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 #68 Review

Writer: Justina Ireland

Penciler: Andrea Broccardo

Inker: Scott Hanna

Colorist: Marcio Menyz

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Patrick Gleason & Richard Isanove; Skottie Young; Cory Smith & Edgar Delgado; Luciano Vecchio

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

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: February 19, 2025

 

Peter Parker may have spent the night with Felicia Hardy, but he’s hardly ready to rekindle their romance. He's seen everyone in the world die. Finally, he can retire from the superhero career sparked by his uncle's death. Someone else can take up Doom's challenge and fight the scions of Cyttorak. If they succeed, Peter can pursue a life like Arcadium showed him. If they fail, well, everyone dies sooner or later.

 

Doctor Strange and Cyra couldn’t break through Peter’s malaise. Can anyone convince Peter to stop petting Felicia’s cats and don Doctor Doom’s arcane armor again? Let's grab some chew toys for Callix’s crimson hounds, thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #68, and find out!

 

Story

Why would a scion cry? That’s what Peter wonders when Cyra pulls him through a portal. Peter sees his best friend, almost-girlfriend, Aunt May, and another man on the ground. Instead of hosting the FEAST Community Day, the volunteers exemplify what happens when people don’t help the endangered.

 

Peter cried when he watched the characters die in Cyra’s sad stories. The corpses remind him that threats will always attack Earth in Amazing Spider-Man #68. Doctor Doom and Doctor Strange are tackling other dangers to the planet. But because Peter believed in the fiction Cyra created, Spider-Man withdrew his protection from the people he loved.

 

 

 

Cradios asked the X-Men to stop annoying him while the scion destroyed their world. Callix welcomes resistance in Amazing Spider-Man #68. Doom's arcane armor and Doctor Strange’s magic spells help Peter level up. But the Blight convinces the godling to shed the "weaknesses" that restrain him. Callix handed Spider-Man an easy victory during his challenge. Not even Juggernaut can stop Callix now. Still, Spider-Man vows to do what he can in Justina Ireland's story. 

 

Everyone struggles in their relationships. Like Callix, Peter has fought to meet others' expectations. The Blight senses the resultant irritation. Perhaps Juggernaut and Spider-Man can disregard this anger. But outrage over an inability to please everyone threatens to sweep across Earth like a pandemic. How much more might we accomplish if we could eighty-six all the people who refuse to be pleased with our efforts on their behalf?

 

 

 

Art

While the X-Men shine like a rainbow, Marcio Menyz clothes Peter in white and gray. Radiant red Cyra brings Peter to Phil Coulson. Attired in black and gray, Coulson stands before the shattered pearlescent windows of the golden-brown FEAST center. Red fabric and silver and green armor transform Peter. The white polygonal eye shields regard Aunt May. Then, the silver mask turns away. Doom's champion clutches his metal-clad fingers into fists in Amazing Spider-Man #68.

 

 

 

Once, Callix's face shone as brightly as Cyra’s. Like a star, the infected scion's face burns white-hot as red and orange energy beams surround him. After Spider-Man drops between the X-Men and Callix, Spider-Man leads the charge of the X-Light Brigade. Smoke rises around Callix and his Rot Dogs amid the Contest Of Champions. Andrea Broccardo and Scott Hanna show the Blight covering Callix as cells, amoebas, or miniature universes. But when Callix converts the Blight into a black shard, he demonstrates the ultimate effects of Soul Rot.

 

Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase black lettering into dialogue balloons and narrative boxes. The dialogue grows bold and changes color for inflection. As it enlarges for volume and rarely shrinks, barking and snarling rise above the devastation. Energy beams and explosions amplify the growing chaos. But a snap decision could echo across the universe in Amazing Spider-Man #68. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Peter Parker dreams of a life without power or responsibilities. When he awakens, he discovers that reality differs radically from his fantasy. So, Peter makes a list of what he can do. But as the Avengers couldn’t prevent Thanos from pruning the crowded universe, Spider-Man struggles to halt the efficiency drive intended to simplify his complex world in Amazing Spider-Man #68.

 

Rating 9.7/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Amazing Spider-Man #67 Review

 

Writer: Justina Ireland

Penciler: Andrea Broccardo

Inker: Scott Hanna

Colorist: Marcio Menyz

Flashback Sequence Artist: Niko Henrichon

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Patrick Gleason & Richard Isanove; Skottie Young; Aka; Rogê Antônio & Marcelo Maiolo

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

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: February 12, 2025

 

Spider-Man has defeated every scion of Cyttorak he has faced. Peter Parker dreamed of winning these bouts without using the Reeds Of Raggadorr. While he tires of dying, seeing the new Grim Reaper take millions of lives and not be able to revive them leaves Peter gutted. When Peter disengages from meaningful relationships, Cyra feels ashamed. Desperate to cope with these new emotions, the scion of Cyttorak turns to Doctor Strange for help. But the former Sorcerer Supreme can’t make her feel better about destroying the idealistic hero.

 

Will Peter Parker heed Spider-Boy’s assertion that things can get better? Will Spider-Man don Doctor Doom’s arcane armor and take on the mantle of Earth’s Champion again? Let's push Felicia Hardy’s cats off our laps, thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #67, and find out!

 

Story

In the Eight Deaths Of Spider-Man, Doctor Doom reveals that Doctor Strange sought to protect Earth. He entered into these periodic contests to gain the protection of the Crimson Casket Of Cyttorak. Yet the casket doesn’t just protect Earth. It also protects Cyttorak and his family. In Amazing Spider-Man #67, Doctor Strange reveals what Cyttorak and his family fear.

 

In Justina Ireland’s story, Callix grew so tired of trying and failing to gain his father’s respect that he ventured beyond the casket’s protection. He and his crimson hounds encountered the Blight. Although they fought off the symbiote-like limbs that threatened to drag him into one of Sarlacc’s cousins, Callix did not return home unaffected. In Amazing Spider-Man #67, an infection rages. The pain burns away Callix’s ambitions. In its place, Callix finds new strength. He doesn't need to impress anyone anymore.

 

Peter Parker has always pushed himself to his limits. Spider-Boy is ten, but even he realizes the importance of preserving one's mental health. Cyra’s test broke Peter's ability to keep striving to help others. The window washer that Peter fought to save has died. Doctor Strange wants Peter to understand the danger threatening Earth if he doesn't care about others. But with his mental health in tatters, Peter seeks serenity in accepting that it was always unrealistic to believe he could save everyone. After all, Peter couldn’t save the window washer any more than Kenneth could protect the Rick Jones album Peter bought for Shay.

 

Art

Andrea Broccardo and Scott Hanna show the scions beseeching their father in his throne room. But Cyttorak doesn’t look at them. Instead, he focuses on a vision of Juggernaut stomping Cradios. When the X-Men attack Cradios with swords, ice, and energy beams, an observer asks if Cyttorak will let the bout continue in the Champion's absence. The giant god resting his feet among skulls smiles.

 

While Lockdown used his spaceship’s magnet to wreak havoc in Hong Kong, Kid Omega and Doctor Strange demonstrate that psychic energy and magic can achieve the same results. Doctor Strange’s features finally glow with vitality in Amazing Spider-Man #67. If Peter notices, he emulates Thanos and refuses "to take the matter seriously."

 

When Marcio Menyz shows Peter at home with gray, brown, and beige cats, Cyra’s radiant red form seems a reminder of the vibrancy Peter has lost. Callix's white face shows how cold and uncaring Cyra's brother has become. Niko Henrichon’s flashback reveals Doctor Strange’s fright and determination to protect Earth in Amazing Spider-Man #67.

 

Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase black lettering into dialogue balloons and narrative boxes as Peter no longer battles his malaise. The dialogue grows bold and changes color for inflection. It enlarges for volume and rarely shrinks as Randy and Shay rally around the aunt Peter has abandoned. Sound effects help us hear an immovable scion meet an unstoppable X-Man. Yet pain fills the air when red dialogue and barking enliven a purple background. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Doctor Doom refused to relinquish the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme because he wanted to ensure Earth’s survival. He criticized Doctor Strange’s deal with Cyttorak, claiming it was an unreliable and inefficient means of safeguarding the planet. Doom foresaw Bloodhunt and protected Latveria from Varnae’s coordinated attack. But when Spider-Man refuses to carry out his duties as Earth’s Champion, Amazing Spider-Man #67 asks if Doctor Doom planned for this eventuality.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside 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.

Amazing Spider-Man #39 Review

 

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; Patrick Gleason & Richard Isanove; Lee Garbett & Yen Nitro; Joel Mandish; Vitale Mangiatordi; Ryan Stegman, J.P. Mayer & Marcio Menyz

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $5.99

Release Date: December 6, 2023

 

Ringmaster is raising an army to tackle Crime-Master. His opponent contracted with A.I.M. to defend his territory. Can untrained and hypnotized citizens overcome the criminal organization of scientist-soldiers? And where is Spider-Man while all this goes down in Manhattan’s Upper East Side? Let’s thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #39 and find out!

 

Story

Like Star-Lord in Avengers-Infinity War, Peter learns the difference between assembling and leading a team. Miles Morales and Jessica Drew take more notice of Peter's orders than She-Hulk and Electra. Still, when the battle's over and Luke Cage tells Spidey that other districts need help, only Shulkie remains. That's good. Peter will need her help to take on a monster uprising.

 

 

 

 

The big news in Amazing Spider-Man #39 is Tombstone's return. While Robbie Robertson sat by his comatose frenemy's bedside in Amazing Spider-Man: Gang War First Strike #1, now he sits beside his sleeping son. Robbie lacks an A.I.M.’s Imagin-Ray rifle, so he lashes out with his acid tongue. Tombstone protests that he’d gladly protect Randy from harm, but the Daily Bugle stalwart blames his lifelong adversary for Randy’s predicament and the chaos overtaking New York City.

 

This issue sparkles with intriguing and disturbing character moments. Electra shows how her past shaped her, Luke Cage defies a law he can't overturn, and Madame Masque has plans for Hammerhead. Zeb Wells lightens monumental battles with humorous exchanges between Spider-Man and She-Hulk that evoke memorable moments from Peter Jackson’s Lord Of The Rings movies. Yet the drama between Janice and her father looms largest in Amazing Spider-Man #39. Tombstone wants to save his daughter from a life of crime. But Janice—the Beetle—is embracing it.

 

 

 

 

Art

John Romita Jr. and Scott Hanna give the opening scenes two double-page spreads: one for Spidey and friends observing the battle and another as Crime-Master and A.I.M. clash with Ringmaster’s hypnotized recruits. The Amazing Artists divide the remaining pages between fighting scenes and character clashes. Spider-Man carries a bat as the night wears on. Did his web shooters run dry? And Madame Masque drags a whimpering and bleeding Hammerhead around, unconcerned about what his injured head might bash into next.

 

 

 

 

Marcio Menyz breathes life and individuality into scenes, differentiating each with an ample range of colors. Spider-Man and his team stand out amid a furious night battle. Lavender, pink, and green dominate the Beetle's battle with Mariah, while green and blue chill Robbie's glare. An overhead lamp bathes Janice and her lieutenants in yellow as she briefs them on her battle plans. If only the monsters had been more vibrant in Amazing Spider-Man #39!

 

 

 

 

Huge colored dialogue and vibrant sound effects amplify the opening battle and differentiate between Ringmaster’s rifles and A.I.M.’s Imagin-Ray guns. While Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase black letters into white balloons, most of Tombstone’s utterances are tiny. Strangely, that makes the tired crimelord even more compelling.

 

Thanks to Marvel for providing this essential chapter of the Gang War saga for review.

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

While Peter acts as unofficial lieutenant to Mayor Luke Cage in Amazing Spider-Man #39, Tombstone’s uneasy reunion with his daughter steals the spotlight. Despite all the love in the world, youth must have its day.

 

Rating 8.8/10

 

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

Amazing Spider-Man #35 Review

 

Writer: Zeb Wells

Artist: Patrick Gleason

Colorist: Marcio Menyz & Erick Arciniega

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna & Marcio Menyz; Elena Casagrande & Marte Gracia; Tony Daniel & Marcelo Maiolo; Patrick Gleason & Marcio Menyz; Claudio Sciarrone

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: October 11, 2023

 

Norman Osborn reforges Kraven The Hunter’s spear to extract his sins from Spider-Man. But Peter Parker found Mary Jane and Paul in the Holland Tunnel. The Goblin Queen’s there too, hoping to prevent Peter from doing something he’ll regret. Can Ashley Kafka and Mary Jane shield Paul from Peter’s wrath? Can Norman and Kraven save lives and return Peter to normality? Let’s fwip into Amazing Spider-Man #35 and find out!

 

 

 

Story

Mary Jane knew bringing Paul into her life would hurt Peter, but she needed Paul’s comfort and support. Maintaining the relationship after she returned to this world—and keeping her distance from Peter—has hurt them both. And life has hit her hard in other ways. She lost the children she and Paul adopted. Ms. Marvel died defending her. Her aunt Anna is locked up in Ravencroft Institute. Peter and Felicity’s relationship fizzled, banishing her friends' hopes for the future. For all her strength, could Mary Jane go on if Peter took Paul away from her?

 

Genetics and environment shape people. No one knows that better than Kraven The Hunter. An insatiable hunger drove his grandmother and his father. Eventually, it consumed them. Is Kraven more than just a hunter? Or will destiny consign him to his ancestors' fate?

 

Norman lost his sins and turned over a new leaf. The Goblin Queen and Doctor Octopus both tried to return them. But did Norman ever really lose his sins or merely learn to rise above them? Whatever he lost transformed Ashley Kafka. That’s undeniable. But can one person bear another’s burdens? Norman knows that’s not right.

 

Zeb Wells confronts the duality of existence in Amazing Spider-Man #35. Amid the battle of Holland Tunnel, Mary Jane, Kraven, and Norman take responsibility for their lives. All will face the consequences of their actions.

 

Still, I wonder. How many are the people they yearn to be?  

 

 

 

Art

Hammerhead resembles Fisk as he incites a mob war. Black Peter uproots a guard rail and batters the Goblin Queen. Mary Jane wields a gauntlet that directs her new powers. Kraven menaces from atop a glowing highway sign. Mary Jane looks heartbroken as Norman ponders his fate. Without his mask, Peter’s expression resembles a gleeful goblin. Patrick Gleason fills panels with cinematic action that never overshadows the drama in Amazing Spider-Man #35.

 

Fire bathes Kraven’s spear while yellow trickles down a face sheltered in darkness. Blood splatters amid the fighting while we glimpse Hammerhead's reflection in a scarlet pool. Mary Jane banishes the fire and smoke. Her powers fill the air with pink, red, and white. Heroes and villains battle amid fire, smoke, and darkness. Yet they remain visible, and their features burn with emotion, thanks to Marcio Menyz and Erick Arciniega.

 

 

 

Joe Caramagna’s colored boxes and balloons reveal character thoughts in Amazing Spider-Man #34. They’re easy to read and ease us through this dark adventure. Peter’s laughter fills the night with enormous red letters. Each "HA" pierces us like Kraven’s spear. Paul's admission--captured in a cloud-like balloon--best conveys the readers' fears and hopes for this issue.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

As heroes and antiheroes battle to prevent tragedy, a villain sparks a bloodbath in Amazing Spider-Man #35.

 

Rating 10/10

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