After checking in with Norman Osborn, Amazing Spider-Man #15 switches back to Peter Parker’s journey in the stars. It’s a space-focused issue, as Spider-Man commands a crew of misfits kidnapped by Xanto, a scientist sociopath, who also happens to be on the team now, since Peter’s heart is far too big to get rid of him. Managing a crew of various aliens is tricky business, made infinitely harder, it seems, when Rocket Raccoon is present. Hijinks and reveals regarding Spider-Man’s new super-suit ensue.
Kicking things off in this issue is a reminder of the stakes in play that keep Spider-Man from Earth. Peter hasn’t forgotten Aunt May, but he needs to get stronger if he ever wants to again. The space sci-fi weirdness kicks into gear from there in a packed issue with reveals, action, and even some romance!
While this crew has only had a couple of issues, writer Joe Kelly makes it all feel natural enough. Rocket is an established character, but others like Raelith the Wretched grow on you fast. Meanwhile, Symbie appears, but we could use more of him; his design is enough to make him fun whenever he appears.
Outside of the fun interplay between Peter, Rocket, and the aliens — why does nobody respect Spider-Man?! — this issue features a rather big reveal regarding Spider-Man’s new yellow and black suit. The cover gives it away a bit, but I won’t spoil it here. Let’s just say, Spider-Man has been there before with a costume like this, and in a visually interesting double-page spread, we get a full story within the story. Guest artist Emilio Laiso captures a new personality well, which later feels earned when it seems forlorn, and maybe ready to give living another chance. It’s impressive, you’ll be interested in more from this character.
Aunt May, no!
Credit: Marvel
Laiso does a lot of great work here, from good scale with a giant alien in a gladiatorial ring, to the details on Spider-Man’s costume and its slightly sharper-looking tendrils. A reveal of Spider-Man getting the edge shows what his suit can do as it “interacts” with the giant alien in a surprising way. He also jams a lot of characters into pages at times, making it look effortless.
One gripe I have is the use of Xanto, who clearly shouldn’t have access to the ship’s science equipment. It’s also a bit odd that he’s quipping and joining in on the action when last we saw him, he wasn’t to be trusted; luckily, he helped anyway. While Kelly smartly uses Rocket to point out how dangerous it is to trust him, it’s still a big leap after how dangerous he seemed at the start of this arc.
Amazing Spider-Man #15 blends cosmic chaos with heartfelt humanity in a way only Joe Kelly can deliver. Between Emilio Laiso’s crisp, kinetic art and the surprising evolution of Spidey’s new suit, this chapter offers both humor and visual spectacle while keeping Peter’s emotional core intact. It’s not the deepest entry in the run — and Xanto’s sudden redemption feels shaky — but as a high-energy space adventure with heart, it’s an easy recommendation for anyone who loves seeing Spider-Man out of his element and still swinging strong.
You must be logged in to post a comment.