Writer: Zeb Wells
Artist: Carmen Carnero
Colorist: Marcio Menyz
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artists: John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna & Marcio Menyz; Michael Cho; Mark Brooks & Marcos Martin
Publisher: Marvel
Price: $4.99
Release Date: March 27, 2024
Spider-Man cured Mary Jane’s aunt of Krakoan Derangement Syndrome. How is Anna spending her time in New York’s high-security Ravencroft Institute? And how is Peter Parker adjusting to life post-Gang War? Is he ready to start dating again? Let’s thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #46 and find out!
Story
Aunt Anna once frightened Shay Marken. Now, Mary Jane's aunt works in the greenhouse with William Baker. Anna gets along with the former Sandman and the other inmates. As a professional caregiver, Shay marvels at the villains' affection for Anna. In Amazing Spider-Man #46, Zeb Wells asks, Were the Beatles right? Is love all you need to reform villains?
Michele bumps into Peter Parker as he leaves his apartment. Tombstone’s lawyer accuses him of standing her up. Michele claims that he called her. Did she seek him out, then get cold feet? Or is someone messing with Peter Parker’s emotions? Peter hadn’t planned to see Michele again after their dinner date to discuss Randy Robertson and Janice Lincoln's troubled love life turned sour. But Tombstone vowed to destroy Spider-Man, and Michele is Lonnie Lincoln’s lawyer.
Although they had separated, Peter consulted Felicia Hardy, aka Black Cat, before dining with Michele. After his second consultation with Tombstone's lawyer, Peter meets up with Mary Jane. Although not present, Paul still stands between them. Could a Spider-Man and Jackpot team up cure the awkwardness both feel and forge a healthier relationship between them?
William Baker proves central to Amazing Spider-Man #46. Composed of particles of sand, the man is a gestalt entity. The former Sandman turned himself into Ravencroft Institute because he sensed a shift in his consciousness. William wants to wield executive power over his future and consign the Sandman to Carousel. Yet all the constituents of his consciousness must have their say. Could another invitation from the Sinister Six—and a reminder of their exhilarating exploits—prompt a referendum? William Baker's soul and the safety of New York await the outcome of his body's decision.
Art
While Mysterio, Vulture, Kraven, and Doc Ock frown, Electro smiles. Electricity crackles from his hand, and he plops his feet on the conference table before heading into the night. Peter Parker grabs his backpack and leaves his apartment. Michele hails him as he reaches the sidewalk. She props one hand on her hip and points at him with the other. With William Baker's troubled face on his mind, Peter's mouth opens. As Michele stalks off, he spies Mary Jane above him. Dressed as Jackpot, she watched the encounter from a fire escape.
Just as Aunt Anna brings smiles to everyone’s faces, Carmen Carnero shows how relaxed the inmates feel as they wish Anna goodnight. Then lightbulbs explode in Ravencroft Institute, and Shay shields Anna from sparks and broken glass. Spider-Man and Jackpot see a ball of energy crackle with lightning.
Marcio Menyz paints a New York City street in blues, grays, browns, and greens. Jackpot’s sunglasses reflect her red hair and gray sleeves. Streetlights illuminate her face and make her red and gold suit shine. A blueish glow radiates from the fluorescent lights in Ravencroft's greenhouse. The air momentarily turns purple as gold and purple symbols appear on Jackpot's arms. Then her powers manifest, reflecting the gold and red of her uniform and evoking a member of the Sinister Six.
Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase black lettering into white dialogue balloons and narrative boxes through crackling light shows and shadowy encounters. The font grows bold for inflection and rarely shrinks. A Ding Ding rewards Jackpot’s anticipation. Electro howls as electricity surges through him. A Krak portends the voting results of William Baker’s consciousness in Amazing Spider-Man #46.
Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.
Final Thoughts
After someone messes with his head, Peter Parker seeks to overcome the distance between him and Mary Jane. The inmates at Ravencroft Institute also face a dilemma. Is who they were who they wish to be? Or can kindness transform psychopaths? Heroes and villains ponder their identities, friendships, and futures in Amazing Spider-Man #46.
Rating 9.8/10
To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.
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