Creative Team – Joe Kelly, Kev Walker, Cam Smith, Chris Sotomayor, VC’s Joe Caramagna
Published by Marvel Comics
Catch up with Radioactive Spider-Man #1 here!
The Story
If you thought Radioactive Spider-Man #1 was a wild ride, it gets even better with the second issue! Peter, AKA Spider-Man, has so many things on his plate that we didn’t get a clear look at in the first issue. Of course, he’s having to inject himself with radiation to keep himself alive, but all the while, he has Aunt May to care for who’s been infected with the X-Virus.
The X-Virus can kill humans or it can make them into mutants, and Aunt May seems to have the worst of the worst as far as mutations go. This means Spider-Man has to stay alive for her, he has to keep fighting for her, and he can’t stop hoping for a cure for his Aunt May.
However, an unexpected visit from his fellow Spider-Heroes looks to be putting Peter’s mission into a different perspective. Gwen and Spin show up to tell Peter he’s very needed out West with the Avengers, but Peter is headstrong in saying he can’t leave. Tensions are very high between the heroes due to a history we’re not privy to just yet.
Along with that dynamic, we also get a look at what it was like when the X-Virus first hit NYC, and to say it wasn’t pretty would be an understatement. Peter has lost people he loves, he’s seen the worst in the people he cares about, and all he can do is keep moving forward and stay alive by any means necessary.
The Writing
Joe Kelly knocked it out of the park with Radioactive Spider-Man #2 by upping the stakes, raising the emotions, and widening the story of how Peter’s life has been affected by the X-Virus. With emotions running wild in the best way, the second issue pulls at your heartstrings while keeping you on the edge of your seat. I can’t wait to see what’s next, because if it’s anything like this issue, it’ll be a homerun.
The Art
The artists for a phenomenal job at capturing the emotion of the comic, right down to the fear on the very last page. Kev Walker and Cam Smith draws the artwork in a way that feels very authentic to Spider-Man comics, while adding in new layers that makes it perfect for the Age of Revelation. With the addition of Spin and Gwen, there are some panels in the book that gets your heart racing seeing the three back together, fighting side by side, despite the obvious tension between the three.
In addition to the drawings, the colors elevate the artwork to new heights, thanks to Chris Sotomayor. With the use of dynamic bright colors juxtaposing the darker tones, Sotomayor is able to make the artwork jump off the page. All of this is wrapped in a nice bow with the lettering bringing the artwork to home base. Joe Caramagna is able to embrace the emotions of the story and make the reader feel every bit of pain in Peter’s words. Together, the artists brought artwork that was just as stunning as the story itself.
Final Thoughts
Radioactive Spider-Man #2 is emotionally raw, driven by the character’s trauma and the need to keep fighting for the greater good.
Overall Grade – 10/10
Let me know in the comments below what you thought of Radioactive Spider-Man #2!
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This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Radioactive Spider-Man #2, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!
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