It’s the end of an era as writer Zeb Wells signs off on Amazing Spider-Man this week. In the span of 60 issues, Wells introduced MJ’s lover Paul, had Spidey go “goblin mode,” and so much more. Now it’s time to end what Wells started with Tombstone, the big bad that started it all. Can Wells wrap this up in a tight bow, while leaving the next era with new room to work with?
Amazing Spider-Man #60 is an extra-sized issue featuring a main story with art by John Romita Jr., four short stories by Wells and a bevy of artists, and a preview of Joe Kelly’s takeover with art by Mark Buckingham. All told, it’s about 60 pages of entertainment that is enjoyable, though your enjoyment may vary if you were hoping for any last-minute changes to reset the status quo.
First, the main story wraps up the Tombstone tale, with Peter Parker, She-Hulk, and Tombstone convening in court. Wells wraps up the Tombstone story, essentially bringing the mobster back to where he began, although he’s without a daughter now, thanks to Spider-Man. The opening of this story is more like an epilogue to the multi-issue fight Spider-Man and Tombstone had.
Much of the main story is about Spider-Man and Aunt May, who are separated after Sandman attacks people in the street. Romita Jr. does a fantastic job with the Sandman action, with a dynamic look that is unmistakably his.
Meanwhile, Wells delivers an interesting debate between Aunt May and Spider-Man that feels incredibly important. May questions Spider-Man for putting Peter’s life in danger, but Spider-Man makes it clear it’s not his fault but Peter’s nature to help everyone. The conversation feels formative to their relationship.
The main story serves as an epilogue to Tombstone and a fight with Sandman.
Credit: Marvel
Next are short stories written by Wells with “Doctor’s Orders” and art by Ed McGuinness. The comedic element is on point in this three-page story, reminding us one of McGuinness and Wells’ contributions to Spider-Man is Rek-Rap. May he never die. Also, may McGunness never lose his bombastic touch!
“Team-Up: Part Two,” with art by Todd Nauck, focuses on Jackpot and Spider-Man fighting Chromator. This tale reinforces MJ and Peter’s new friendship as friends but also has a nice moment as MJ thanks Peter for getting her and Paul out of that other universe. Eight pages make it clear that Peter is with Shay, MJ is with Paul, and they’re all happy with how things are.
“Bubs,” with art by Paolo Rivera, reminds of Spider-Man and Wolverine’s tradition on Logan’s birthday. The art is great, and in three pages, the creators remind us these two are good friends and almost like brothers in their tradition.
Next is “Same Spider-Channel” (although it’s titled “Mirrors” in the credits), with art by Patrick Gleason, serving as a reminder of where Ben Reilly is in all of this. Given their history in the Beyond era and how Ben has become Chasm, it feels like an important scene. Ben hides things from Peter, but Peter is hopeful that Ben can turn things around. Gleason uses repetition to show Ben’s solemn and somewhat unnerving quietness. It all leads to a cliffhanger that appears to be setting up a new showdown between the two. Bring it on!
Finally, “Ride’s Over” closes out the issue with a preview of what’s to come by Joe Kelly and Mark Buckingham. Kelly uses captions to show Spider-Man and Dr. Doom’s thoughts as he observes him. This story acts as a sort of explanation as to why Doom targets Spider-Man, who will be getting a Dr. Doom suit for his “Eight Deaths” storyline. Buckingham brings a fun old-school look, especially when Dr. Doom shows up.
There’s a lot to like in Amazing Spider-Man #60, so it’s an easy recommendation for longtime fans. Not only does this issue serve as the bridge to the next era, or at least the interim era before the next era, but it also captures different corners of Spider-Man’s life well.
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