Is It Good? Amazing Spider-Man #698 Review

For over 100 issues, Dan Slott has been writing Amazing Spider-Man, albeit in bursts since writers have traded back and forth due to the weekly schedule. Recently Slott said issue number 698 would be big, so big in fact he warned retailers to order more issues. Genius that he is, the man was right as this issue changes everything about Spider-Man. This will be a spoiler-free review and will break this down by looking at its quality beyond the twist. As far as the comic book as a whole, is it good?

Amazing Spider-Man #698 (Marvel Comics)

If you’ve avoided spoilers so far—and I’m not quite sure how considering spoilers popped up two full days ago—you’re in for a real treat. Dan Slott clearly had a lot of fun writing this issue, as there’s a subtle change to Peter Parker that’s evident from the first moment he pops up. Before he does show up however, Doc Ock get’s a visit from a S.W.A.T. team.

Slott sets up Doctor Ock as incredibly formidable even when he’s bedridden in this scene.

What makes this issue so much fun to read is the strange verbiage used by Spider-Man, but also his actions. Something isn’t quite right and that propels the story as you want to figure out what is going on as the evidence mounts.

Somebody is a little too chipper…

The issue reads like a Twilight Zone episode, as the viewer isn’t told what’s going on, but things continue to transpire in an unnerving way. The way Peter treats his family, or speaks about his inventions doesn’t quite add up and you’ll likely feel uncomfortable by this weird new Peter Parker.

“What other breakthroughs did I make…” now that’s odd.

It’s not spoiling anything to let you know you’ll find out why things are so wonky by issue’s end. The implications of what this means for Spidey and his universe, especially with only two issues left before this series gets rebooted, is incredibly exciting. Whether a resolution occurs or not, this is going to be life changing for old webhead.

No duh!

I’m not that familiar with artist Richard Elson, but he was a great choice for an issue like this. Humberto Ramos is great, but Elson’s style harkens back to the good old days of Spider-Man when Steve Ditko drew him with a no nonsense style. So many artists draw Spider-Man in impossible positions, which admittedly is exciting and interesting, but when you see Spidey in this issue you’ll imagine him as a human being that any one of us could embody. It allows the reader to imagine themselves swinging.

Classic look.

Slott also gives the reader an awareness of just how bad things have gotten in this issue by incorporating the Avengers. They pop up, and seem to think nothing has changed in Spidey, but by this point you’ll know something is up. And it’s not good.

Robocop, is that you?

I was spoiled as to the twist to this story, yet I still liked this issue. Dan Slott is taking a huge chance here, and I can’t help but think it has put Peter Parker in a place he’s never been before. It’s exciting to think how this story might resolve. My only fear is, what if Peter Parker can’t save the day this time, especially with only two issues left? Considering the Alpha story came and went so quickly my best guess is things will go back to normal once Superior Spider-Man #1 hit shelves. But god am I worried if he can’t!

It’s a good possibility this issue will make it into the ComiX Weekly 10 dollar budget later today. Like a word association puzzle, you’ll read this issue and attempt to unravel it as it takes place and hopefully have fun doing so. If you like good storytelling you’ll most likely come away more excited for the next issue than you could possibly imagine. Before reading this issue I can’t remember the last time I’ve not known how a superhero could get out of a bind, and that’s a good thing.

Is It Good?

Yes.