If you ask me, Rek-Rap is the coolest thing writer Zeb Wells has introduced in his Spider-Man run. He’s goofy, he’s got a cool design, and he fits in with Spider-Man, like how Mr. Mxyzptlk fits in with Superman. Introduced during Dark Web, the goofy character returns in the now-collected Amazing Spider-Man #32-38. This chunk of issues also takes on a dramatically different tone with a horror story centered on Kraven. All told, there are two good story arcs in this collection, both of which offer incredible art.
First up is a story drawn by Patrick Gleason, who brings a high level of detail to a dynamic comic story. Paired with Marcio Menyz, this four-issue story looks great, with big dramatic beats hitting home and characters looking cool as hell. A smash-cut reveal of the Goblin costume looks iconic, with a great sense of atmosphere and weight. And it’s just a piece of cloth in a coffin! The story is quite dark, with lots of blacks and dark reds used, conveying a ritualistic Halloween vibe.
One of the main players of the story is Queen Goblin, spinning out of the backup in Amazing Spider-Man #31. In the opening, we learn Queen Goblin and Kraven have shacked up. The plan is to get all the sins Queen Goblin has in her from Norman and put them back in him. There’s a heavy dose of Norman and Peter being buds at the start of the story, which juxtaposes well with the doom hovering over them, thanks to the opening scene.
Longtime fans will appreciate the reminders and callbacks in this story arc. There’s a callback to Kraven’s Last Hunt that fans will be excited about, and it’s nice to know which Kraven we’re dealing with here. It’s all but confirmed he’s the clone, which means the death of Kraven still stands. The entire story feels like a kind of retribution for what Kraven did to Spider-Man. It’s also dark and quite scary at times, especially Amazing Spider-Man #34.
Who knew Kraven liked goblins.
Credit: Marvel
Along the way, Peter has to deal with a jealous Black Cat after she finds out he’s meeting with a lawyer named Michelle. Zeb Wells nails Peter’s awkwardness as he tries to suss out the deal with the almost-newlyweds not speaking to each other since the botched wedding in the last issue. A bit about Punisher seems random, but the effect is apparent: Peter and Michelle aren’t getting along, and they’re supposed to help iron things out between their friends. After a brief moment between Norman and Peter, the story moves on to its major confrontation with Kraven.
A major failing of this first story arc is the character writing of Spider-Man. Filled with Green Goblin’s sins, he turns into a raving lunatic, and simply because he’s under a spell, he’s forgiven by the end. Part of the problem is the story arc ends up moving along too quickly. There’s no time to take in the moments, and instead, it rushes along with action and violent acts. I can see what the creative team is going for, but the why behind it all is absent. It’s also odd that Queen Goblin is completely gone for long stretches. There’s also no hint of goodness in Peter. Is he completely gone, or will he snap back to good as quickly as he snapped to bad? The stakes don’t seem very high since moments like that can happen so quickly. What does it all mean? What is it all for? It’s unclear.
Next up is a three-issue story arc, and Ed McGuiness returns in a story dealing with Limbo and all that came with it since Dark Web in a rather outrageous and over-the-top comic. The opening issue in this story arc is bonkers with crazy Insidious Six sightings, Rek-Rap making his best Spider-Man impression, and a new disturbing threat that’ll send shivers down your spine. Right in time for Halloween, this is a good read that blends superheroes and monsters but in a blockbuster kind of way.
McGuiness dazzles with his pencils with this one, not only with Rek-Rap but with the Insidious Six. They have an organic and kinetic feel that suits Spider-Man. There’s also a great cutaway to a monstrous gangster rising for the “Gang War” crossover that’s introduced in a very creepy way. Marcio Menyz always seems to light each scene expertly, playing off the great volume Mark Farmer adds with his inks. This is the kind of triple-A art one expects from Spider-Man comics.
Wells sprinkles in bits of comedy, like a tiny chair Luke must sit in, or quips from Spider-Man. The way Rek-Rap talks is a delight no matter what he’s saying, the big weirdo. There’s a nice Halloween vibe, from the villains to the night setting to the plentiful monsters.
Joe Caramagna’s letters are so damn fun. They press out from the word balloon, adding extra emphasis, and there are plenty of styles thrown in, like borders and hues to the lettering. It’s as big and in your face as it should be in a primo fun superhero comic.
A reoccurring element that’s a tad annoying is cutaways to events leading into the “Gang War” event. They feel out of place and random with no natural connection to the main story.
All told, this is a good collection featuring a super dark and serious story paired well with a super silly story featuring Limbo. Comic best artists expertly draw both story arcs, and it’s an interesting read from cover to cover since the tone is so different. The first story doesn’t do enough to connect us with the characters, but it sure looks good at least.
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