By Joe Kelly (writer), Phil Jimenez (pencils), Andy Lanning (inks), Chris Chuckry (colors)
The Story: The living specter of the Green Goblin bears down into Pete’s life as Norman Osborn tries to play father-of-the-year by offering a job to Harry. Speaking of screwed up family issues, Peter and JJ, soon-to-be brothers, attend the celebration of Aunt May’s and JJ Sr.’s engagement at the mayor’s mansion. Peter decides to take a hands-on approach to Norman and during his smack-down, he receives disturbing news as his worst fears are realized.
What’s Good: This issue effectively sets up what the arc American Son, will be dealing with. While this issue isn’t groundbreaking or outrageously good, I’m excited for this 5 issue run by Joe Kelly. The characters are in place, the momentum is laid down, and the many plot threads are in the loom.
I am thrilled to report that Peter’s supporting cast actually helps this story along, rather than bring it into the mud, like in the past issues when you were getting mere attempts of injecting the rag-tag team of Brand New Day associates into this series. Joe Kelly does a great job of making Peter’s friends, family, and associates seem important and interesting. The soap-opera angle of ASM is starting to click, finally. Also, Kelly has a natural take on Peter that works very well, as the character stays consistent and entertaining.
Phil Jimenez is handling pencils on this arc, and minus a few action scenes that take place in a vacuum of setting and form, this comic is drawn great. I appreciate his character designs that stay true to form while still retaining some subtle difference that make the same old characters unique and fresh. There is no doubt that Jimenez was the right man for the job, as his work — specifically the characters’ facial expressions, were more telling than the text.
What’s Not So Good: I have a personal message for comic book creators: Barack Obama won the election—months ago! I got it, your guy won, America might be better for it, congrats! Can we not move on? Seriously, the scene with Wolverine and Spidey dissing Bush and then fist-bumping as if we are in the middle of an election (or Obama even ran against Bush) was probably the most irritating and corny thing I’ve read this year. Not to mention the fact that Wolverine strikes me as a Republican, no? Unlike Kelly, I’m not trying to make a political point here about who is good or who is bad, I’m just saying, its time to move on. Anyway, aren’t comics supposed to challenge the status quo, no matter who is in office, rather than playing cheerleader to any political party?
As far as the story itself, without giving too much away, Harry’s change of heart seemed to be a little contrived. The thing he was so emotional about is something that he has and has been through before already with Liz (hint, hint). So, why is he all mushy now? Additionally, some of the dialogue was a bit too terse and quick, and I had to reread certain panels a couple of times to really get what was being said.
Conclusion: A nice start to an interesting and exciting arc that is poised to make substantial changes to Spidey’s world. I recommend to anyone who is waiting to jump into this series to make the plunge now. I expect good things from the creative team, as I’m already looking forward to seeing how things play out.
Grade: B
-Rob G
Filed under: Marvel Comics, Reviews Tagged: | Amazing Spider-Man, Amazing Spider-Man # 595, Amazing Spider-Man # 595 - Review, American Son, Andy Lanning, Chris Chuckry, Green Goblin, Joe Kelly, Marvel Review, Norman Osborne, Phil Jimenez, Spider-Man, Weekly Comic Book Review
lol. I love all the whiny people. Understand a joke, please. People were happy Obama beat the terrible one-two punch of McCain/Palin. So deal with those people celebrating.
“Yeah. That is a good point. Comparing Bush to the guy who killed Gwen Stacey in cold blood is just wrong on so many levels. ”
Yeah, you’re right. Bush is responsible for many more deaths than Norman Osborn. Oh yeah, and they’re in real life.
The “keep the bush tax cuts!” google ad at the end is priceless.
I am completely over the Obama in comic books trend now. I got my Spidey variant cover with him on it and that is all I needed. The continual references to him are getting pretty annoying.
lol i’m utterly not surprised. The problem with crap like this is that it’s not even subtle.
Hmm….after writing those comments I started having really humorous images in my head of Dubya, trademark laugh and all, leading the Thunderbolts. Now that’s comedy.
Yeah. That is a good point. Comparing Bush to the guy who killed Gwen Stacey in cold blood is just wrong on so many levels.
The more I think about it, the more irritated I am by that scene. As I said in my review, I am not advancing a political view here, but it just feels wrong to sucker someone into your preaching when they are buying a Spider-Man comic.
Seems like when this title goes Obama, it meets with bad results. Check out our very own Ray’s review a while back:
http://weeklycomicbookreview.com/2009/01/19/amazing-spider-man-583-review/
Also I should add that I only really have one chief reason for not sticking around after 599, beyond the unstable creative team anyway, and that’s this
I can’t bring myself to add a weekly title to my pull list. It’s just too much.
I haven’t read Spider-Man in ages, but will be picking up this arc due to my love for Joe Kelly. I did enjoy it quite a lot, but i totally agree with you on the fist bump thing. It defined the meaning of groan-worthy. Yes Kelly, you’re a Democrat. Good for you. I mean the dissing of Bush, alright I can swallow that (though the paralleling of a real president with Norman freaking Osborne is a bit much)….but the fist-bump was so goddamned contrived and lame.
The thing is that the idea of Wolverine and Spidey fist bumping actually could’ve been really funny….if it wasn’t tied to Kelly’s Obama-mania.
I do like Kelly on Spidey beyond this, but it’s a shame it seems like he won’t really be sticking around after 600, if i read the solicitations right.