Spider-Man is fighting demonic versions of the Sinister Six, his doppelgänger Rek-Rap is trying to solve a mystery, and things couldn’t get any weirder in Zeb Wells and Ed McGuinness’ new story arc. The second issue in the arc comes out today, further revealing a truly horrific monster set out by Madelyne Pryor. Things get weird as Spider-Man tries to make sense of Rek-Rap.
Amazing Spider-Man #37 opens with the Repossessor looking at a photo of Peter and his roommate. He’s been tasked with collecting the monsters from Limbo, and over the course of this issue, we find out he has a specific tactic in finding them. First, find those close to the target.
While we ponder his next move, the issue devolves into a flashback featuring Rek-Rap fighting Kraken the Hunter. It’s pretty fun how clever these Sinister Six of Limbo are, as well as the slightly retro look McGuinness brings to this flashback. It’s as if Rek-Rap existed in the ’70s and had his own adventures. The lettering by Joe Caramagna punch up the ridiculousness of Rek-Rap’s every word, and Wells gives him plenty of “web-wanging” dialogue.
Note the old-school style.
Credit: Marvel
I’ll admit, Peter’s frustration with Rek-Rap is funny. How do you listen to a story from such a ridiculous character? This leads to some major clues that pay off later before Norman enters the story.
The inclusion of Norman seems to be building off his growing rage. It comes off as a bit out of nowhere, though, since we haven’t seen him since he was tempted by giving himself the goblin treatment. Oddly, Peter doesn’t seem too phased by his rage, which seems like a missed opportunity.
That missed opportunity aside, this issue feels a bit like a slow crawl to the next part of the arc. That’s not helped by another “Gang War” interlude, which is literally dropped into the book out of nowhere. A lot of what happens is action-orientated and biding time for Peter to piece things together. It could have easily moved along faster or had more to it, but alas, it leans on McGuinness’ work.
McGuinness crushes on this issue with great color by Marcio Menyz and Erick Arcinega. Rek-Rap is dynamic and weird-looking in all the best ways. McGuinness knows how to sell a full-page spread and makes Spidey look great in and out of the costume. The Repossessor is also well-crafted equally weird and terrifying.
It’s hard to deny the silliness working so well with Spidey and Rek-Rap, but this issue spins its wheels a bit as we wait for the other shoe to drop. Amazing Spider-Man #37 is filled with over-the-top silliness, but suffers as it spends more time leaning into Rek-Rap’s lunacy.
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