Connect with us
Amazing Spider-Man #18 Review
Marvel

Comic Books

Amazing Spider-Man #18 Review

Spider-Man is trapped along with some of his worst enemies. Uh oh.

[amazon_link asins=’B07PXG42HX’ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’59500f09-e6e1-4fd4-8f5f-8f7593df68a1′]

It’s predators vs. prey in part two of Nick Spencer and Humberto Ramos’ “Hunted” storyline. Spider-Man is trapped in a dome around Central Park along with many different animals themed villains. Or are they trapped in there with him? No, actually they’re all trapped since there are robotic soldiers trying to kill them.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

So what’s it about?

The official summary reads:

“HUNTED” PART 2 Kraven’s plan begins to unfold in CENTRAL PARK! He lets the prey loose and the hunt begins. But Kraven isn’t the hunter this time. Who has Spider-Man in their crosshairs?! Rated T

Why does this matter?

As Marvel editor Nick Lowe pointed out at the end of the last issue this is the story Spencer pitched to get the job. That sets the bar a bit higher. Plus, Kraven has been teased for many issues so it best be a top notch story!

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Amazing Spider-Man #18 Review

The captions are the strongest thing about this issue.
Credit: Marvel Comics

This issue picks up where the last left off with Spider-Man and many animal-themed villains running for their lives. We get a taste of what is going on, and then writer Nick Spencer reveals everything in regards to the immediate threat under the dome. This helps add context and potentially set up some interesting Spider-Man vs. Kraven-looking soldiers for future issues.

Much more focus is on Mary Jane this issue. As she’s wont to do she’s worried about Peter and Spencer lets us see how she copes knowing he’s risking his life out there. The captions over her scenes are a bit unnerving focusing on the concept of predators and other interesting ideas. It’s a good combo since it leads to quite a last page.

Ramos does well with what he’s given with colors by Edgar Delgado and Erick Arciniega. Spidey isn’t in this issue much (more on that later) so much of the art is focusing on dialogue-heavy scenes or quick semi-close up shots of attacks in the park. The opening double page spread is quite effective in showing usually frightening villains fearing for their lives as they run away and Spider-Man is right there with them.

Amazing Spider-Man #18 Review

Even Rhino is scared.
Credit: Marvel Comics

It can’t be perfect, can it?

It’s kind of amazing how little Spider-Man is in this book. By my count he only appears on 4 pages, some of which he’s only in one panel or a small slice of the page. I had a similar problem with Amazing Spider-Man a few issues back. This issue spends more time with ancillary characters, Arcade and how he’s doing all this, and Mary Jane. Heck, even Kraven doesn’t show up in this issue. Without Spider-Man in this issue quipping and doing the punchy-kicky, you’re left catching up on things and reading plot set up. The comic is either juggling too much or just not plotting things out well enough to keep your interest.

Is it good?

I’m having a hard time getting into “Hunted” due to the slow start and even slower second chapter in the story arc. The issue has a clever backbone with creepy captions about predators, but the biggest failing is how it lacks Spider-Man. Instead, it focuses on everybody else, progressing plot elements but leaving you with an incredibly middling issue.

Amazing Spider-Man #18 Review
Amazing Spider-Man #18
Is it good?
I’m having a hard time getting into “Hunted” due to the slow start and even slower second chapter in the story arc. The issue has a clever backbone with creepy captions about predators, but the biggest failing is how it lacks Spider-Man. Instead, it focuses on everybody else progressing plot elements but leaving you with an incredibly middling issue.
Good opening double page splash
The captions work very well right up until the last page
Nice to get some answers from Arcade even if they're sort of dumped on you
Lacks Spider-Man
Continues the slow start for the event spending more time on explanations and ancillary characters
5
Average

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup