Amazing Spider-Man #14 Review

 

Writer: Joe Kelly

Penciler: Ed McGuinness & Todd Nauck

Inkers: Mark Farmer, Wade Von Grawbadger, Ed McGuinness, & Todd Nauck

Colorists: Marcio Menyz & Erick Arciniega

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Patrick Gleason & Marcio Menyz; Lee Bermejo (Amazing Visions); Cory Smith & Edgar Delgado; Jay Anacleto & Romulo Fajardo Jr; Joshua Cassara & Matthew Wilson (The Muppets)

Designer: Jay Bowen

Editors: Kaitlyn Lindtvedt, Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe, & CB Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: October 15, 2025

 

Hermes Crenshaw believes that Manhattan's new Take No Prisoners Spider-Man hails from a parallel universe. Instead, while Ben Reilly impersonates Peter Parker at Rand, Norman Osborn thwips the streets as Peter’s alter ego. But Norman doesn’t practice Peter’s restraint. And he hates losing.

 

When Miles Morales, Spider-Boy, Silk, Araña, and Spider-Gwen invade his web after losing his “cowardly” lawsuit against Roderick Kingsley, Norman lashes out. Can Spider-Norman placate New York's Spider-Society? And will the Sic Semper Monstrum club teach Roderick Kingsley their secret handshake? Let's thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #14 and see!

 

Story

Although Silk assured Norman that Peter still lives, he left their encounter feeling like a failure. So Norman seeks out someone else who has tried and failed to be Spider-Man. But Ben Reilly doesn’t want to share the same universe, let alone the same airspace, with Norman Osborn. And he’s far from alone in that sentiment.

 

While Ben impersonates Peter in Amazing Spider-Man #14, his growing closeness to Dr Maira Osmani-Milton drives his girlfriend crazy. Janine Godbe enjoys life in the shadows with Ben. Now he is chasing Peter's life again, and that's beyond frustrating.

 

 

 

While endangering his future with Janine, Ben shuts out the people who care about Peter. Aunt May feels cut off from the successful working nephew who hung photos in her living room when he was bombing interviews. And at work, Brian Nehring isn't feeling freaktastic as his childhood chum’s science outshines his mycoteria.

 

While Joe Kelly’s story urges us to understand what drives us, it also contrasts life in the shadows with exposing our actions to the light of day. Night patrols gave Norman the anonymity to act out his aggressions. Imitating Peter solely at Rand allows Ben to hurt everyone close to him. But people who exercise power responsibly inspire others. That's something a would-be hero learns in Amazing Spider-Man #14. 

 

 

 

Art

Ed McGuinness & Todd Nauck, Mark Farmer, and Wade Von Grawbadger contrast memories of the Spider-Society on a rooftop with Norman sitting alone in his exclusive penthouse. Janine’s masks feed her desire for easy victories but provide no lasting contentment. As Maira sits before an image of sunflowers, she makes a more understanding and accepting comparison with Peter’s not-girlfriend. Yet despite her words, Maira’s disdain for Norman struggles to dominate her face, suggesting a familiar jousting tournament with a business rival. 

 

 

 

Marcio Menyz and Erick Arciniega make Chasm and Hallows Eve look good together in purple, orange, red, and green. Maira and Ben’s blue attire emphasizes the growing connection between them. Norman’s dark gray suit seems a reminder that his self-esteem, if not his body, is trapped in the dark web of Limbo. An attacker's light gray and blue emphasize a cold, clinical approach to curing a disease. While the yellow and orange coursing across his body evoke Hellgate's inner fire, Kintsugi's gleaming suit recalls another cosmic hero.

 

Joe Caramagna fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase dialogue. Words grow bold for inflection, enlarge for raised voices, and shrink for lowered voices. Faint lowercase handprinted letters reveal Norman's thoughts in irregular white rectangles, while Aunt May writes in tiny cursive. Sound effects hail a pleasant outing, a responsible use of power, and defiant dry-thwipping in Amazing Spider-Man #14. Thanks to Marvel for providing a review copy.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

While Norman Osborn struggles to overcome his past, Roderick Kingsley makes new friends, Brian Nehring gets desperate, and Astrid reveals a fondness for Battlestar Galactica in Amazing Spider-Man #14.

 

Rating 9/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

Amazing Spider-Man #70 Review

 

Writer: Joe Kelly

Penciler: Ed McGuinness

Inkers: Mark Farmer & Cliff Rathburn

Artist: Cafu

Colorists: Alex Sinclair, Marcio Menyz & Frank D’Armata

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Ed McGuinness, Cliff Rathburn & Marcio Menyz; Skottie Young; Peach Momoko; Frank Miller & Alex Sinclair; Iban Coello & Jesus Aburtov; Björn Barends; Brent Schoonover & Rachelle Rosenberg; Netease (Marvel Rivals)

Editors: Kaitlyn Lindtvedt, Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $5.99

Release Date: March 26, 2025

 

Callix slew his siblings and Spider-Man. After threatening to murder his surviving sister unless she joined him, Callix left Cyra with the corpses to attack their father. Cyra never craved power like Callix. Instead, Cyttorak’s games made her feel like nothing mattered. Spider-Man's reverence for life taught Cyra to care about others.

 

So Cyra makes a pact with the Avatar Of Death. The scion offers Phil Coulson her immortality and magical power to revive Peter. Will Cyra’s sacrifice be worth it? And how will Peter Parker’s life change when he becomes the Unstoppable Spidernaut? Let's slip on our hazmat suits, leap into Amazing Spider-Man #70, and find out!

 

 

 

Story

The Blight is a force of nature. While Cyttorak sensed its hunger to devour life, he also felt the vitality of the universe. Cyttorak’s sensitivity to life and how the Blight yearned to destroy it tore at his heart. The god walled away this unendurable pain and fear by distancing himself from life, playing games with his family, and telling himself he didn’t care about anything or anyone.

 

When Dr Strange wanted the power of the Crimson Casket, he discovered the danger of the Blight. He made an offer Cyttorak could not refuse. Why not make a game of protecting life? All this worked fine until Dr Doom became Sorcerer Supreme. The Ruler of Latervia (and perhaps the world) didn't want to protect Earth's Borders and pretend the cosmic danger didn't exist. Strange's approach managed the menace and saved lives. But it also kicked the can down the road for future generations to take care of. In Joe Kelly's story, Doom appoints someone who reveres life and would never make a game out of protecting it. So what if a few million people die because Spider-Man won't play by Dr Strange's rules? Doom is building a better future.

 

In Amazing Spider-Man #70, the Blight festers in anyone who wonders if life is worth fighting for. It feeds off negative energy, empowering people to kill those who hurt them. And who can hurt you more than the people you love? Peter has tried Cyra and Cyttorak’s way of dealing with the Blight. Now, as the Spidernaut, Peter discovers a more direct way of combatting it. When his approach works against the symptoms of infection, Peter channels all his power to tackle the source of the disease.

 

 

 

Art

Spidernaut travels through realms of reality to strike stratospheric Callix. Peter’s punch hurtles Callix back to Earth as a crimson streak. The displaced air and explosion shocks Dr Doom more than the former Sorcerer Supreme. Humming with power, Peter Parker returns to Earth. His first act is to clasp Juggernaut’s shoulder. Callix, beaten but defiant, rises from the impact crater to radiate the Blight like a star in Amazing Spider-Man #70.

 

While the Blight’s infection spreads across him as red eyes and black appendages, Callix thwips barbed webs reminiscent of how Spider-Girl emulates Spider-Boy's powers. As the Blight distorts Callix’s appearance, its massive brown body hangs over New York like a MUTO, turning the sky yellow, orange, and brown. Infused by Cyra’s crimson magic, Spidernaut no longer wears Doom’s arcane armor. Instead, Peter wears a Juggy-shaped version of his familiar red-and-blue. 

 

 

 

When Spidernaut conjures a circle of blue and leaves a blue streak behind, Dr Strange questions his colleague in Amazing Spider-Man #70. Rather than answer, Doom turns away from the blue Dr Strange. Doom’s gray mask lightens, along with the yellow and brown sky.

 

While Alex Sinclair and Marcio Menyz lavish a loaded palette on Ed McGuinness, Mark Farmer, and Cliff Rathburn’s art, Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase black and blue lettering into dialogue balloons and narrative boxes. The dialogue grows bold for inflection, swells and changes color for volume, and shrinks for lowered voices. A giant shout emphasizes the power coursing through Spider-Man, while letters in pink balloons convey agony. Stylized lowercase letters in yellow boxes infuse a historical perspective on these apocalyptic events. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Cash Grab: Story

As Spider-Man pursues thieves, one opens a bag and hurls money from the hoverdisk. When the windfall causes pedestrians' attention to wander, Spider-Man abandons his pursuit to protect them. Joe Kelly's optimistic five-page story in Amazing Spider-Man #70 ponders how institutions weather tragedies that crush individuals.

 

Cash Grab: Art

Laser beams streak past Spidey as he thwips through a flock of greenbacks. Soldiers in black wearing Mandalorian helmets stand atop a hovering metal disk. Spider-Man asks a police officer to grab fluttering currency as he makes an impression on the patrol car roof. Cafu's art and Frank D’Armata’s coloring lend a dreamlike quality to Peter's struggle to live a double life as a superhero with a secret identity and foster friendships, a family, and a successful upfront career. 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Adopting a different suit helps Peter Parker identify with one of his greatest enemies in Amazing Spider-Man #70. Drawing on Dr Strange’s tutelage, Cyra’s endurance test, and Cyttorak’s crimson magic, Peter's courage and selflessness inspire others.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Amazing Spider-Man #69 Review

 

Writer: Joe Kelly

Penciler: Ed McGuinness

Inker: Mark Farmer

Colorist: Marcio Menyz

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Ed McGuinness, Cliff Rathburn & Marcio Menyz; Skottie Young; Amanda Conner & Paul Mounts; Ben Harvey; Netease (Marvel Rivals)

Editors: Kaitlyn Lindtvedt, Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: March 12, 2025

 

It felt like nothing mattered until Peter Parker saw Randy, Shay, Aunt May, and another volunteer sprawled before the FEAST center. Peter gave up his remaining Reeds of Raggadorr to revive them. Aunt May even thanked Spider-Man! But the danger to Earth remains. Spider-Man changed the future by shrugging off his role as Earth’s Champion. Callix broke Cyttorak and Dr Strange's pact by killing his brothers and sisters. Can Peter defend Earth against the all-consuming Blight? Let's don our arcane armor, leap into Amazing Spider-Man #69, and find out!

 

Story

Sadly, Peter Parker lies dead before the throne of Cyttorak, slain by the scion Callix. Peter could have survived the attack by keeping the Reeds of Raggadorr in reserve. Dr Strange would have. Instead, Peter went from seeing death as an inconvenience to giving up his life for others. It’s a fitting end for Manhattan’s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. But right now, Earth needs a champion.

 

All this began because Dr Strange craved power. In Amazing Spider-Man #69, Dr Strange returns to help people in New York. But once again, he travels there in his astral form. The former Sorcerer Supreme seems more interested in scoring points with Dr Doom than helping people. Dr Strange could have helped Peter more throughout this contest. Or he could have asked Dr Doom to let him compete in the Contest Of Scions he founded with Cyttorak.

 

While Dr Strange comes off badly in Joe Kelly's story, Phil Coulson shines as the Avatar Of Death. Like Dr Strange, Cyttorak plays games with people’s lives. Most parents resort to psychological games at one time or another to help their children find their way. But Cyttorak has overplayed his hand, and now Callix acts like the leader of a country the United Nations refuses to recognize. So, Callix conquers other countries, and with each conquest, he asks, "Do you see me now?" Phil Coulson pierces the web of illusion Cyttorak has spun. In Amazing Spider-Man #69, he guides Cyra toward the truth like a parent should, without manipulation or games. 

 

 

 

Art

The monstrous Blight froze Spider-Man with terror in Cyttorak’s throne room. Now, it hovers over New York City, turning the sky orange as the X-Men fight. Cyttorak awaits acclaim while Cyra kneels over Spider-Man. As his slain siblings sprawl on a network of long, thin blades, Callix’s white face evokes a mask. But unlike Hallow's Eve's bag of tricks, his isn't easily removed.

 

Doom and Dr Strange share Callix's disregard for gravity in Amazing Spider-Man #69. The silver Sorcerer Supreme resembles an armored Green Goblin adorned with a red and gold cape. His yellow energy bursts deliver healing and hurt in equal measure. Yellow radiance also joins the red and blue energy that floods Cyttorak’s throne room, helping and harming those it touches.

 

 

 

While Marcio Menyz lavishes a loaded palette on Ed McGuinness and Mark Farmer’s art, Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase black lettering into dialogue balloons and narrative boxes. The dialogue grows bold for inflection, swells and changes color for volume, and rarely shrinks in this nearly sound effect-free issue. Coulson's blue-edged narrative boxes suggest a link with Dr Strange's (and another character's) blue dialogue. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Cyttorak refused to tell his children and subjects like Juggernaut what he expected of them. Cyra misinterpreted her father's intentions. In Amazing Spider-Man #69, Cyra revises her opinion about her father and what he tried to teach her. It's a revelation that helps the godling understand why she continued to observe Spider-Man after their battle ended.

 

Rating 9.5/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Amazing Spider-Man #62 Review

 

Writer: Joe Kelly

Penciler: Ed McGuinness

Inkers: Cliff Rathburn, Mark Farmer & Wade Von Grawbadger

Colorists: Marcio Menyz & Erick Arciniega

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Ed McGuinness & Marcio Menyz; Gleb Melnikov; Gleb Melnikov & Dean White; Alex Saviuk & Rachelle Rosenberg; Francesco Mobili & Frank Martin; Skottie Young

Editors: Kaitlyn Lindtvedt, Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: November 27, 2024

 

Everyone wants some of Peter Parker’s time. Is he Earth’s Champion or its punching bag? All Peter knows is Doctor Doom wants Spider-Man to fight his battles for him. If any of the eight children of Cyttorak defeat him, Earth will succumb to the dark god’s rule. Can the ghost of Doctor Strange help Spider-Man defeat a second ambitious godling while avoiding another painful death like Spaghettification? Let's thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #62 and find out!

 

Story

Peter's new suit helped him access the mystical universe and cast a spell when fighting Cyntros. Still, Peter knows more about science than magic. After Doctor Strange becomes his astral advisor, he helps Spider-Man and Black Cat bypass the Sanctum Sanctorum's safeguards and retrieve a magic tome. But days of coffee and cramming won’t make Peter the next sorcerer supreme.

 

As Peter studies Doctor Strange’s book, real life intrudes in Amazing Spider-Man #62. The fallout over Peter's recent actions continues, as the Green Goblin's death prompts Norman Osborn to rethink his life. Like Rick Jones, Norman knows a thing or two about death. Doctor Strange briefed Peter on his previous bouts with Cyttorak’s children, but life prevents Norman from imparting helpful advice. 

 

 

 

Joe Kelly’s story focuses on the relationships that define us. After her relationship with Amelia fizzles, Felicia reevaluates her days with Peter. But Peter is prioritizing his romance with Shay while starting a freelance photography career with Randy, training Spider-Boy, helping Aunt May at FEAST, and looking for a new job. Even his new friend Kevin, who helped Peter battle Burnout, has a better handle on his life. But then, Doctor Doom claimed Peter lacked focus, didn't he?

 

As Peter combines his limited knowledge of magic with his deep understanding of physics to fight another champion, Amazing Spider-Man #62 also contemplates the dynamics of dysfunctional families. Cyttorak does little but sit on his throne and watch his children squabble. The god arranged these periodic challenges with Doctor Strange for his amusement. Instead of training his children to succeed him, each enjoys power but feels little responsibility.

 

Are these contests a way for Cyttorak to choose his successor? Or is the god manipulating his children so he can remain in power? Perhaps that's why Doctor Doom called Cyttorak’s bargain with Doctor Strange inefficient. But then, he said the same thing about Spider-Man.

 

 

 

Art

Ed McGuinness, Cliff Rathburn, Mark Farmer, and Wade Von Grawbadger kick off Amazing Spider-Man #62 with a high-flying heist in the Sanctum Sanctorum. Like Miles Morales, Peter sports a new, armored suit that evokes the giver. Felicia enjoys the heist and clasps the book as they leave. Afterward, Black Cat's posture mirrors Peter, while her expression echoes' Doctor Strange’s concern. When Spidey raises the Reeds to show his Get Out Of Heaven Free cards, Black Cat turns away and leaves.

 

Green energy wisps off Peter and supports the leather-bound volume as he studies. The green energy dissipates when Norman expresses disbelief, surrounding the book like a green starburst as it falls on the floor. Peter and Norman look like they belong together, clad in white, black, gray, and subdued blue. Peter's gray and brown apartment looks lifeless compared with Doctor Strange's lavishly colored Sanctum Sanctorum. Nothing speaks so powerfully as Marcio Menyz & Erick Arciniega's red Limbo-like godlings who argue in a brown asteroid spinning through black, purple, and magenta space. But then, there are the red letters adorning Norman's coffee cup, which signify another ending in this story about death and rebirth. 

 

 

 

Joe Caramagna’s uppercase black lettering in dialogue balloons and narrative boxes grows bold for inflection, swells for increased volume, and rarely shrinks in Amazing Spider-Man #62. Sound effects help us hear Spider-Man’s magic armor burn, Doctor Strange’s book hit the floor, and Aunt May text a reminder about volunteering at FEAST. Yet Black Cat sits atop brickwork adorned with red and green graffiti, reminding readers that more gods than Cyttorak control Spider-Man’s fate. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Neither Spider-Man nor the Scions of Cyttorak conceived these contests. Yet Earth's champion and the dark god's children must play their parts in this cosmic contest. Still, one godling intends to break the cycle and use this fight to pursue a different agenda in Amazing Spider-Man #62.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

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

 

To refresh your memories of how this story started see my review of Amazing Spider-Man #61.

Amazing Spider-Man #61 Review

 

Writer: Joe Kelly

Penciler: Ed McGuinness

Inker: Mark Farmer

Colorist: Marcio Menyz

Dream Sequence Artist: Niko Henrichon

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna & Marcio Menyz; Gleb Melnikov & Richard Isanove; Aaron Kuder & Paul Mounts; Skottie Young; Simone Bianchi; Paolo Mottura

Editors: Kaeden McGahey, Kaitlyn Lindtvedt, Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: November 13, 2024

 

Aunt May wants Peter to help her with the FEAST center. Shay Marken wants a relationship with him. Randy Robertson tries to further Peter’s photography career by being his agent. Spider-Boy wants Spider-Man to train him. Still, Spider-Man won't let a fiery new villain unsettle his professional, personal, and superhero life, right? So what happens when Doctor Doom offers Spidey a life extension? Let's thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #61 and find out!

 

Story

Shay challenged him to become the Amazing Peter Parker. Aunt May, Randy, and Bailey Briggs also want to share his life. Trying to satisfy his friends and loved ones overwhelms Peter. And the demands never stop. Norman Osborn tried to give Peter a career at Oscorp. But that situation endangered his friends and drew him into policing shady business affairs. A return to the Daily Bugle isn't happening. So, in Amazing Spider-Man #61, Peter embarks on a new career with Randy and lets everyone down.

 

Being Spider-Man is central to Peter’s life because he cares about people. He doesn’t want to end up like Tombstone, filled with power and success but lacking in friends. So, while Spider-Man fights people like Tombstone and rescues people from danger, Peter also fights to support friends and loved ones. Sadly, another villain wants a piece of Spidey's action. 

 

 

 

 

Tombstone tricked Spider-Man into helping him win the New York Gang War. Now, Doctor Doom appeals to Spidey for help. If Spider-Man says No, people die. Doom claims Doctor Strange agreed to a recurring contest between Cyttorak and Earth because he craved more power. Yet Doom mentions the Darkhold, an ancient book of evil written by the elder god Chthon. The Darkholders used spells in the book to create Varnae. That vampire possessed Blade and killed Doctor Strange, prompting Strange's spirit to appeal for help from Doctor Doom. Like Tombstone in the Gang War, Doom protected Latveria from a vampiric invasion and emerged from Blood Hunt as Sorcerer Supreme.

 

In Joe Kelly's story, Spider-Man can't sit back and wait for Doom to play his hand. Cyntros, the first demigod to attack Earth, wields the power that controls the cosmos. While Spider-Man fights to protect people, he must figure out what Doom wants and why the Sorcerer Supreme selected him as Earth's champion. When will Peter Parker get his life together, Aunt May? It won't be in Amazing Spider-Man #61!

 

 

 

 

Art

Ed McGuinness and Mark Farmer portray the barely controlled chaos of Spider-Man's life as items tumble out of his pack while protecting Kevin from Burnout. They contrast the midair fight with Peter's grimaces and shrugs to his friends. A Deadpool patch on Peter's satchel suggests his life would be easier if Spider-Man killed foes rather than apprehending or reforming them. Doom turns an untrained fiery foe into a flock of Phoenixes, further complicating Peter's life. Doctor Doom stands imperious, clad in his metal armor, green tunic, and the Sorcerer Supreme’s Cloak Of Levitation.

 

Later, Spider-Man stalks a roof, gesturing his frustrations over meeting everyone's expectations. The graffiti suggests that New York declines when Peter neglects his superhero duties. Spider-Boy stands before mockups of two A-list villains constructed from wood and metal cans. Then sparks fly from Spider-Boy's head, and he shrinks as Spidey thwips into the sky.

 

 

 

Marcio Menyz lavishes bold colors upon Spider-Man’s fight with Burnout and his meetup with Doctor Doom. Peter spends time with friends and Aunt May amid softer pastels. Cyntros glows red and wields yellow energy that colors captured objects orange and brown. Niko Henrichon adorns pages with a smoky montage of characters' expressions, actions, and a moment that evokes Doctor Strange’s divining on Titan in Avengers: Infinity War. Doom fades away in his green, silver, and red when he clads his champion in green, silver, and red in Amazing Spider-Man #61.  

 

Joe Caramagna’s uppercase black lettering in dialogue balloons and narrative boxes grows bold for inflection, swells and changes color for increased volume, and shrinks for lowered voices. Enlarged and colored dialogue threatens to burst dialogue balloons in Amazing Spider-Man #61. Sound effects introduce a demigod, slam home the futility of fighting Cyntros without help, and remind Spider-Man of his inability to satisfy everyone. Yet an enlarged red scream reminds us that there's no such thing as a free lunch (or life extension). Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Doctor Doom tricked Doctor Strange into giving up the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme. In Amazing Spider-Man #61, Doom manipulates Spider-Man into defending Earth in a cosmic contest. If he survives, perhaps Peter Parker will learn why Doom picked him over all of Earth’s mightiest heroes. But first, a man who can’t safely deliver a Rick Jones record to his girlfriend must defeat eight demigods.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

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

Amazing Spider-Man #60 Review: Five Short Stories

 

Writers: Zeb Wells & Joe Kelly

Pencilers: John Romita Jr & Ed McGuinness

Inkers: Scott Hanna & Mark Farmer

Artists: Todd Nauck, Paolo Rivera, Patrick Gleason & Mark Buckingham

Colorists: Marcio Menyz, Rachelle Rosenberg & Edgar Delgado

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Editors: Kaeden McGahey, Kaitlyn Lindtvedt, Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe & C B Cebulski

Cover Artists: John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna & Marcio Menyz; Adam Hughes; Stephen Platt & Dave McCaig; Alessandro Cappuccio & Mattia Iacono; Patrick Gleason & Marcio Menyz

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $7.99

Release Date: October 30, 2024 

 

Doctor’s Orders: Story

The Green Goblin impaled Rek-Rap with his glider. So, in Amazing Spider-Man #60, Spider-Man takes Rek-Rap to assess the damage. When the doctor looks down on Rek-Rap, Spider-Man doesn't stand up for the demon he inspired to become a hero. Thankfully, Rek-Rap doesn't need affirmation or credentials to know he is a hero. Once again, Zeb Wells distinguishes between those awarded the power and authority to help people and those who use it to benefit themselves.

 

Doctor’s Orders: Art

In the hospital examination room, Spider-Man perches against the wall. While Spider-Man's gesture suggests his embarrassment, the doctor removes his stethoscope and frowns. Ed McGuinness and Mark Farmer reveal Rek-Rap’s exuberance as he makes the exam table look like an ottoman. Marcio Menyz makes the Web-Whangers glow in their blue-and-red costumes against the green and blue interior.

 

 

 

Team-Up: Part Two: Story

When the Die-Chromator attacks a music festival, Spider-Man and Jackpot team up to stop him. After Zeb Wells brings back an obsessive guardian of lights and colors, the drama shines in this satisfying story about the give-and-take relationships demand. Becoming Jackpot gives Mary Jane a different perspective on Peter's life as Spider-Man. Despite his role in taking Mary Jane away from Peter, Paul demonstrates his willingness to be Peter’s friend and the concern for others he exemplified in Wells’ ASM #56 short story “Responsibilities.”

 

Team-Up: Part Two: Art

Todd Nauck portrays the Die-Chromator as a larger-than-life villain. Jackpot shows she can stand alongside Spider-Man any day of the week. But in Team-Up: Part Two, Jackpot stands before five Spider-Men as she faces down the colorful villain. Todd Nauck throws in a glimpse of a character who will reappear in a later story and shows J Jonah Jameson channeling his anger. Mary Jane's expression mirrors Peter's as they change into street clothes. She exudes happiness and incomprehension as Peter's sacrifice finally hits her.

 

Rachelle Rosenberg lavishes a loaded palette on Todd Nauck’s art in Amazing Spider-Man #60. The Die-Chromator’s technicolor (dream) cloak is iridescent, and each panel packs a colorful punch. Heroes and villains shine amid darkness, enhancing their power and appeal.

 

 

 

Bubs: Story

Before Dr Benjamin Rabin became the Emissary and wrecked Peter's relationship with Mary Jane, Spider-Man and Wolverine rescued him from Mayan warriors. So, when Wolverine faces a difficult time, Spider-Man stands by him. Logan may not be as effusive as Mary Jane. Still, he shows his appreciation. Like Doctor's Orders, superheroes help each other through their difficulties in another Zeb Wells' short.

 

Bubs: Art

Paolo Rivera's muted colors and art style give this story in Amazing Spider-Man #60 a classic appeal. Bubs also shows the characters' exhaustion as Spider-Man remains by Wolverine's side. The second page reveals things hinted at on the first page, while the weather outside is another reminder of the heroes' fight with the Mayans in the snow.

 

 

 

 

 

Mirrors/Same Spider-Channel: Story

This story marks Zeb Wells' final contribution to ASM for now. Yet Mirrors (or Same Spider-Channel) fits chronologically before Team-Up: Part Two. Chasm uses his experience to help Spider-Man take down Bushwacker. "Mirrors" reminds us of Ben's journey from the Scarlet Spider to the Beyond Corporation's Spider-Man to Chasm. It also reminds us of how difficult it can be to accept all you have if you don't own what you crave.

 

Art

Patrick Gleason kicks off this story on a sunny day in Central Park. Peter isn’t battling Madame Masque’s horde. Still, Bushwacker proves hard to apprehend. After the villain unleashes a gun that would make Rocket Raccoon drool, the Spider-Men confront each other. What Chasm grips suggests that he should have the life he wants. But to paraphrase Lonnie Lincoln, that's not how the world works.

 

After delivering vibrant colors in the park, Edgar Delgado reminds us of the Spider-Men's genetic makeup. Peter's mustard-yellow shirt matches the jacket he wore when protecting Aunt May from Sandman, while Ben’s blue coat and reserved manner evoke his namesake. A page of stunning color links the story with Team-Up: Part Two, while the final panel evokes Saladin Ahmed and Juan Ferreyra’s Spine-Tingling Spider-Man series.

 

 

 

Ride’s Over

In Joe Kelly’s contribution to Amazing Spider-Man #60, Spider-Man attacks the Night Bank. Perhaps he should be going after the people who run it. Instead, Spider-Man attacks the man who broke into the villains' headquarters. Joe Kelly’s story is a reminder that the world economy can be hacked and manipulated. But while Spider-Man protects everyone's money, someone watches him and reflects on why he often succeeds despite overwhelming odds.

 

Art

Mark Buckingham opens with a high-energy battle between police helicopters and laser-toting soldiers. Spider-Man crashes through a skylight, leaps among the descending glass shards, and wields webs like netting. He channels Ethan Hunt, evading high-tech traps designed to guard the computer banks inside a vault. Then Spider-Man faces off against Override. The villain wears a Robocop suit and wields Tron-like powers. Edgar Delgado's subdued red, greens, and blues suggest someone glimpsing the action from afar.

 

Lettering

Joe Caramagna’s uppercase black lettering in dialogue balloons and narrative boxes grows bold for inflection, swells and changes color for increased volume, and shrinks for lowered voices. Enlarged and colored dialogue threatens to burst dialogue balloons in Amazing Spider-Man #60. Colored and transparent sound effects amplify Spider-Man’s battle with Sandman, Rek-Rap having a blast, Mary Jane striking it lucky, Ben enjoying his coffee, and Spider-Man earning his Ramen. Yet the sound that lingers is the gavel slamming down in this era-ending issue. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

While criminals work outside the law, so do costumed superheroes. In Amazing Spider-Man #60, Zeb Wells resets the game board by drawing on classic characters and situations to remind us who Peter Parker is and why he usually wins battles, even if he loses the wars. Additional stories remind us of Spider-Man’s past and forecast his deadly future.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

Curious about the main story in ASM #60? Check out my review from yesterday!

 

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