Joe Kelly closes out his first official story arc with Amazing Spider-Man #5, and Hobgoblin is on the hunt. Under the artistic vision of Pepe Larraz, this is another stunning issue that closes the door on Spider-Man’s substance abuse, both past and present.
The issue picks up with Rand Enterprises on fire. Hobgoblin has rushed over there because they have figured out he’s poisoning mass-produced drinks. It may seem a little out of left field for a supervillain to be messing with something so mundane, but it ultimately results in a clever explanation.
This is mostly an action comic, and Larraz dazzles once again with excellent double-page splashes. Spider-Man is super agile and pulls off multiple exciting poses. Hobogoblin is next-level scary, with fantastic colors by Marte Gracia. The blue lightning mixes well with Hobgoblin’s orange costume. What makes many of these pages stand out is the effective use of background and foreground. In one panel, the foreground features webs at the left and right edges of the panel, with Spider-Man in the middle, and the Hobgoblin in the background.
How cool is he?
Credit: Marvel
Kelly and Larraz give Peter’s old friend and new boss interesting things to do along the way. The boss texting away is a nice reprieve from action, while Peter’s friend takes part in taking Hobgoblin down.
Woven into the narrative are flashbacks. Cast in blue, it’s clear when they pick up, and they’re more sprinkled throughout the narrative, recounting the time Peter protected his friend, who also happens to be a Rand employee and a target of the Hobgoblin. It’s a reminder that Kelly is exploring new ground for Peter’s past, and it’s working. You’ll be rooting for Peter in the past, which is exciting, but the conclusion is also heartwarming and a perfect end to the arc.
Joe Caramagna continues to bring the big, in-your-face lettering. A “Krakt” that aligns with Hobgoblin’s face getting punched is a highlight, but the emphasis when characters yell is another big win.
Amazing Spider-Man #5 is a satisfying, visually spectacular conclusion to Joe Kelly and Pepe Larraz’s arc, offering both blockbuster thrills and a touching character study that reaffirms Peter Parker’s enduring heart. It’s a reminder that when the right creative team is on Spider-Man, the results can be both exhilarating and emotionally meaningful.
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