The Story: As Peter tries to endure being tortured by Bullseye and Norman Osborn, he learns the true extent of Osborn’s plan for the American Son project. Harry, meanwhile, finds the cure for Lily and his baby; but he soon learns a horrible truth.
What’s Good: When Joe Kelly focuses on Peter’s situation (Bullseye is just the right character for Peter to interact with) and the relationship between Harry and his father, the fourth chapter of “American Son” borders on great. Why? Because Kelly’s character moments are top notch. They take full advantage of key dynamics whenever they are in play (between hero and villain or father and son, for instance). In addition, Kelly does a fine job of keeping the twists and turns coming at a pace that feels just right for a story that’s been succeeding largely because of the balance that he’s found between storytelling and character work.
What’s Not So Good: I have two complaints about Kelly’s work in Amazing Spider-Man #598. The first complaint is that it seems as though he has completely abandoned the smaller parts of the “American Son” story. There’s no mention of Aunt May (what’s with the robots?) and there’s not a whole lot of, well anything really, that doesn’t have to do with Peter or Harry. I realize they are the focus of the story, but why bother with the other stuff so much in the first two chapters then?
My second complaint is that some of the dialogue comes off as far too melodramatic. It’s especially noticeable when Harry and Lily interact, though some of the stuff between Harry and Norman is also worthy of a roll of the eyes or two.
The artwork by Paulo Siquiera and Marco Chachetto is fairly solid all around, but it earns a spot in the “Not So Good” section for two reasons: ridiculous facial expressions (seriously…what’s with Harry?!) and poorly executed action. I can handle the weird expressions, but the action is really frustrating to look at. There’s just something obviously off about it.
Conclusion: While it’s got some flaws, the penultimate chapter of “American Son” is still worth checking out. Kelly’s been on a roll lately and for the most part, “American Son” keeps that roll…uh…rolling.
Grade: B -
-Kyle Posluszny
Filed under: Marvel Comics, Reviews Tagged: | Amazing Spider-Man #598 Amazing Spider-Man 598 review, Amazing Spider-Man #598 Review, American Son Chapter 4 Review, American Son Review, Amilton Santos, Aunt May, Bullseye, Chris Chucky, Comic Book Reviews, dark avengers, Dark Reign, H.A.M.M.E.R., Harry Osborn, Hawkeye, Jeremy Cox, Joe Kelly, Kyle Posluszny, Lily, Marco Chachetto, Marvel Comics, Menace, Norman Osborn, Paulo Siqueira, Peter Parker, Spider-Man, Spiderman, WCBR, weeklycomicbookreview.com
Nice find Jessi!
Very interesting observation. To be honest, It’s probably best that I leave the guessing games to one of the other WCBR guys. I’m not exactly what you’d call a regular Spidey reader.
Has there been anything in the recent past that might help figure out who G. Stacy is?
Thanks for the comment and be sure to keep reading!
-Kyle
Hey Kyle Have You Seen The Bottom Of pg. 9 where norman is talking with harry and you see a blonde dude look at the last corner panel where harry thinks “With A Quick Stop To Your Private Lab First. I’m Coming Lily Just Hold On” Look It Says G. Stacy. In Other Words Either A Guy Clone Of Gwen Is Coming, It’s A Clone Of George Stacy (Gwen’s Dad), Or Gabriel Stacy (Norman’s & Gwen’s Son) What Do you Think?