Amazing Spider-Man has found itself in an event thanks to Dark Web. Goblin Queen and Chasm (Ben Reilly) have teamed up and are attacking New York. Thankfully for Spidey, the X-Men were shopping, and Spider-Man could leave some mayhem to them. Amazing Spider-Man #15 showcases what Spider-Man is up to after leaving them behind (be sure to read Dark Web: X-Men #1 first this week) and he’s found himself in the sights of Venom.
The hook of this issue largely wrests on Ed McGuinness’ art, which is super fun, pretty to the eye, and action-packed. There are plenty of humorous moments, too, and McGuinness nails the delivery. Venom looks fantastic as his ’90s self with bulbous muscles and a zest for life. He truly loves trying to eat Spider-Man’s brain once again.
If that sounds confusing, don’t worry, since it’s relatively half-baked how Venom got this way. Recent years have developed the character tenfold, but thanks to the Goblin Queen, he’s been reduced to a monster again to do her bidding. Or be a distraction for Spider-Man, more or less in this issue. Zeb Wells writes the heck out of Venom here, and you’ll feel like you’re reading a comic from your childhood if you grew up in the 1990s. Nostalgic and fun, it’s a nice reminder of how offbeat and funny this character can be.
Seriously, look how cool he looks.
Credit: Marvel
Venom’s entire vibe suits what’s happening to New York, as demons possess all sorts of things. Wells is having a lot of fun with it as a baby carriage tries to eat a baby inside it early, or a newspaper stand is furious with Spider-Man for snatching something without paying. It’s silly and meant not to be taken too seriously. There’s a nice callback involving Christmas trees that ends up making an early moment have a bit more meaning, and it’s clear Wells put a lot of thought into making this an entertaining read from cover to cover.
Cliff Rathburn inks the issue perfectly and Marcio Menyz colors with expert precision. Just look at the image of Venom above, and you can see a ton of nuance in the inks to bring out the shadows or the colors and how it lifts up Venom from the background and makes his suit shine in the light. There’s a lot to take in, making the experience rich.
As far as plot, you’re going to find this issue to be a gateway to other tie-in comics or develops involving characters we haven’t seen pop up yet. That includes Ms. Marvel, who appears to get sidelined on purpose setting up her tie-in. It’s a tad frustrating since it’s clearly non-starters in this issue, but that’s the way of events. Generally speaking, Chasm is in this issue to be moody and kick off tales, it seems.
Fans of Madelyne Pryor should pick this issue up no matter what, though, as she gets a great scene with Spider-Man. She’s up to something, and while it’s frustrating that we don’t know her motivations or what she’s up to, that’s part of the allure of the larger story.
Dark Web has two great tie-in issues out today, and Amazing Spider-Man #15 is one of them. Come for the zany demons and Venom, but stay for the incredible art and solid comedy.
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