The day has come for a fresh #1 to grace Amazing Spider-Man, which marks the beginning of writer Joe Kelly’s run on the iconic series. Renumbering is common at Marvel, especially for Spider-Man, making it more appealing to new readers while letting long-time fans know the status quo is changing. So buckle up, as Kelly offers multiple new angles (as he told AIPT recently), Pepe Larraz dazzles, and John Romita Jr. reveals a new villain design.
Amazing Spider-Man #1 (LGY #965) opens with Peter Parker in a job interview. He’s youthful looking, hopeful, and almost immediately loses the opportunity. The opening features him going on multiple interviews with well-placed reminders of his luck, his superhero side gig, and the beatdowns he takes to save people. It’s an efficient way to catch up any reader on what makes Peter Parker tick. It feels like a fresh start.
Kelly keeps your attention with a key scene with Aunt May and a new character that Peter knew in middle school. This ties into Peter’s need for a job while never forgetting Peter’s complicated past as a worker. It’s a perfect blend of continuity and something new to spark a new direction.
And that’s all in the first six or so pages. Knowing we’re here for action too, the story smash-cuts to a Rhino battle that Larraz crushes. Much of that battle has already been shown in a preview, and it’s incredibly kinetic and dynamic. Spider-Man’s agility and speed are fully displayed, with Rhino’s size difference particularly well conveyed. Larraz does a good job of reminding us that Spider-Man is just a dude in a suit, making the danger feel intense for him.
What a page!
Credit: Marvel
From there, the issue delves into Peter’s social life, briefly sets up a new threat, and establishes its cliffhanger in a showstopper double-page splash. You’ve got everything here you’d want in an opening salvo to a new story arc. Could there be a touch more detail regarding the main antagonist? Sure, but there’s enough here for you to come back for more.
Between the social scene and how young Peter comes off in the opening interviews, he does seem especially youthful in this issue. Forget the fact that he’s older and has clearly been through a lot; it’s clear this new direction wants him to look and feel more in his 20s rather than his 30s. That’s fine, but it’s a striking choice.
But wait, there’s more. The remainder of the issue is drawn by John Romita Jr., first with a check-in with Norman Osborn and then with the introduction of the new villain, Hellgate. The Norman scene helps define who he is now that he’s a good guy. His new direction will be particularly interesting to track. Then, at the back of the comic is a four-page tale set in Arizona. There’s just enough detail to give us a hint at where Hellgate is from.
Amazing Spider-Man #1 delivers a thrilling new start with heart, humor, and high-stakes action. Joe Kelly efficiently reintroduces Peter Parker with a mix of grounded personal stakes and energetic superhero moments, making it easy for new readers to jump in. With dynamic art from Pepe Larraz and John Romita Jr., and a promising new villain in Hellgate, this issue sets the stage for an exciting run.
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