoy this rock and roll attraction.

 

 

 

 

 

Art

Packed with muscle and menace, Doc Ock never looked meaner. His new tentacles attack like enraged pythons. Yet when not following orders, this gestalt companion detaches into individual mini-legs that exhibit a childlike fascination with their creator. Each sports glowing eyes like Ock and four octopus-like mini-mini-legs that scurry across workstations to see whatever he's doing. Bubbling tanks, glowing square monitors, and pipes dominate Otto's new digs. His Mad Scientist hideout contrasts with Norman's seamless, ultramodern Oscorp labs.

 

While murderous Doc Ock seeks affirmation, Norman Osborn shows his newfound heroism. He reasons (and yes, pleads) with Ock while battling the cold, crippling tentacles of terror. Although powerless and scared, he remains dignified.

 

 

 

 

Situations may momentarily shock him, but once Peter finds his feet, he's thinking and determined. He's the Spider-Man I want to see and not the fear-driven wreck of Amazing Spider-Man #23.

 

Like Doc Ock’s new legs, a rich blend of individual colors weaves together, making each page of Amazing Spider-Man #29 a beauty to behold. Spider-Man's scream and the gwarbling mini-legs shout their presence, while red uppercase words enhance the dialogue, and a rooftop billboard honors a series luminary. Older readers shouldn't sweat the smaller-sized dialogue and Nick Lowe's editorial note: the larger-sized dialogue will carry you through, and the sound effects will delight you.

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Amazing Spider-Man #29 reminds us how uplifting and fulfilling partnership can be and that memories should be celebrated instead of mourned.

 

9.6/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.