By: Mark Waid (writer), Paul Azaceta & Matthew Southworth (art), Javier Rodridguez (colors) & Joe Caramanga (letters)
The Story: It’s Spidey on a rampage after he thinks that Menace’s baby (who he’d tried to protect) has died.
What’s Good: This issue is a good example of trusting quality creators. Mark Waid has written a lot of enjoyable comics over the years, so when the first few issues of this story arc weren’t that good (too much of Spidey being monotonously chased around NYC), it was easy to get discouraged. However, we should have just sat back and trusted that Waid had a decent story to tell because it turns out that he does (even if the ending part seems a lot better than the beginning).
It is also very welcome to get a GOOD issue of ASM. Honestly, it has been awhile. The Grim Hunt had some good issues, but ended on a stinker, OMIT just stunk out loud and the first few issues of this arc were so-so. Nice to wash the bad taste of OMIT away.
What is so good in this issue? Well, for one thing we get to see Bad-Ass Spider-Man. This isn’t a new thing. Bad Ass Spider-Man pops up every once in awhile, but Spidey/Peter Parker is often so down on his luck (lost job, no web fluid, etc.) that he seems kind of a sad sack. This issue reminds you of why he is on the Avengers because when Bad Ass Spider-Man shows up, he pretty much goes through the villains like a hot knife through butter. And that is what happens here after Spidey learns (he’s mistaken it turns out) that Menace’s baby is dead. The dichotomy between seeing (a) Spidey swinging through town with the baby under his arm and being helpless to do anything but dodge attacks (can’t fight when you are holding a baby) and (b) this appearance of Bad Ass Spider-Man is very effective.
The art also gets its act together in this issue after being problematic in the earlier issues of this arc. Azaceta draws a great Spider-Man, but in the past few issues, the human faces were a bit of a problem. Not in this issue and you can really enjoy his darker and moody style (which fits the darker theme of this issue).
What’s Not So Good: Do we care about what is going on with MJ, Carlie and Menace as they’re locked in a panic room? Following this action was an unwelcome diversion from a very good story. It is hard to imagine that anyone was reading the parts of this story where Bad-Ass Spider-Man is taking down bad guys and said, “Wait… What happened to MJ and Menace? Last we saw, they were locked in a panic room. Let’s jump to that story.”
It reminds one of when you’re enjoying a really top notch sporting event and the network cuts in to bring you highlights of a game you could care less about.
Conclusion: First “good” issue of Amazing Spider-Man in a couple months. Thank goodness! The world is just better when the Spider-Man comics are good.
Grade: B
– Dean Stell
Grade
Conclusion