“8 Deaths of Spider-Man” continues this week with part 3, and that means we’re onto death #3. It’s no fun to die, but thankfully, Peter Parker has multiple lives thanks to the magic of the Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Doom. But when you take out two of the Eight Scions of Cyttorak, strategies must change. In Amazing Spider-Man #63, it’s all about returning to the past and the future!
Amazing Spider-Man #63 opens in the past, where a younger Uncle Ben is teaching Peter Parker how to ride a bike. It’s a quaint scene, but soon we discover a demonic shadow is lurking and watching. The stakes feel raised right off the bat due to the threat seemingly being able to go back in time.
So begins Justina Ireland and Gleb Melnikov’s issue, taking over from Joe Kelly and Ed McGuinness. They do a good job of keeping the tension up and making you question how Spider-Man could ever win a battle he’s so ill-prepared for.
Nice t-shirt, Peter.
Credit: Marvel
Similar to previous issues, though, the creative team reveals Spider-Man’s best feature isn’t the new magic or his powers, but his noggin. The story arc continues to be enjoyable for that reason, as creators find clever ways for Spider-Man to win. Unfortunately for him, though, he tends to die in each battle.
The art is good, especially when Spider-Man is on the page. Malnikov’s general storytelling ability is solid, keeping you guessing about what the next panel may bring and exciting with clever ideas like Spidey whiffing on punches at the center of a four-panel page.
However, a couple of facial expressions looked a bit weird, which pulled me out of the story. In one, Peter looks like he’s sneering at Aunt May, which doesn’t make sense given his character, and in another, there’s a weird shadow around his mouth.
The pacing feels out of sync as well. Heavy dialogue scenes drop out of nowhere, like Peter’s date late in the issue or when he speaks to Black Cat. They seem to be going for emotionality but are too heavy-handed.
Amazing Spider-Man #63 continues the inventive and tense “8 Deaths of Spider-Man” storyline, but uneven pacing and minor art flaws hold it back from being a standout issue in the arc.
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