By Don M. Ventura
The Amazing Spider-Man #654
Marvel Comics
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I wish more writers understood that a big story can be told in a small arc.
Dan Slott and Fred Van Lente have produced a powerful second arc to the Slott-helmed run on Amazing Spider-Man. From the opening to this third installment of “Revenge of the Spider-Slayer”, this story has had everything a Spider-Man reader could want.
But let’s focus on this issue. Peter just about gets caught by his new boss Max Modell as Peter returns to his lab to create an instrument to stymie the spider-sense of the Spider Slayers’ insect army. With the help of Modell, Peter is able to build the mechanism and prevent Max from figuring he’s Spider-Man.
We are back to the Soho Spa where Thing and some of the Avengers are barely holding their own against the villains. The spa is where Aunt May and J. Jonah Jameson’s wife Marla have failed to enjoy the relaxing day they intended. The rest of the Avengers are similarly barely quelling the onslaught of insecty bad guys who are trying to stop Mayor J. Jonah’s motorcade and murder his loved ones.
A final attack has been made on the Daily Bugle where the insect army is ready to kill Robbie Robertson. Over the last two issue, Slott and Van Lente have done a masterful—truly masterful—job of juggling these scenes of danger. To add more villainy to the pot Phil Urich, the Hobgoblin, causes more mayhem for Robbie’s son Randy. Whew!
Just as Spider-Man is readying to detonate the device, out pops the Scorpion for a rematch. Of course Scorpion busts the detonator and Spidey is forced to do the job himself, effectively destroying (for the time being) his spider-sense. Have you left to get your copy of this book yet?
This book, with a perfect story, is made even more so by the astounding art of Stefano Caselli. Where did this guy come from? I dare you to not pour over every page and just marvel at what this artist has done on this book. Man, I’d love to see this guy on an Avengers title because he draws each of them beautifully. But nothings compare to his take on Spider-Man which is just stunning. Marte Garcia has colored these pages quite nicely.
Have I gushed enough over this book? A little more please (but stop if you don’t want to be spoiled). The Spider-Slayer was bound to draw blood from the Jameson family considering he had so many targets. In the end Marla sacrifices herself to save her husband and it is terribly touching to see J. Jonah Jameson holding his wife as she speaks her final loving words.
Caselli’s final page with Van Lente’s words are simply gut wrenching as J. Jonah takes responsibility for his actions.
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| J. Jonah's past catches up with him in this heartbreaking scene. |
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2 comments:
Just a fantastic issue. On top of the great main feature. The back up which introduced us to the new Venom was also great. I was surprised they did not hype it up more that this was our first appearance of the latest incarnation of Venom, even before this weeks .1 issue. Also isn't it awesome that we get another issue of Amazing Spider-Man this week. So excited.
As an enormous Spider-Man fan, this has been a truly gratifying read. I love what Dan Slott has done with the Spider-universe. I love that they're using Flash for the Venom book. Good stuff.
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