How does Spider-Man beat the Green Goblin when he’s become a goblin himself? That’s a question you’ll ask yourself after the big cliffhanger in Amazing Spider-Man #50. In some respects, writer Zeb Wells has been building towards this for over a year, but a new wrinkle is the inclusion of the Sinister Six, who may not survive a Spider-Man capable of killing! The story is as zany as it sounds, with impeccable art by Ed McGuinness.
Amazing Spider-Man #51 opens with Ben Reilly waking from a nightmare. He and Hallows’ Eve are shacked up in what looks like a shack, and a key clue involving the Winkler Device is brought up. There may be a solution to Spider-Man’s condition just yet, and Ben knows what to do.
Much of this issue then shifts to an underground layer where the Sinister Six are plotting their next move. They want revenge on the Living Brain, knowing Norman has it. Instead of sitting by idly, Norman lets them know Spider-Man is on the way, and he’s sporting a purple Goblin suit with all the bells and whistles. He’s gone fully loony with a big goblin grin.
A bunch of villains enjoying some brews.
Credit: Marvel
After a brief scene establishing that Ms. Marvel potentially has a part in this story, McGuinness gets to go nuts with Spider-Man beating each Sinister Six. Some clever planning shows Peter’s genius is at work inside this goblin form, which proves he’s more dangerous than ever. Surprisingly, Kraven lasts the longest, and McGuinness makes him earn that extra time standing. If you like McGuinness’ penchant for splash pages, you won’t be disappointed here.
McGuinness is also good at capturing the weirdness of all these villains. That includes Norman Osborn, who isn’t dressed as the Green Goblin, but his crazy eyes reveal that he’s not quite himself. Todd Nauck also draws a few pages, though it’s hard to say exactly which pages outside of the Ms. Marvel two-page scene.
The exploits of the Walking Brain, aka the Living Brain, wrap up the issue in another short epilogue. He’s running around the city with Dr. Connors, and this issue reveals another part of his plan to save Spider-Man. It’s as cooky as it sounds, and the new person involved will have you scratching your head in a good way.
However ridiculous it is that Spider-Man is now Spider-Goblin, you can’t deny the battle with the Sinister Six doesn’t satisfy completely. Peter Parker may be in a terrible place, but Amazing Spider-Man hasn’t been this fun in ages. It’s wacky in the best of ways.
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