Spider-Man has gotten tangled up in some Limbo business, and only Rek-Rap, a version of Spidey from Limbo, can save him. It’s a ridiculous story that works thanks to the lighthearted storytelling and exceptional art by Ed McGuinness. The story arc wraps up this week in Amazing Spider-Man #38, but how will Spider-Man escape the belly of a monster that eats people and sends them to another dimension?
The answer is propulsion and many days worth of travel through what’s an intestine. A really long one. Yep, things only get weirder in the final issue of the story arc, and the story is all the better for it. The story ends up being more balanced than you might think, though, as we learn Re-Po’s backstory, which is deadly serious. While Spidey is traveling through Re-Po’s internals, Re-Po is preparing to kill someone viciously. Serious stuff and time is of the essence in this issue.
Rek-Rap continues to be funny, with his “Storytime Adventures” continuing the running gag. He thinks he’s the greatest hero and likes telling people about it. Writer Zeb Wells also plays around with time, which is becoming his go-to since Mary Jane was also trapped somewhere where time moved differently. Be it as it may, physical comedy, weird sayings of Rek-Rap, and a solid wrap-up of the story arc come together nicely.
One could argue the humor is more for kids than adults, but there’s something endearing about Rek-Rap’s enthusiasm. When recent depictions of Spider-Man are sad and downtrodden, Rek-Rap brings enthusiasm that balances him out. If you’re averse to potty humor, steer clear, but for everyone else check this out.
It’s story time.
Credit: Marvel
McGuinness’ art doesn’t skip a beat with excellent colors by Marcio Menyz. McGuinness does a fantastic job making Re-Po’s insides look demonic and extremely dangerous. There’s also some great acting from the Insidious Six, who sell a solid joke to start the issue. Meanwhile, outside of Re-Po, the danger feels very ominous and edgy as he moves closer to killing Peter’s friend Randy Robertson.
This issue also serves as a “Gang War” crossover lead-in, which doesn’t work quite as well. Hammerhead and other crime bosses move closer to all-out war, and it’s just not that interesting. Since Hammerhead’s plan is rather basic, it’s surprising that it works so well. The inclusion of “Gang War” shenanigans also continues to feel awkwardly stuffed in. A recurring problem with these short scenes is that they don’t show us anything but have bosses sitting around talking. It plays out more like politicians in a boring room than interesting storytelling.
Amazing Spider-Man #38 wraps up a Limbo tale, a major highlight in Wells’ run. The super silly nature of it all works very well, with McGuinness’ art supplying plenty of weirdness and humor.
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