The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #2 Review

 

Writer: J Michael Straczynski

Artist: Pere Pérez

Colorist: Guru-eFX

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Mark Chiarello; Ario Anindito; Gabriele Dell’Otto; Steve Rude; Pere Pérez & Marte Gracia

Designer: Carlos Lao

Editors: Kaitlyn Lindtvedt, Nick Lowe & CB Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: November 12, 2025

 

Life at Empire State University challenges Peter Parker. Some General Education classes tax him. Other subjects he could ace in his sleep, but must sit through regardless. Peter feels torn between his duty to protect the public and his schoolwork. College life also prompts Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy, Harry Osborn, and Mary Jane Watson to contemplate the careers they will pursue and the people they will share their futures with.

 

As Peter struggles to figure out where he belongs and what his future holds, trouble explodes on campus. While stealing a rare book, the stone-cold killer executes the librarian and his assistant. But before Peter can apprehend her, the woman transforms into a winged demon. Who will the demon thief attack next? And can Peter draw on German 101 to read the 13^th-century tome and figure out how to reverse the thief’s transformation? Let's thwip into The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #2 and see!

 

Story

The dangers that threaten people know no boundaries. They may occur across the Hudson or when Peter is relaxing with his friends. After his uncle taught him the relationship between power and responsibility, Peter feels the weight of every soul he couldn't protect. So, while Gwen, Harry, and Mary Jane mourn librarian Tom Ambrose and his assistant Lauren Connor, Peter blames himself for their deaths.

 

In The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #2, Peter researches the book he grasped from Evangeline's claws to understand why they died. But he finds little or no mention of the book online. Languages change over time, and Peter keeps tripping up in Dr Dunkle’s class. He realizes he’s not up to deciphering 13^th-century German. So, Peter seeks assistance, even though doing so risks his secret identity.

 

As Peter navigates the complex web of his investigation, guilt, and relationships, Evangeline strives to understand what has happened to her. She seeks the aid of the person who commissioned her theft. Evangeline is frustrated and shocked by her transformation. And while she's not thinking straight, she lashes out with her newfound strength. In J Michael Straczynski’s story, Evangeline clings to the hope of regaining the body she has lost.

 

 

 

 

Art

In Lafayette Deli, a young employee struggles to comprehend the intricacies of customer service. His pupils rise when webbing yanks the bag from his smiling employer's hands in The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #2. As Peter sits atop a column high above the street, Pere Pérez shows how Peter relies on coffee to prepare for those grueling 8 am general ed classes. Amid the streamlined towers, a man gazes out upon the city through his wall windows. His Garfield-like cat leaps from his arms when a winged demon makes a spectacular entrance.

 

 

 

 

As Guru-eFX adorns The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #2 with a radiant palette, he gives Mary Jane and Peter black shirts, and dresses Dr Dunkle in a black suit. The man who commissioned Evangeline’s theft wears a purple robe, a color historically linked with wealth, royalty, and power. The story he weaves for Evangeline’s pointed ears appears in white, black, and purple. As he explains how the book transformed her, Evangeline’s brown skin links her with the leather-bound volume.

 

 

 

 

Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase black letters into white dialogue balloons and narrative boxes. The words grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and rarely shrink. Evangeline speaks into cloudy balloons, while the font hints at her traumatized state. Sound effects herald a shrieking demon, enhance fighting, and remind Peter of an upcoming engagement. Ask not for whom the bell tolls, Peter. It tolls for thee! Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a review copy.

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

While Peter fears hurting his friends, losing the last person he sees as a parent, and not saving those in need, he worries about the trauma people undergo following a life-threatening ordeal. Mary Jane fears the consequences of an opportunity not taken, while Evangeline fears life as an outsider. Yet the greatest fear people face in The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #2 isn't death, relationships, or the future. Instead, it is the secrets contained in an ancient book, and what drawing upon its power could unleash.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #1 Review

 

Writer: J Michael Straczynski

Artist: Pere Pérez

Colorist: Guru-eFX

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Adam Hughes; Aaron Kuder & Morry Hollowell; Lee Garbett; Javier Garrón & Rachelle Rosenberg; Pere Pérez & Marte Gracia; Mark Bagley & Frank D’Armata; Mark Chiarello

Designer: Carlos Lao

Editors: Kaitlyn Lindtvedt, Nick Lowe & CB Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Price: $4.99

Release Date: October 8, 2025

 

Sandman is attacking the United Nations. It's just business. Nothing personal. Still, Spider-Man doesn't stand by when people are in peril. If only he didn't have to fight Sandman after pulling an all-nighter to keep up with his classes. Then there's Mary Jane Watson. Peter Parker wants to pursue a relationship with her, but something holds him back. Can Spider-Man triumph over Sandman? And can Peter forge a connection with Mary Jane while maintaining his GPA? Let's thwip into The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #1 and see!

 

Story

Not only is Peter intelligent, but he also boasts numerous scholastic achievements. So, when Empire State University forces him to take a math class beneath his abilities, he can't fight back his exhaustion. He's trying his best, but he's not an expert in every subject. And some of his instructors are taskmasters.

 

In The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #1, Peter Parker looks forward to an evening with his friends. Only tonight, their conversation opens a can of worms. Universities have their fun side, but they also make you study. Additionally, they force you to look ahead and make decisions that will affect your future. Peter Parker, Harry Osborn, Mary Jane Watson, and Gwen Stacy reveal their uncertainty over their future when they should be enjoying their evening together. And when his friends try to pry a confession out of him, Peter can't restrain his negativity. It's just the pressure of trying to do well in school. Nothing personal.

 

Like many prestigious universities, the library at Empire State University holds a few literary treasures. When Evangeline enters the library, she makes a beeline for a rare 13th-century text. Lauren, the librarian's assistant, doesn't give it to her. So, Evangeline attacks her. It's just business. Nothing personal. 

 

 

 

Art

While Spider-Man engages in acrobatic thwipping, Sandman swings a morning star-shaped fist in The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #1. Later, Peter rests his elbow on his desk and props up his head with his hand. After his eyes close, Peter inadvertently does something that makes Gwen smile. The buildings rise around Peter and Gwen as they leave class, conveying their stature and grandeur. When a professor approaches, Pere Pérez shifts the camera away from Peter as he and his nemesis share frowns.

 

While Guru-eFX shows Spider-Man in his familiar red and blue, Peter disassociates himself from his superhero alias at school. While he wears yellow, orange, and brown, Gwen wears a red dress, Evangeline a red blouse, and Lauren a red scarf. Despite their differing economic status, Harry’s green blazer and Sandman’s green shirt remind us of their broken homes. As the setting sun casts orange and purple into the sky, Peter sits on the beach beside the red-haired Mary Jane Parker. But instead of gazing at her, Peter’s eyes fix upon the yellow flames in The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #1.

 

Amid Pere Pérez’s detailed art and Guru-eFX's loaded palette of vivid colors, Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase black letters into white dialogue balloons and narrative boxes. The words grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and rarely shrink. Balloons squeeze words Peter wants to tune out, while sound effects heighten accidents, battles, and Peter's latest attempt to give Sandman a bad day. It’s nothing personal. Just ordinary Spidey business. Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a review copy.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Even the most seemingly invulnerable people have their breaking point. As Peter Parker struggles to meet the demands of Empire State University, his behavior reveals worrying fractures. In J Michael Straczynski's The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #1, Peter is anything but his carefree, optimistic self. Perhaps he never will be again.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

Amazing Spider-Man #13 Review

 

Writer: Joe Kelly

Artist: Pepe Larraz

Colorists: Marte Gracia & Erick Arciniega

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Pepe Larraz & Marte Gracia; Lee Bermejo; Pere Pérez & Morry Hollowell; J Gonzo; Dave Bardin; Valerio Schiti & Frank Martin

Designer: Jay Bowen

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

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: October 1, 2025

 

Cursed with far-sight, Nikodemu charged her knight with a mission. He must pierce the Soul Wall and parley with the Prince of Steel Silk. Peter Parker didn’t understand what Hellgate wanted. Nor did he like how Hellgate dealt with the gunrunners in Queen’s Cola uniforms. So their war of words escalated to a thwip-and-smash across New York City. As their titanic battle waned, Hellgate mourned a lost opportunity. “You were to teach me,” he said, before punching Spider-Man across the universe.

 

A broken man, Peter scrambled to survive on a planetoid with limited resources. All the while, Hellgate’s imperative rang in his ears. After Dr Xanto Starblood rescued him, Peter thought the xenobiological engineer could help him accomplish Hellgate’s final demand. Then he discovered who paid the price for Xanto’s biotech enhancements. Can Peter “get stronger” now that he’s defeated his most promising instructor? And can he prevent the laboratory subjects he freed from shooting Xanto with a Hadron Enforcer? Let’s pull on our Flexisuits, thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #13, and see!

 

 

 

Story

When he freed them from their cages, Peter didn't find Howard the Duck. Still, he met some enormous personalities and a little Venom. While Rocket the Raccoon shines the brightest, he also met Raelith the Wretched and Nial. They form Peter’s brain trust as he works to return them to their respective homes. It’s a simple plan. But in a universe at war, people are bound to cause problems. The Gothon Conglomerate is doing a Trade Federation-style blockade over Gaileia 3. Still, Rocket has escaped from twenty-three-plus prisons. He has a plan for passing through the checkpoint in their Corpo-Death Satellite Web.

 

Rocket is well-versed in disappointment. The Guardian has experienced enough cruelty to know that a dead torturer can’t hurt anyone again. But as with the "Clan of the Hobgoblin," Peter seeks a gentler form of justice in Amazing Spider-Man #13. 

 

 

 

While Joe Kelly chronicles Peter and Rocket’s assault on a Gothon space station, he keeps returning to the Beacon, the deep-space research vessel where Dr Starblood experimented on his subjects. Xanto accompanies Peter, Rocket, and the others on their mission. And despite Rocket’s threats, Xanto approves of the way his former captor treats him.

 

Joe Kelly weaves a dark thread of irony into Amazing Spider-Man #13. As Peter argues for life in prison versus the death penalty, he wears a Flexisuit based on Xanto’s research of Technarchs. And just as Warlock refused to follow the rules of his society and kill his father, Peter refuses to kill the alien who has helped him become 99.9999% stronger than anyone else on Earth. 

 

 

 

Art

Pepe Larraz launches readers into an intense battle in the space station shuttle bay. While Rocket uses a rifle, Peter utilizes Xanto's version of the Iron Spider armor. Rocket seems at home in the battle. The Guardian displays his irritation, contempt, and outrage during group discussions. The park that Peter likened to his boyhood notion of Heaven becomes an amphitheater to propound his philosophy. Nial may evoke Gumby's Blockheads, but he displays wisdom and patience beyond his years. Among the aliens gathered in the park, a Humanoid named Raelith evokes Peter’s non-girlfriend. But Shay Marken doesn’t have Elven ears or red eyes.

 

Amid the fast-paced scenes and the intense arguments, Marte Gracia & Erick Arciniega weave a tapestry of energizing color in Amazing Spider-Man #13. As camera angles change faster than Yondu’s Yaka Arrow, Peter shines in his golden suit. Green often grounds scenes, and soothes as purple and gold battle for dominance. Xanto's purple tattoos link him with a central tree in his park. While the tree fascinates Nial, Rocket displays little interest. Yet despite his opposition to Peter's approach to life, Rocket's red-and-blue suit evokes Peter’s normal appearance as a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

 

 

 

Joe Caramagna's black uppercase letters in white balloons and boxes grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and shrink for lowered voices. Rocket utilizes cloudy balloons, while Symbie speaks white letters into less puffy black balloons. Sound effects demonstrate Rocket’s restraint amid battle as Peter launches his personal Infinity War, and Symbie does what he does best. Thanks to Marvel for providing a review copy.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Nikodemu watches events in our universe from her realm. And of everyone she sees, she sends Hellgate to our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Peter Parker may have dismissed Hellgate as a cosplaying costumed hero when they first met. But after glimpsing Nikodemu amid Dr Xanto Starblood’s rescue, like Luke seeing Obi-Wan on Hoth, Peter's a believer. As order in his universe descends into chaos, Hellgate’s warning haunts Peter Parker in Amazing Spider-Man #13.

 

“Everything relies on your strength.”

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

Amazing Spider-Man #11 Review

 

Writer: Joe Kelly, Saladin Ahmed, Lee Gatlin, & Jason Loo

Penciler: John Romita Jr

Inker: Scott Hanna

Artists: Pepe Larraz, Pere Pérez, Lee Gatlin & Jason Loo

Colorists: Marcio Menyz, Marte Gracia & Morry Hollowell

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Pepe Larraz & Marte Gracia; Lee Bermejo; Pepe Larraz & Edgar Delgado; Sanford Greene; Junggeun Yoon; Bengal; Benjamin Su; Javier Garrón & Jesus Aburtov; Felipe Massafera; Luciano Vecchio; James Kerigan

Designer: Jay Bowen

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

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $7.99

Release Date: September 3, 2025

 

With Kingpin’s forces reigning chaos in the streets, Spider-Man has taken off the kid gloves. J Jonah Jameson, never soft on crime, is calling out his friend on-air after Spidey sends three Aftershocks to the hospital. Even Black Cat’s sweet reason couldn’t stop Spider-Man from breaking Shocker’s arm.

 

While Spider-Man is taking out the trash, Peter Parker is whipping everyone into shape. He dissed his freaktastic friend Brian in front of Dr Osmani-Milton. Then Peter broke poor Frankie’s nose, just because he didn’t want to take a ride on the wild side with Tombstone. Why is Spider-Man using harsher webs than Spider-Girl? And why is Peter Parker dating a secret girlfriend and ghosting everyone he loves? Let's thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #11 and see!

 

 

Broken Mirror: Story

Peter’s silence and distance weigh down Aunt May. But she can’t sleep, can’t divert her focus from her nephew’s betrayal. So, Aunt May takes comfort in memories of better times, when she believed she could help Peter choose a better path.

 

Usually, it’s Peter who reacts to others' needs. Now, the people in his web alter their behavior to accommodate Peter’s absence. Perhaps most surprising of all is Tombstone’s response. He’s used to Peter Parker being his link to his foe. Yet Spider-Man was an opponent Tombstone respected. The crime boss even checked Spider-Man into the hospital after their brutal brawl in the New York underground. In Amazing Spider-Man #11, the hero who helped Tombstone become the new Kingpin no longer serves as a mirror to gauge his actions against.

 

 

 

Broken Mirror: Art

A framed photograph prompts Black and White memories, while a childhood costume makes Aunt May wonder at her parenting decisions. The city glows yellow, highlighting Peter and Spider-Man’s faces as they confront each other beneath a blue night sky. A double-page spread unleashes a fight between two former heroes, before one dispenses with his disguise as they reenact Spider-Man and Tombstone’s fight at the Canal Street Station. Marcio Menyz unleashes a vivid palette of colors on John Romita Jr and Scott Hanna's dramatic, action-packed, and revelatory art in Amazing Spider-Man #11. 

 

 

 

Broken Man: Story

After the big reveals in “Broken Mirror,” Joe Kelly takes us on a space odyssey in “Broken Man.” Hellgate’s punch proved stronger than Hulkette’s, propelling Peter to a planetoid where he struggles to survive. After the rigors of playing Robinson Crusoe on a planet as barren as Mars, an alien extends a helping hand. Xanto may not live in Xanadu, but life on his spaceship seems ideal. With the Imperial War raging across the cosmos, Peter knows he couldn’t return home right now even if he wanted to. But he knows that Hellgate isn’t through with him. As in his battle with the scions of Cyttorak, that knowledge drives Peter’s actions in “Broken Mirror.”

 

 

 

Broken Man: Art

Marte Gracia lavishes a vibrant palette on Pepe Larraz’s extraterrestrial art. Peter crouches in darkness. Survival reduces him to barbarism. A yellow figure glows like an angel, willing him to survive. Aboard the Beacon, Peter trades his ravaged red-and-blue for a white and black suit with a partial exoskeleton. A sleek fighter sits in the hangar where Peter tests his limits. Afterward, he traverses a circular corridor with someone who shares Korg’s sense of humor, if not his looks.

 

In the station’s upper levels, a tree rises before a waterfall, while Peter enjoys a riparian picnic in the park without Shay Marken. After a workout, his gold-clad companion turns blue as he gazes down and rests his hand on Peter’s shoulder like a proud father. But when Peter stands alone amid a starry and colorful cosmos, a purple shadow points toward danger in Amazing Spider-Man #11.

 

 

 

Rapid Return: Story

Roger has a lot to be grateful for. In Lea, he has a loving helpmate. Noah is an adoring son. Roger knows that love means taking care of the people in your life. But as with Aunt May, it can be draining. Roger and his father have always been distant from each other. Now, visiting his dad in the hospital reminds him of his unhappy childhood. And he resents the time he spends with his comatose father when he could be investing it in Lea and Noah.

 

After Roger’s debut in Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man #1, Saladin Ahmed brings us a day in Roger’s life. An experimental serum that could have healed his father accidentally helped him slow time. Spider-Man helped him during his rough superhero birth as Rapid. So when Spider-Man isn’t around, Roger uses his super-speed to protect his neighborhood. Roger may not have spider-powers, but he demonstrates all that Peter could have if he realigned his priorities. 

 

 

 

Rapid Return: Art

As Roger leans against the hospital wall, his shirt heralds the energy he wishes he possessed. The motto on another visitor’s T-shirt urges him to “Be stronger.” Instead, Roger glares at his unresponsive father and strides from the room. Lea and Noah’s embraces make him feel guilty. Roger’s eyes widen when he stares at his phone. Another hug brings him peace.

 

Morry Hollowell imbues vibrant color on Pere Pérez’s heartfelt intro. Then, energy lines and smoke infuse pink, blue, and gray backgrounds as energy arcs around Rapid’s pink and black suit. Another pink bubble evokes the explosion that Spider-Man helped him control. Yet a gray cloud that hovers before a close-up shows what empowers the latest hero to hold an Avengers membership card.

 

 

 

Spider-Mayonnaise

Lee Gatlin’s two-page cartoon showcases Peter Parker’s innovative nature. He is always learning and growing. While Peter takes inspiration from science, another hero wonders if sometimes he doesn’t go too far in Amazing Spider-Man #11.

 

 

 

In The City With…Spider-Man

Jason Loo delivers another two-page story highlighting Spider-Man’s abilities. While a snapshot of what makes Spidey special, it highlights a different ability than Peter works hard to enhance in Joe Kelly’s “Broken Man.”

 

 

 

Lettering

Peter shares his thoughts in red-edged narrative boxes. Roger’s thoughts appear as white letters in pink boxes. Joe Caramagna's black uppercase letters in white balloons grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and shrink for lowered voices. Sound effects accompany battle and betrayal, while faint lowercase black letters reveal an imposter’s thoughts. Thanks to Marvel for providing a review copy.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

As Shay Marken once noted, Peter’s life may be a dumpster fire. But when Peter pulls a no-show, friends and villains shine in Amazing Spider-Man #11.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.