Connect with us
Marvel announces 'Sinister War' story in Nick Spencer's 'Amazing Spider-Man'
Marvel

Comic Books

‘Sinister War’ is a Spider-Man fight comic with all the villains

Two villains get developed ever so slightly in what could have been a decent one-shot instead of a four-issue mini-event.

Sinister War is the Spider-Man mini-event we didn’t see coming that plays into the ongoing Kindred storyline. It’s also a story that plays into ’90s kid nostalgia, utilizing Mark Bagley over all four issues in a fight-comic that features every Spider-Man villain to date. It’s Spider-Man vs. his entire rogues gallery, which is a simple enough hook to make this worth a purchase, right?

This book collects Sinister War #1-4 and is written by Nick Spencer with Ed Brisson contributing to issues #2-4. It’s drawn by Mark Bagley, with Dio Neves, Carlos Gomez, Ze Carlos, and Marcelo Ferreira all chipping in too. Add in seven inkers and two-color artists and it’s plain to see this book was likely rushed. Often when there are this many creators involved, the book had a quick turnaround. It’s safe to say this collection could have used a bit more development. For the most part, it’s not really worth picking up.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

The first issue features an entire issue drawn by Mark Bagley to perfection. A few storylines converge at the start as Spider-Man discovers Mary Jane’s movie director is none other than Mysterio, while Kindred puts all of his villains up to the task of killing Spider-Man. Of course, Spider-Man’s only wish is to keep Mary Jane safe even when he’s getting punched left and right. Seeing all these villains on the page, many of which haven’t been depicted in the same scene ever is quite cool. That’s the main selling point of this book.

The second selling point is what is done with Doc Ock and Boomerang. Avoiding spoilers, but both characters are changed by the end of the book. Boomerang was previously Peter Parker’s roommate in Nick Spencer’s run, but since then they had a falling out. In this story it’s made clear he’s reluctant to hurt Spider-Man, but given Kindred will send them all to hell if they don’t kill Spidey he still goes along with it. There’s an arc there for the character as he goes against his own wishes, and the friendship he built with Spider-Man, to do Kindred’s bidding. Doc Ock ends up being an important figure in the narrative further developing him since coming back after being Superior Spider-Man for so long.

Sinister War

Spider-Man takes a beating in this event.
Credit: Marvel

A third selling point is that this does lead directly to Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 15, although you don’t necessarily have to read this to understand that.

The problem with this book is it’s nonsensical fight comics and not much more. Spider-Man gets punched and punches back. Action can be hard to follow and it’s even harder to care since the stakes aren’t very clear. More often than not this book seems to exist to fill its pages with tons of villains fighting Spider-Man.

Problems abound with the story itself, be it Kindred somehow motivating Spider-Man’s entire rogues gallery on a threat, to an issue that uses flashbacks to hide a thin plot so as to keep your attention. Given the years of empty threats coming from Kindred, it’s incredibly annoying to see how much sway they have over the villains here. Not to mention it oversimplifies every villain here, many of which have rich backstories. The plot is paper-thin, with little to draw your interest or move the story forward beyond punching.

Spider-Man’s villains are all drawn very well throughout the book, and even though the action can be hard to follow it’s cool to see Mark Bagley go off on the art. Sadly though, the story doesn’t really matter to the larger Kindred narrative nor does it amount to anything when it comes to Spider-Man. Instead, two villains get developed ever so slightly in what could have been a decent one-shot instead of a four-issue mini-event.

Marvel announces 'Sinister War' story in Nick Spencer's 'Amazing Spider-Man'
‘Sinister War’ is a Spider-Man fight comic with all the villains
Sinister War TPB
Spider-Man's villains are all drawn very well throughout the book, and even though the action can be hard to follow it's cool to see Mark Bagley go off on the art. Sadly though, the story doesn't really matter to the larger Kindred narrative nor does it amount to anything when it comes to Spider-Man. Instead, two villains get developed ever so slightly in what could have been a decent one-shot instead of a four-issue mini-event.
Reader Rating1 Vote
2.4
Mark Bagley draws the hell out of the first issue (and parts of the rest of the series too)
There is real change in regards to Boomerang and Doc Ock...
Nonsensical fight scenes for the most part that are hard to follow
There really isn't much to this book beyond fighting especially over 4 issues
Kindred...oh god make it stop
5
Average

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024 'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024

‘My Adventures with Superman’ gets new comics series starting June 2024

Comic Books

'X-Men' #35 (LGY #700) is the final farewell to the Krakoan Age 'X-Men' #35 (LGY #700) is the final farewell to the Krakoan Age

‘X-Men’ #35 (LGY #700) is the final farewell to the Krakoan Age

Comic Books

New DC Black Label 'Zatanna: Bring Down the House' out June 25th New DC Black Label 'Zatanna: Bring Down the House' out June 25th

New DC Black Label ‘Zatanna: Bring Down the House’ out June 25th

Comic Books

DC Preview: Action Comics #1063 DC Preview: Action Comics #1063

DC Preview: Action Comics #1063

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup