As a huge fan of Nick Spencers series the Superior Foes of Spider-Man I was understandably excited when it was announced that he would be taking over The Amazing Spider-Man after Dan Slott’s historic run with the character. I was also a bit apprehensive as his previous take on the spider universe was so damn awesome and I did not want to be let down due to overextended expectations. Well, I am pleased to say that after seven issues of the run I can honestly say that he has met and maybe even exceeded my expectations.
Peter and Mary Jane are getting serious again. Peter has a new roommate who also happens to be a super-villain. The Kingpin continues to be Donald Trump-like as the mayor of New York City. This seventh issue sees Peter and Boomerang trapped in the Bar With No Name surrounded by some of Spider-Man’s greatest C-level enemies as trivia night has been interrupted by an offer from the Kingpin to take them out so large that the villains (gasp) break the rules of the bar.
Nick has a great grasp on the characters and the dialog is spot on, funny without being strained. Some writer’s try too hard to make Peter’s words come across as humorous but often it just feels forced. Not so with Nick who gives everyone a natural speaking voice and the series is so much better off for it. I am enjoying The Amazing Spider-Man more than I have in years and am looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
The artwork from the team of Humberto Ramos, Victor Olazaba and Edgar Delgado is also great with relaxed looking characters that seem to flow with the action. Sure there are some slight hiccups (see Peter’s left hand when Boomerang leaps in front of him on page seven for example) but everyone looks natural and not stiffly posed as is often the case these days.
With the Venom movie breaking records, the Spider-Man movies tied in with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and an animated movie coming soon this may be one of the best periods to be a Spider-Man fan since the release of the original Sam Raimi film. It almost feels like a golden age with an embarrassment of riches and I, for one, hope it continues for quite a long time.
The Amazing Spider-Man #7 (Legacy #808)
Marvel Comics – $3.99
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