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 #65 Deaths Review

 

Writer: Derek Landy

Penciler: Kev Walker

Inkers: Kev Walker & Wade Von Grawbadger

Colorist: Mattia Iacono

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Mark Bagley & Richard Isanove; Carlo Pagulayan & Romulo Fajardo Jr

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

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: January 15, 2025

 

What does it matter how much you accomplish? Everyone forgets you after you die, and your impact on the world fades. The fifth scion of Cyttorak claims her test is the Inevitability Of Truth. Spider-Man dubs it the Inevitability Of Death. He knows Cyra's visions speak emotional rather than literal truth. Yet Spider-Man grasps defeat from the jaws of victory. He refuses to uphold Doctor Strange's Covenant and fight Cyttorak's three remaining scions.

 

Will Peter Parker let Earth fall? Or can Doctor Strange convince him to preserve the Covenant? Let's take a long look in the mirror, thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #65 Deaths, and find out!

 

Story

Doctor Strange imagined the worst. No matter how much he learned or how hard he practiced, Doctor Strange could never protect Earth from every possible danger. So, the Sorcerer Supreme bargained with Cyttorak. In exchange for more power, Doctor Strange agreed to battle the scions of Cyttorak every January of the Crimson Calendar year. The bargain worked until Doctor Strange died. Now, the responsibility of protecting Earth from Cyttorak's wrath falls to someone else.

 

Doctor Doom doesn't care about non-Latverians enough to protect them. The new Sorcerer Supreme looks for someone willing to put the needs of others above himself. Doctor Doom gives Spider-Man arcane armor to protect him while battling demigods. Doom also gifts Peter the eight Get Out Of Death Free Reeds Of Raggadorr. Yet in Amazing Spider-Man #65 Deaths, Peter Parker says, “I’m done.” Doctor Strange doesn’t understand Peter’s decision. To the former Sorcerer Supreme, life is a game, and Peter has a role to play.

 

In his story, Derek Landy contemplates the tapestry that connects every person in the multiverse. Like all spider heroes, Peter feels that interconnectedness thanks to the Web Of Life And Destiny. Yet Cyra revealed everyone's insignificance. Saving individual lives means nothing in that context.

 

The deaths of beloved individuals like Uncle Ben and Gwen Stacy helped Peter Parker feel a responsibility to protect those he didn’t know. But in Amazing Spider-Man #65 Deaths, Peter no longer knows who he is. Peter cannot suddenly view the world through Doctor Doom or Doctor Strange’s eyes. All Peter can see is that he built his life on a lie.

 

 

 

Art

Kev Walker and Wade Von Grawbadger show Peter shuffling through life. Like a zombie, he moves without purpose and sees without observing. Peter leaves his apartment to purchase a hot dog. Then he stares into space as the ketchup and mustard ooze onto the kitchen table. Peter takes no pleasure in eating. Even the flavor of the food he chose cannot reach the pleasure centers of his brain. Devoid of purpose, Peter hugs a pillow and retracts into a near-fetal position.

 

Mattia Iacono juxtaposes Phil Coulson's cool purplish-black suit with warm browns, tans, and golds in Peter's apartment. Like Vision, Coulson floats through his surroundings. Unlike Peter, he observes. Still, he drifts. Coulson struggles to sit with Peter as an equal, preferring to stand to attention. When Coulson peers into Peter's memories, bright colors explode around him. Like the fireworks on the Fourth Of July, the formative clashes and catastrophes that transformed Peter Parker into Spider-Man surround these lost souls on a battered red couch.  

 

Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase black and blue lettering into white dialogue balloons. The dialogue grows bold for inflection and never shrinks. Peter signals his disinterest in life by slamming a door on Doctor Strange, then hurling the door closed before Phil Coulson. Yet the spectral font that fills cloudy dialogue balloons inevitably accompanies Coulson’s Test Of Truth. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Phil Coulson never chose to embrace the dead. Like Peter Parker, he feels lost, drifting through an endless existence. Doctor Strange urges Coulson to convince Peter to uphold the Covenant in Amazing Spider-Man #65 Deaths. As Phil Coulson peers into Peter’s mind, Coulson remembers the events that shaped him and discovers why he has become more than a government agent who collects superhero trading cards.

 

Rating 9.5/10

 

To preview interior art 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 #54 Review

 

Writers: Zeb Wells

Pencilers: Ed McGuinness

Inker: Mark Farmer, Mark Morales, Wade Von Grawbadger & Ed McGuinness

Colorists: Marcio Menyz

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Ed McGuinness, Mark Farmer & Marcio Menyz; Gabriele Dell’Otto; Javier Garrón & Jesus Aburtov; Federica Mancin & Edgar Delgado; Yasmine Putri

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: July 31, 2024

 

Evil never dies, and no one eats sins for breakfast. Instead, the Green Goblin hid. It stepped out now and then to dance a fiendish flamenco with Spider-Man. Then, it slithered back to the darkness to plan its triumphant return. This time, it wanted a bigger prize. So it tempted Norman Osborn to infect Peter Parker with its malice. When Ms Marvel organized a rescue, the Walking Brain exploded, and Peter, Norman, and the Walking Brain’s head fell into a pit. Kraven sealed them inside and guarded the entry hatch, refusing to let the malice escape. Are Nancy and Ann Wilson right? Must Peter or Norman keep on sinning? And after a goblin glider struck his chest, is Rek-Rap heartless? Let's thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #54 and find out!

 

Story

Would you give up your life for your friends? Ms. Marvel died defending Peter Parker and Mary Jane. The Mutants gave her another life, but Ms Marvel didn’t forget the plans she made in her former one. Ms Marvel awaited the Green Goblin's return. She organized a team to protect Norman and Peter from the malicious spirit and led a raid into Norman’s domain to battle the Green Goblin. Ms Marvel stared Death in the face and punched its crazed smile. She would have battled on, but Kraven stopped her. The Hunter doesn’t want anyone else to lose their lives to the Green Goblin. The heroes underground must defeat him before Kraven releases them from the pit.

 

How much of your life will you devote to others? The Living Brain planned for the Goblin’s eventual return. When that happened, it sacrificed most of its knowledge and thinking capacity to inhabit a robot. Yet, like Ms Marvel, it never wavered in its dedication to the plan. Let’s hope the Walking Brain's forethought and sacrifice pay off, so when it emerges from the pit and reunites with its metal body, it can grab a cigar and proclaim, “I love it when a plan comes together!”

 

When riches, power, and responsibilities weakened Norman Osborn, he fell prey to the Green Goblin’s domination. But now, just like any abuser, the possessing spirit wants to discard Norman for a younger, more vigorous host. Thankfully, no one vomits a stream of split pea soup in the pit beneath Oscorp. Still, Zeb Wells’ story reminds us not to let others dictate our thoughts and actions. Help others in need, but choose your path and live your dreams. Don’t let anyone or anything subjugate, dominate, or derail you because you're thwipping awesome! That’s the message of Amazing Spider-Man #54.

 

Art

Ms Marvel pulls on a metal hatch with her stretchy arms and Dr Octavius' old metal appendages. A one-armed man asks a Hulk-sized hero if he needs help pulling a smoking metal glider from his chest. Kraven presses Doug to his abdomen with his forearm and wraps the fingers of his other hand around J. Jonah Jameson’s neck. Go on, Jameson! Blame Spidey for the Green Goblin’s return!

 

Mark Farmer, Mark Morales, and Wade Von Grawbadger enhance Ed McGuinness’ portrayal of a mournful Norman and an exultant Peter. Energy crackles from the Winkler Device helmet at the bottom of the spear while the bejeweled head evokes a Minbari White Star. Pipes and equipment line the excavated tunnel walls as Peter and Norman vie to wield the weapon and avoid the raging spirit that hungers to control both men. 

 

 

 

Lights shine on Ms Marvel’s dark hair and reflect off her colorful suit and metal gauntlet as she strains to pry apart blue-gray metal. Purple and green threaten to outshine red and blue amid brown earthen walls. The sinful spear trails a red ribbon in its wake before the spirit manifests as a disembodied jubilant face, its yellow eyes and white fangs whirling through the air like a Poltergeist and spooking yellow sparks from Spidey’s red mask in Amazing Spider-Man #54. Yet Marcio Menyz shows the tide of battle turn when Spider-Man crouches before a green metal head amid the battle for three people's lives.

 

Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase lettering into dialogue balloons and narrative boxes. The fonts grow bold for inflection, swell for increased volume, get italicized for machine-speak, and shrink for lowered voices. Colored laughter and anguished cries fill the air. Enlarged letters burst from dialogue balloons, and vibrant sound effects enhance the thunder below ground in Amazing Spider-Man #54. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

As Peter Parker’s friends strive to help him cast out a possessing spirit, three people test the limits of their bravery, ingenuity, and willingness to sacrifice to answer a question that will determine their destiny in Amazing Spider-Man #54.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

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

Amazing Spider-Man #53 Review

 

Writers: Zeb Wells

Pencilers: Todd Nauck & Ed McGuinness

Inker: Todd Nauck & Wade Von Grawbadger

Colorists: Marcio Menyz

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Ed McGuinness & Marcio Menyz; Ivan Bigarella; Tony Daniel & Marcelo Maiolo; Russell Dauterman; Gabriele Dell’Otto

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: July 10, 2024

 

The Green Goblin transformed Peter Parker into Spider-Goblin. Chasm loosened the Golbin's hold on his mind. But then Peter ignores the plans he made for the Goblin's return. Without Spider-Man leading the Goblin Resistance, will Ms. Marvel, J Jonah Jameson, Dr Curt Connors, the Walking Brain, and their Web-Whanging replacement commemorate their victory with Riesling and Gorgonzola? Or will the Green Goblin detonate their new plans with a flurry of pumpkin bombs? Let's thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #53, Big Believers, and find out!

 

Story

The Emissary transported Peter Parker and Mary Jane to an alternate Earth. When Paul sent Peter back to Earth-616, Norman helped Peter return to rescue Mary Jane. Even though Norman was helping his friend, Ms Marvel blames Norman for instigating the events that led to her death. If the Green Goblin influenced Norman's actions, that also makes him responsible for wrecking Peter’s love life and Mary Jane becoming the superhero Jackpot. Whatever the case, Ms Marvel’s not in a hurry to die again. So she teams with the Walking Brain’s posse and invades Oscorp.

 

Norman Osborn currently owns Oscorp, but Peter, Kamala, Dr Curt Connors, and his assistant Doug have spent days and years there. It's as familiar a battleground for the participants as Central Park was for the gangs of New York. Still, much is uncertain in Amazing Spider-Man #53. In Peter's absence, Dr Curt Connors tries to control Doc Ock’s old mechanical legs, the Walking Brain furiously calculates the Green Goblin’s goal, and Norman’s former intern takes on a supervillain with decades of fighting expertise. Yes, Rek-Rap, it is indeed slobberin’ time.

 

 

 

Chasm’s psychoreactive goo helped Peter's consciousness return. But like Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up," once Peter hears the Green Goblin's thoughts, he can't get them out of his head. So, like many of us, he struggles to ignore distracting thoughts and concentrate on what he wants to do. Peter has a plan to combat the Green Goblin. It involves a spear that gave him Norman Osborn's sins and a machine that turns people into goblins. Peter told Hallows' Eve that no good ever came from the Winkler machine. He insisted the machine couldn’t heal Chasm. So why does Peter think that a sin-filled spear and a machine up to no good can heal Norman Osborn?

 

In Amazing Spider-Man #53, the protagonists battle a superior adversary. They struggle and fall. And a hero descends into the darkness to relieve his friend of his inner demons.

 

 

Art

After glaring at faces on a monitor, Norman stands beside his goblin suit and loosens his tie. Norman never looked as happy in a business suit as when clad in his beloved green and purple costume. As Ms Marvel shows how she invaded Oscorp, a goblin glider enters the room. Todd Nauck and Ed McGuinness maintain the tension through character expressions and body language in Amazing Spider-Man #53. Peter hunches over his workbench before clasping his adapted spear. Ms Marvel’s long arms reach out for Norman as Curt Connors scrambles atop Doc Ock’s old mechanical legs. Rek-Rap grabs Green Goblin upside down and stares deeply into his eyes. Hey! That's Mary Jane and Spider-Man's special move, Rek-Rap!

 

 

 

Marcio Menyz adorns heroes and villains with bold, eye-catching colors. Orange and yellow replace gray backgrounds when Green Goblin leaps aboard his glider, and the Walking Brain executes his endgame. Waves of red radiate from Peter as he struggles to control his thoughts, while the Walking Brain and Green Goblin share the same bright color. In the lair of the Sinister Six, Kraven surveys his unconscious associates. If the Green Goblin, Mysterio, Elektro, Vulture, Doc Ock, and Sandman all wear green, does that mean the Walking Brain is evil too?

 

Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase black lettering into dialogue balloons and narrative boxes. The fonts grow bold for inflection, swell for increased volume, get italicized for machine-speak, and rarely shrink for lowered voices. The Green Goblin’s giant red “Me” seeks harmony with Peter Parker’s “No,” while Rek-Rap’s Chud opposes the Goblin’s red laughter. Kraven’s orange narrative boxes follow Ms Marvel’s distraught orange cry, reminding readers that popular characters can die in Amazing Spider-Man #53. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

As Ms Marvel assembles a team of people more accustomed to using their minds than their fists, Spider-Man attempts to banish Norman's thoughts from his mind. Amazing Spider-Man #53 speaks to the duality inside each of us and reminds us of the importance of our mental health.

 

9.4/10

 

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

Amazing Spider-Man #51 Review

 

Writers: Zeb Wells

Pencilers: Ed McGuinness & Todd Nauck

Inker: Mark Farmer, Todd Nauck, Cliff Rathburn & Wade Von Grawbadger

Colorists: Marcio Menyz, Erick Arciniega & Bryan Valenza

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Ed McGuinness & Marcio Menyz; Ivan Bigarella; Tony Harris; Skottie Young

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: June 5, 2024

 

The Beyond Corporation turned Ben Reilly's life into a bad dream. Queen Goblin tried to help him with the Hobgoblin's Winkler Device. But since Ben used it, he's suffered from a recurring dream. Is his broken mind trying to tell him something, and will it benefit Ben or others? Let’s thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #51 and find out!

 

Story

Doc Ock burns for revenge. Among the Sinister Six, Electro, Mysterio, and Sandman are up for anything. But Vulture is concerned. Kraven seems lost in a world of his own. Will the Hunter be an asset or a liability if they storm Norman's palace?

 

King Norman’s not bothered by anything. He’s reassumed the throne as a goblin born. He calls Doc Ock to boast of his imminent triumph. Norman even accuses Ock of telegraphing his plans when warning the eight-limbed wonder that his days of living the good life in his underground lair are nearing the end.

 

The Living Brain killed itself. But before it committed suicide, it gave birth. Composed of a smaller brain in a metal body, the Walking Brain leads Dr Curt Connors on a call to arms in Amazing Spider-Man #51. But is the entity that gave them the code phrase to turn Norman back into the Green Goblin on Peter’s side?

 

 

 

As for Ben Reilly, he's sat where many have sat before. Dr Ashley Kafka, Ned Leeds, Roderick Kingsley, and Peter Parker have used the Winkler Machine. Can Ben take something from Peter's time in the chair to make himself whole? At least, now that Dr Kafka told Ben that Beyond stole his memories, Ben should feel more kindly disposed toward Peter. Perhaps he can even help Peter. But is Peter even Peter Parker anymore?

 

Amid so many uncertainties, one fact is beyond doubt in Amazing Spider-Man #51. Peter Parker is not Spider-Man. He’s Spider-Goblin. Unfettered by convention or sentiment, he'll do anything to help others achieve their full potential. 

 

 

 

Art

Electro worries that someone has discovered the Sinister Six's landline in the sewers. The phone cord unites fractured panels to portray both sides of the conversation before Spider-Goblin swoops in via a two-page spread. Slanted panels showcase a frantic fight with Doc Ock before the camera returns to Oscorp, where the Living Brain resembles a used tin of Jiffy Pop. Kamala gives Norman a ring. Her smile suggests she's no longer traumatized over dying. But the icon on her shirt signals the approaching storm.

 

Ed McGuinness, Mark Farmer, Todd Nauck, Cliff Rathburn, and Wade Von Grawbadger deliver strong visuals in the action-packed Amazing Spider-Man #51. They also imbue the characters with personality, as Electro sticks out his tongue, Sandman monsters out, Kraven expresses remorse, and Spider-Goblin can’t wipe the grin off his face. But standout honors belong to the Walking Brain. Did our Mars Attack visitors fuse Dr Johann Krauss with one of their cool cerebrums?

 

 

 

Marcio Menyz, Erick Arciniega & Bryan Valenza bring bright, bold characters that stand out amid the darkness of Ben Reilly’s mind, the gray-blue sewers, white-suited workers in the no-longer-clean Oscorp laboratory, and Kamala’s pale green room. But no one, not even Kraven, who wields a spear with a red gem, outshines green-skinned Spider-Goblin in his black and purple suit. “Calm your worried mind,” Spider-Goblin urges, cradling Kraven’s tanned face in his purple gloves. “Be at peace.”

 

Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase black lettering into dialogue balloons and narrative boxes in Amazing Spider-Man #51. The font grows bold for inflection, swells for increased volume, gets italicized for machine-speak, and shrinks for lowered voices. Immense letters help us hear Otto’s Octoids go wild, Spider-Goblin shatter a fragile person’s illusions, and his joyous, overwhelming laughter.

 

Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

It’s Phone A Friend Day for Norman Osborn, Spider-Goblin makes Sandman shine, J. Jonah Jameson goes wild with a red pen, and two spectacular Spider-Men have broken minds in Amazing Spider-Man #51.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

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

Amazing Spider-Man #38 Review

 

Writer: Zeb Wells

Penciler: Ed McGuinness

Artist: Emilio Laiso

Inkers: Mark Farmer, Wade Von Grawbadger & Ed McGuinness

Colorists: Marcio Menyz & Erick Arcinega

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Ed McGuinness & Marcio Menyz; Valerio Giangiordano & Mattia Iacono; Dike Ruan & Alejandro Sánchez; Steve Skroce & Richard Isanove; Victoria Yang

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: November 22, 2023

 

Madelyne Pryor sent her Repossessor to capture Rek-Rap. But her Re-Po Man made plans without her. He kidnapped Peter's friend Randy Robertson. When Peter tried to save Randy, Re-Po swallowed him. Now he’s getting sucked down to the supermax section of Limbo. Can anyone liberate Peter Parker from another internment in Madelyne Pryor’s domain? Let’s thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #38 and find out!

 

Story

Although Peter abandoned him, Rek-Rap is in a forgiving mood. Why not? He's got his show: Rek-Rap Storytime Adventure! He turns everything into a positive and rewrites disappointments and failures into startling successes.

 

Madelyne Pryor took Re-Po’s soul. Then she planted him in her garden of jagged souls. She thought she could use him like a slave. But memories of his past linger. Bereft of conscience, he resumes old habits. 

 

 

 

Peter abandoned Rek-Rap to Re-Po's less-than-tender care. Now Peter is imprisoned alongside the ever-lovin symbiote slugger. After deriding Rek-Rap's abilities, Peter needs his demon-fan's help. Thankfully, Rek-Rap forgives everyone and admires Peter! A day in Limbo opens Peter’s eyes to Rek-Rap’s greatness in Amazing Spider-Man #38. Rek-Rap may twist his tales in a misguided attempt to gain admirers, but he’s got talent. He'll gladly mobilize a Great Escape attempt to help Peter save Randy. I wonder: will Peter remember that?

 

All this casts Madelyne Pryor in a poor light. The X-Men debated her personhood. She allied with Ben Reilly after the Beyond Corporation stole his memories. Yet she strips souls from people and treats their fragile remains like automatons? Bad Goblin Queen! Bad! Bad!

 

 

 

The Gang War Chapter

Hammerhead's stirring more unrest among his crime lord fraternity. While his machinations pit gangs against each other, the warring factions threaten Hammerhead's domain. Janice Lincoln dreamed of a life with Randy Robertson, but Randy is pushing to rescind Wilson Fisk's antivigilante law in Amazing Spider-Man #38. Along with the gang war, it feels like another attempt to destroy everything her father built. It's a heartbreaking irony that exposes the fallacy of Randy's belief that love conquers all. But shouldn't a good person try to reform those who do wrong?

 

I wonder: is that what Madelyne tried to do with Re-Po?

 

 

 

Art

Ed McGuinness, Mark Farmer, and Wade Von Grawbadger bring us more Rek-Rap craziness in Amazing Spider-Man #38. His insidious cousins may be suffering, but the Web-Whanger looks more invincible than ever, both in body and spirit. White lines radiate his positivity, while white energy crackles off Spidey after his rapid arrival. Camera angles shift, and panels tilt as Re-Po threatens Randy, while scenes of Spidey and Rek-Rap's rescue play against Re-Po's continued menacing. Backgrounds may suffer, but the energy never flags as the crew in red and blue race to combat Madelyne’s Monster Menace.

 

Emilio Laiso’s Hammerhead lacks grandeur, and some panels cry out for backgrounds, yet Laiso packs four compelling scenes into his six panel-stuffed pages. We witness the smoky aftermath of Jake's attack on Lady Yulan's grunts. Janice's sorrow deepens as she dons her Beetle suit and flies into the air. When a cyborg and a costumed supervillain come to blows, readers will question who's pulling the strings in this manufactured Gang War. 

 

 

 

Marcio Menyz proves a multi-hued wonder in Amazing Spider-Man #38. While purple seems the background of choice, gray also serves as a backdrop to the blue-and-red Web-Whangers. A yellow and brown wall contrasts with Randy's green hoody and Re-Po's gray face, while white and yellow suggest reflections on his sharp knife. Re-Po's toothy maw burns like an inferno, yet Rek-Rap's epic save casts the next panel into the shade. The festive, holiday lighting of the final page reminds us that—given time--the demon symbiote can turn every negative into a positive.

 

Erick Arcinega turns the first panel of The Gang War Chapter into an airbrushed lithograph. Color tones shift as rapidly as the gangs switch allegiances. Janice's lavender suit contrasts with the gray-green hospital room as we glimpse Silvermane and Nefaria through a red-and-yellow holographic map.

 

Joe Caramagna’s black letters in white balloons and boxes vary in size in Amazing Spider-Man #38, while their larger cousins denote how time flows differently in Limbo. Sound effects play off Rek-Rap and Parker Pete-Man's biological surroundings, and the giant, colorful words of the penultimate page evoke a popular 1960s superhero TV series. Thud! Crack! Pow!

 

Thanks to Marvel for providing this issue for review.

 

Final Thoughts

As Rip-Rap's relentless positivity wins new converts and the Gangs Of New York go to war, Re-Po and Madelaine remind us how results often oppose ethics in Amazing Spider-Man #38.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

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