We’re certainly nearing the end of “8 Deaths of Spider-Man” with Amazing Spider-Man #68.DEATHS. Not only is Spider-Man dead, but Juggernaut takes over as the main character as one of Cyttorak’s last soldiers against a new unseen threat. That’s right, Spider-Man isn’t even in this Spider-Man comic. Will that be an issue for longtime Spider-Man writer Christos Gage?
Amazing Spider-Man #68.DEATHS isn’t a bad comic by any means, but it does feel like an odd chapter in a Spider-Man story. Sure, Juggernaut vs. Spider-Man is a historic battle, but the narrative feels like they’ve snuck an X-Men story into the series.
This issue is mostly a Juggernaut versus the X-Men now that most of the team is possessed. From afar, Beast and Magneto make an appearance as well, making this distinctly something X-Men fans would want.
Damn, he swatted her like a fly!
Credit: Marvel
Thankfully Mark Buckingham’s art delivers a classic feel that plays with layouts and gutter placement. There’s a cool double page splash with gutters breaking up punch from Juggernaut that sends Cyclops flying, for instance. Juggernaut is also aptly drawn huge practically filling the panels and pages he’s in.
This issue also dives into Juggernaut’s relationship with Cyttorak, the extra-dimensional being that Juggernaut gets his powers from. It’s an interesting focus since Juggernaut’s powers aren’t normally explored, although it does feel like deep-cut comics stuff casual fans won’t understand or may be bored by. It’s a neat idea that this entire event could lift up Juggernaut and evolve him, but again, it’s so strange it’s in a Spider-Man story arc.
This is a more entertaining comic overall than Amazing Spider-Man #68, as it plays into the strengths of the X-Men and Juggernaut. It’s a well-constructed issue and keeps you entertained.
While this issue may puzzle traditional Spider-Man fans with its offbeat narrative detour, its engaging art and solid construction make it a worthwhile, if unconventional, read.
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