Spider-Man has gone completely mad to the point of becoming Spider-Goblin in Amazing Spider-Man, and there seems to be little chance of him recovering! The story has been building for some time, which includes a machine used on Hobgoblin, Green Goblin getting his sins weaponized, and Ben Reilly losing his marbles. It’s as wacky as it sounds, and in the next chapter, it’s all about Spider-Goblin versus Chasm!
Amazing Spider-Man #52 opens with Kraven observing Spider-Goblin and Chasm before they strike one another. He points out they are like two silverback gorillas, and only one will survive. It’s an adequate way to set up the stakes before diving into an awesome double-page splash by Ed McGuinness.
Intercut with Chasm and Spider-Goblin fighting are scenes drawn by Todd Nauck, focusing on Norman Osborn. He’s still at the office, although wearing his purple Green Goblin costume. This subplot involves Ms. Marvel, who is trying to figure out if she needs to help Spider-Man. This subplot also progresses the Walking Brain story, aka the Living Brain.
That said, the plot progression is slow. This is a fight comic mostly, with the slow set up for a final showdown next issue. It leaves you wanting by the end, especially for a $4.99 price tag.
Why is this giving me Spock versus Kirk vibes?
Credit: Marvel
Writer Zeb Wells is quite good at writing maniacs. Norman’s behavior is fun to observe, while Spider-Goblin is particularly nasty. Peter Parker may be possessed, but there’s no returning from some of the stuff he says to Chasm.
The main feature of this issue is Chasm versus Spider-Goblin, though. This gives McGuinness plenty of chances to show off his dynamic and in-your-face art style. It’s a great success, with the two matching up nicely, although Spider-Goblin doesn’t fight fair.
One wrinkle in the fights is how Spider-Goblin’s costume materializes into the classic costume. Unless I missed something, there’s no explanation for how this worked. I suppose I chalk it up to Chasm’s mysterious green-goo abilities? It’s edging on goofy, which the last issue had in droves.
Amazing Spider-Man #52 is mostly a fight comic with a subplot table setting thrown in the mix. Pound for pound, the art by Nauck and McGuinness, is exceptional, but this is definitely a slower chapter in the story.
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