This week, Spider-Man is going through a transitional period in Amazing Spider-Man #61. Not only was he written by a new writer, Joe Kelly, but he was also recruited by Doctor Doom to save the world! Titled “The 8 Deaths of Spider-Man,” the kookier side of Spidey rises up with ample quips, pain for Peter Parker, and a lot of magic.
Amazing Spider-Man #61 is a lot of fun. The issue opens with a man very high up amongst the skyscrapers being swung around by Spider-Man via a web net. He’s a victim of the new villain Burnout, and Spider-Man is having a hard time accepting that lame name. So begins a fast-paced and funny Spidey as he tries to rebrand the villain and keep things together.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that Joe Kelly’s dialogue is quick, fun, and sometimes funny. The references fly, the jokes are silly, and Peter’s voice is accurate. This is a fun Spider-Man. Kelly clearly understands that Spider-Man’s nerves amp up his joking to mask the fear and anxiety. We see that when Dr. Doom shows up and when Aunt May pushes back on him later in the issue.
Aside from Spider-Man joking around and sounding like himself, this issue raises the stakes for the story arc. The long and the short of it is Doom needs Spider-Man to fight eight threats to Earth. In a killer dream sequence drawn by Niko Henrichon, we learn that Dr. Strange defeated them once before, but Doom enlists Spider-Man to fight them, this time with a new magical suit. The painterly flashback reveals giant demon-like entities, one of which pops up in this issue to fight Spider-Man.
Doom has come calling.
Credit: Marvel
Another major selling point of this issue is Ed McGuinness’s art, which really pops off the page with dynamic, in-your-face art. The opening page is proof of that, as the civilian Spidey saves is right up in an extreme close-up with a good perspective on the street below, which is very far down. There are multiple jaw-dropping visual moments, like when Spidey is turned into spaghetti (his words) or a rather cool web spell.
This issue also gets a lot done and gives you much for your buck. Not only does it set up the big battle, but we also get a check-in with Spider-Boy, Peter’s close friends and family, and the new Death. The fact that Spider-Man fights and defeats the first of eight threats is proof the plotting isn’t dragging things out.
My only gripe, and it’s a minor one, is how obsessed the Spider-Man office is with putting Peter through intense pain. It’s made quite clear that when Spider-Man dies, it’s the worst and most painful death imaginable. I understand Spider-Man is one of the most selfless heroes ever, but after the years of torture he’s gone through, do they need to lay it on so thick?
This is a winning opening issue to the story arc, as the art is fun and matches the fun vibe of the dialogue and pace. Amazing Spider-Man #61 is a refreshing, action-packed ride that embraces both the humor and high-stakes drama that fans love about Spider-Man. With Joe Kelly’s witty, fast-paced dialogue, Spider-Man’s personality shines through, offering levity even as he faces off against a new wave of supernatural threats.
You must be logged in to post a comment.