Writer: Zeb Wells
Penciler: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Scott Hanna
Colorist: Marcio Menyz
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artists: John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna & Marcio Menyz; Terry & Rachel Dodson; Greg & Tim Hilderbrandt; Marcos Martin; Alex Saviuk & Rachelle Rosenberg
Publisher: Marvel
Price: $4.99
Release Date: January 17, 2024
Spider-Man, She-Hulk, and Tombstone confront Kingpin and Typhoid Mary. A few Hellfire Club troopers remain standing, but most lie sprawled across the floor of Tombstone’s apartment. Kingpin declared their battle was over. His son's battle with the Beetle has also ended. Is Janice Lincoln dead? Will Tombstone sink his teeth into Wilson Fisk’s neck and tear his throat out? Let’s thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #42 and find out!
Story
Wilson Fisk has faced many battles in his life. But now he wants to concentrate on his family. So Wilson had a little fun with his long-time rival Lonnie for old-time's sake, but he's sitting this Gang War out.
The Beetle can’t believe Fisk’s troops took away the Rose. Now, Janice controls more territory than her father ever did. But to retain it, Janice must fight Madame Masque.
In Amazing Spider-Man #42, Zeb Wells douses Peter Parker and Luke Cage in a pool of murky water. Spider-Man joined forces with Tombstone to protect his daughter. Mayor Cage also wants Team Spidey to protect Janice. Cage views Madame Masque as more of a threat to his city than Janice. Plus, Cage and Janice both have strong connections within Harlem. But Janice has become a general. An army marches to her orders. The Beetle plans on becoming a major player in organized crime. Are Luke and Peter being sentimental in backing Randy Robertson's former fiancée?
Gang War has forced Spider-Man to trade thwipping for clubbing and pummeling opponents. Now, Peter favors the perceived lesser of two evils as masked ladies of crime battle for control of the criminal underworld. Wells’ story shows why good people champion bad actors and end up fighting for causes they don’t believe in.
Amazing Spider-Man #42 also speaks to the battle between career and family. Peter Parker has sacrificed everything to fight crime. He’s spent too little time with Miles Morales and Randy Robertson, and his relationships with both friends have suffered. But by far, the most painful consequence of his life choice is losing Mary Jane. By contrast, Wilson Fisk ends up the victor in Wells’ story. Kingpin knows the cost of putting his career first. This time, he's choosing to cherish his family rather than pursue career goals.
Art
After the fury of battle burns out, smoke rises from the ashes in Amazing Spider-Man #42. Tombstone’s drapes may be no more, but plumes fill the air, surrounding Fisk’s forces and Team Spidey. Smoke surrounds Luke Cage as he phones Spidey amid the remains of Alistair Smythe’s robots. Armored soldiers drag Richard Fisk from the battle, leaving Digger and the Beetle's forces encircled in smoke. Smoke wafts off Madame Masque’s face, even after she shields her features behind her mask.
Kingpin remains coy, but his declaration brings a smile to Typhoid Mary's face. Even Tombstone's frown eases until Lonnie realizes his actions have only bought Janice breathing space. John Romita Jr. and Scott Hanna make Madame Masque and Janice look like uneasy colleagues as they discuss the future. Both women glance down while making painful admissions. After declaring hostile intent, Madame Mask pauses to touch Janice’s arm before departing.
While a bright red mask covers Spider-Man’s face, Marcio Menyz coats Wilson Fisk and Lonnie Lincoln in crimson. The latter matches Kingpin’s armored forces as they drag the purple-and-black Rose from the battle. While Scorpia, Electro, and Digger are green, Rabbit's dark suit, pink ears, and pink bubblegum mimic the coloring of Beetle's costume. A tattoo on Shotgun's shoulder glows gold when Madame Masque touches it, reminding us of her gold mask. The overhead light in Janice's Harlem headquarters reveals yellow and orange walls. These merge well with MM's mask but contrast with Janice's purple. While She-Hulk's glowing green always draws our eyes, the pink on one character's armor signals an unexpected alliance in Amazing Spider-Man #42.
Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase black letters into white balloons. Words grow bold for inflection. Enlarged and colored letters express Spidey’s exasperation. Tiny lettering suggests confusion or surprise, relates coughing, reminds us of Tombstone’s recent hospital stay, and accompanies magical acts. A sound effect enhances a blast to Madame Masque's face, while large undulating letters emphasize Digger’s rage in Amazing Spider-Man #42.
Thanks to Marvel for providing this essential chapter of the Gang War saga for review.
Final Thoughts
Gang War pauses, letting heroes and villains regroup before a final battle for Harlem. As revelations provide insights into the conflict's origins, Amazing Spider-Man #42 asks what matters most: what you do or who you're with.
Rating 9.2/10
To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.
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