The Spectacular Spider-Men #13 Review

 

Writer: Greg Weisman

Artist: Emilio Laiso

Colorist: Edgar Delgado

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Production: Gabriel Mata

Editors: Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe & CB Cebulski

Cover Artists: Emilio Laiso & Edgar Delgado; Carmen Carnero & Nolan Woodard

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: March 5, 2025

 

The Electros are charged up and ready to fry. Peter and Miles may be used to electrifying experiences, but Max and Francine reduce Elementary to a puddle and still Anna Romney’s cheating heart. Will the Electros finish off their spider prey, or will the Lizard rush in to save the day? Let's grab a "Parker" from Max Vinck, thwip into The Spectacular Spider-Men #13, and find out!

 

Story

While Peter and Miles mended their broken lives with their friends in the Coffee Bean, Max and Francine came to blows in The Bar With No Name. Peter Parker and Miles Morales happily share their moniker. Yet Max and Francine contested for ownership of their supervillain brand. Peter and Miles' teamwork prompted Max and Francine to work together to defeat their mutual enemies. In Spectacular Spider-Men #13, the joys of partnership make Max and Francine contemplate a long-term team-up.

 

Shelly and Kenny were the glue that bonded the Spider-Men's weekly meetups. But Max Vinck has ascended from the bemused barista who insisted everyone buy something to imagining a future with Juliet. When Anna lies in a pool of the girl he's strictly friends with, Max shines in Greg Weisman's story. Max Vinck even engages in humorous dialogue once the Spideys awaken. (You didn't think they would die, did you?) He's not ready for superlative quipping yet, but with Max demonstrating heroism, perhaps he will follow in the splashy footsteps of Juliet (aka Elementary).

 

Speaking of Elementary, she has already endured enough pain and loss to justify her superhero status. In Spectacular Spider-Men #13, Juliet discovers another downside to defending people against supervillains. Her newly minted status comes with no guarantees, though. If the perils of superpowers overwhelm her fragile feelings, the most formidable person Ben Grimm has ever trained could end up drinking alongside Max and Francine at The Bar With No Name.

 

 

 

Art

Emilio Laiso gives Curt Connors a stone-cold demeanor. After exposing his fears when the Electros kidnap his son, Curt shows no emotion as the Lizard sinks his teeth into Max Dillon's arm. While the Lizard's green hide links him with the villains, his glowing eyes and Connor's frown while phoning make clear they're not intent on turning the other cheek.

 

As Peter and Miles play a version of Who’s On First In The Spider-Verse with Max Vinck, Elementary's brown form recalls her earliest transformations in the Coffee Bean. When tears stream down her face, Elementary's blue uniform suggests the mentors she most identified with. While Edgar Delgado delivers a loaded palette on this nighttime adventure in Spectacular Spider-Men #13, yellow and green dominate, and white proves the most shocking.

 

Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase letters into white and colored balloons and narrative boxes while Max and Francine hold hands. Dialogue grows bold and swells when Francine designates Max as her partner in crime. Balloons get cloudy when heroes arise. The Lizard may have helped Misty Knight and Peter battle vampires. But his growled, italicized words show he's nobody's hero. Red growls and roars join white sizzling. The names and descriptions in white boxes remind us why we care about heroes and villains, whether their power comes from their personalities or caring for others. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

As action and humor vie for attention, drama demands the spotlight as Juliet Marcos (aka Elementary) suffers the aftereffects of Arcade and Mentallo’s manipulations. But far from dwelling on a love triangle, Spectacular Spider-Men #13 is all about love: how we find it, how it threatens other relationships, and what we will do to protect those we cherish.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

The Spectacular Spider-Men #2 Review

 

Writer: Greg Weisman

Penciler: Humberto Ramos

Inker: Victor Olazaba

Colorist: Edgar Delgado

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Humberto Ramos & Edgar Delgado; Carmen Carnero & Nolan Woodard; Mike McKone & Alex Sinclair; Will Sliney & Rachelle Rosenberg [Homage]

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: April 17, 2024

 

When Dr. Seymour Krepps switched the power on in Miles Warren’s laboratory at Empire State University, he awakened the Jackal Hulk. The ferocious clone broke out of its containment chamber and rampaged across E.S.U. After capturing the creature, Peter and Miles Morales joined Dr. Krepps and Professor Raymond Aaron Warren in Jackal's laboratory, where they found a smoking Human corpse. How might Jackal's experiments and a new computer game interrupt Peter and Miles’ caffeinated chats at The Coffee Bean? Let’s grab our lattes, thwip into The Spectacular Spider-Men #2, and find out!

 

Story

NYPD Detective Shari Sebbins studies the burned skeleton in the morgue after Dr. Jane Foster's forensic examination. Jane Foster concludes that the man didn’t burn to death. Instead, each cell of the man’s body exploded. Did the Jackal Hulk do this? Or has Losira found a more spectacular way of killing people like Captain Kirk and U.S.S. Enterprise geologist D’Amato? “I am for you [Insert Name Here].”

 

Whatever the case, this prompts Jackal's brother, Professor Raymond Warren, to spend more time with Dr. Krepps instead of teaching at Midtown High. As the colleagues investigate Jackal's laboratory, Professor Warren grows intrigued when his friend’s taste in beverage changes.

 

 

 

Miles’ friend Cedrick has long adored Shelly. He’s plighted his troth to no avail. In The Spectacular Spider-Men #2, Shelly meets Cedric one night, tells him her feelings have changed, and promises to leave her beau Kenny. But when he meets her later at The Coffee Bean, Shelly affirms her love for Kenny and pretends their night together didn’t happen.

 

Miles grew up with Cedrick. He worries about his friend in The Spectacular Spider-Men #2. Peter accompanies Miles as they tail the distraught lover. But they lose Cedric, and when their trail leads into the sewers, they discover that Number Five is alive. Unfortunately, Number Five isn't a robot and has no plans to move to Montana. 

 

 

 

Art

Humberto Ramos and Victor Olazaba celebrate Miles's late arrival at The Coffee Bean with a double-page scene broken into panels. The staggered shots portray Miles' interactions with Shelly, Kenny, Professor Warren, and Sha Shan as he walks through the crowded coffee shop to Peter's table. Professor Warren glances up from his copy of The Daily Bugle bearing the headline Too Many Spider-Men and smiles at Miles. A woman seated with her back to Miles reads a He-Hulk comic. Peter and Miles clink together cups with their names written on them.

 

Edgar Delgado lavishes a loaded palette on The Spectacular Spider-Men #2. Scenes during the day, such as Miles' coffee shop entrance, shine brilliantly. Yet Delgado makes night scenes involving another Marvel hero and two lovers in Italy equally eye-catching. When the Spider-Men descent into the greenish sewers, light reflects off the costumes and illuminates their angry adversaries. Delgado's lighting and color choices help us understand how much Peter values their Wednesday meetups (when he should be visiting his local comic shop) and feel the danger he and Miles face as they battle more of Jackal’s creations.  

 

 

 

Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase letters into white balloons and colored narrative boxes. The appealing font rarely shrinks. Dialogue often grows bold, changes color, or enlarges. Amid the bodies hurled against the brick-lined tunnels and those splashing in the festering fluids, a spine-tingling hissing fills the darkness in The Spectacular Spider-Men #2.

 

Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

In The Spectacular Spider-Men #2, Jackal's cloning experiments continue to threaten society. Some students prove more adept than others at discerning fantasy from reality. Greg Weisman's Spider-ode to Cheers spins a healthy web of Thwippage and Quippage while reminding us that nurturing relationships is as important as accomplishing personal and career goals.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

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

Amazing Spider-Man #46 Review

 

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.

Amazing Spider-Man #45 Review

 

Writer: Zeb Wells

Artist: Carmen Carnero

Colorist: Marcio Menyz

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna & Marcio Menyz; Carmen Carnero & Alejandro Sánchez; Alex Maleev; Vitale Mangiatordi

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: March 13, 2024

 

Peter Parker brought a poorly decorated cake to Anna Watson’s birthday party. Mary Jane’s enraged aunt attacked her niece, Peter’s aunt May, and her other party guests. Mary Jane's quick thinking and Spider-Man's timely thwipping landed Aunt Anna in New York’s Ravencroft Institute. Can Spider-Man cure Anna Watson and help her return home? Let’s thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #45 and find out!

 

Story

Shay Marken wears a brave face as she carries out her duties. Yet the inmates at Ravencroft Institute frighten her. Chief among those is Anna Watson. Sure, the kindly senior citizen projects an air of sweetness and gentleness. But when Anna’s Krakoan Derangement Syndrome manifested last year, she hurled her party guests around like a supervillain. Anna unleashes a torrent of abuse upon Shay as the young nurse arrives to feed her. It's a good thing the Ravencroft staff keep Anna in a straitjacket. Were Anna to get Shay in her clutches, there’s no telling the violence she could unleash.

 

Peter Parker feels sorry for Anna when he sneaks into her cell. He promised Mary Jane he would carry her out of the Ravencroft Institute after delivering the antidote, but Anna objects. The woman’s manipulative and malicious ways vanish. She remembers hurting the people she cared about. In Amazing Spider-Man #45, Anna Watson refuses to leave until the Ravencroft staff releases her.

 

 

 

Norman Osborn has led a troubled life. The businessman has spent far more time as a villain than a hero. Peter hasn't seen Norman much lately, as his boss sat out the Gang War to protect Oscorp. In their last interaction, Peter fears how Norman will react to his latest proposal. It could cost him his job and livelihood, but Peter believes it's the right thing to do.

 

Like leaving Aunt Anna in the Ravencroft Institute for the Criminally Insane until the staff and the city of New York release her. 

 

 

 

Art

Lights reflect off the transparent cell walls and floor, leaving the hallway in Ravencroft’s residents’ wing awash in light. While the blue in Spider-Man’s costume blends with the light blue ceiling, the red webbing seems impossible for Nurse Marken to miss. Norman looks far more interested in his food when Peter visits his office. Norman seems more remote than before he freed Peter from the sins that turned Peter into Black Spider-Goblin. Is it just business concerns that cloud Norman’s mind?

 

Marcio Menyz enhances Stormbreaker artist Carmen Carnero’s institutional scenes with cool blues, beiges, and grays. Menyz imbues Carnero’s realistic faces with warm skin tones. Foliage casts dappled shadows across Spider-Man’s red and blue suit as he peers through the orange-and-yellow sky at the Ravencroft Institute. Mary Jane’s vibrant hair and red, white, and black Jackpot attire stand out amid the surrounding greenery as the two friends meet, then turn away.

 

 

 

Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase black lettering into white dialogue balloons and narrative boxes. The font grows bold for inflection and rarely shrinks. Enlarged colored letters and colored balloon borders enhance sentences. Zeb Wells’ story doesn’t give Caramagna much license for sound effects. Yet a crunch and resultant yowl could hint at future developments in Amazing Spider-Man #45.

 

Thanks to Marvel for providing this essential chapter of Peter Parker’s life for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Former villains remind Spider-Man that no one is above the law, Dr. Curtis Connors has something on his mind, and a new coalition threatens to give Peter Parker nightmares in Amazing Spider-Man #45.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

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

Captain America Finale #1 Review

 

Writers: Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly

Artist: Carmen Carnero

Colorist: Nolan Woodard

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Carmen Carnero & Alejandro Sánchez; Greg Land & Frank D’Armata

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: August 23, 2023

 

Conflicting ideologies divide Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes. Can Captain America and the Winter Soldier join forces to destroy the Outer Circle? Let's leap into Captain America Finale #1 and find out!

 

Story

World War II forged Steve Rogers into an American hero. It wasn’t just his zeal to defend his country’s borders. Nor was it the Super-Soldier serum that enhanced his strength and endurance and slowed his aging. What mobilized Steve was fighting oppression, and what completed the transformation was examples of courage and heroism set by his friends.

 

Now, as Steve charges into battle against the Outer Circle in Captain America Finale #1, his friends fight alongside him. He leads his team of Invaders against an enemy that would dominate our planet. Together, they face the ultimate enemy of Humanity: one that stands against liberty and freedom in all its forms. Backed up by his friends, you know he'll bring it down. Or die trying.

 

 

 

 

Art

Writers Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly may rely too often on single-page scenes and bold, double-page spreads to evoke grandeur. In Captain America Finale #1, their teammate Carmen Carnero delivers their colossal vision. Nolan Woodard overloads his palette with an appealing mix of colors to make such big scenes leap off the page. Yet pages of smaller panels and those set within larger images also speak volumes.

 

Joe Caramagna enhances white time and space markers with Cap's distinctive shield. White dialogue balloons and colored narrative boxes protect his black, uppercase letters in Captain America Finale #1. They're easy to read as they sweep across the pages. If you get lost, don't worry. Captain America's by your side!

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Captain America Finale #1 knits disparate story strands to deliver a rousing conclusion. Driven by the themes and people that make him a superhero, this issue reminds us of what Steve Rogers always fights for.

 

Rating 9/10

 

Preview interior art on my review at Comic Book Dispatch.