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Amazing Spider-Man #57:
Ripped right out of the script for a “Law & Order” episode, the Tombstone is rotting in jail after Spider-Man was able to call on the help of some friends to assist in his capture of the new NYC King of Crime.
But the twist no one saw coming is Tombstone’s own daughter Janice is testifying against him in his trial??
Cue Dick Wolf because we have a TV hit on our hands!
Creative Team
Writer: Zeb Wells
Artist: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Scott Hanna
Letters: VC’S Joe Caramagna
Color Artist: Marcio Menyz
Cover Artists: John Romita Jr., Scott Hanna and Morry Hollowell
PUBLISHER: Marvel Comics
The Art:
John Romita Jr. is a Marvel legend through and through. What makes this kind of gritty issue so special for JR is that his art has always had the kind of quality that is perfect for a tense, criminal drama like this current ASM run.
The gruff faces, the scowls, the Sin City style all play to Romita’s strengths and this crime drama that just happens to have Spider-Man at the center of everything.
There are subtle nuances in the faces of the characters and inflections that only a seasoned pro like JR could do so effortlessly. It’s really a Marvel masterclass.
The Writing:
Zeb kicks off the issue with the classic jailhouse convo between Spidey and Tombstone. One that ends with a shocking twist.
Within the first 10 pages, you know we are heading towards a real clash of the titans.
Later in the issue, we get a full-on scene from “Heat,” again making this issue something out of a movie or TV show.
Say what you want about Zeb’s Spidey run, but his background in TV writing makes him prime to helm an issue with this much gravitas.
The twists and turns here truly make this one of the best Spider-Man issues I’ve read in quite some time. Yeah I said it!
Overall: 9/10
THIS IS A GREAT ISSUE.
You may not love the latest run of ASM, but you have to appreciate this issue and the action, surprises and much more it delivers.
The ending leaves you speechless and you know next month’s issue is going to be make or break for our main characters.
Take a bow Zeb and JR, masterfully done!
