The Amazing Spider-Man #22: Homeward Bound

Peter Parker has been off planet for far too long. What can he expect to find once he returns?

To catch up on The Amazing Spider-Man, check out my review of issue 21:
The Amazing Spider-Man #21: Dawn of The Goblin Slayers Pt. 2

Creative Team

Joe Kelly (Writer), Nick Bradshaw / Todd Nauck / Nathan Stockman (Artists), Scott Hanna (Ink Assistant), Matre Garcia / Rachelle Rosenberg (Colorists), VC’s Joe Caramagna (Letterer)
Mark Bagley / Matre Garcia (Cover Artists)

Jay Bowen (Designer), Kaitlyn Lindtvedt (Assistant Editor), Tom Groneman (Associate Editor),
Nick Lowe (Editor), C.B. Cebulski (Editor-in-Chief)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Homeward Bound

*** WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD ***

Issue twenty-two of The Amazing Spider-Man follows Peter Parker as he finally returns back to earth from his long disappearance off planet. Peter is nervous about what he could be returning to. Which makes this issue a guessing game. Joe Kelly leaves no stone unturned and features all aspects of this run into this solid issue.

Upon Peter’s return to earth his first stop is not surprising, Aunt May. But when she is nowhere to be found, instant panic ensues. Peter is now on a mission to find Aunt May and he knows exactly who to address her disappearance with, Ben Reilly. For those trying to play catch up, Ben is a clone and had taken over the role of Peter while Peter was gone.

Peter confronts Ben regarding the whereabouts of Aunt May, and it’s not cordial. But things simmer down once Peter discovers that Aunt May is now living with her new love interest. This brings a small amount of comfort to Peter, but he is still angry with how Ben has been imitating himself. This is going to cause Peter to do a lot of explaining and relationship rebuilding.

Peter locates Aunt May but is not met with open arms from Ricardo (May’s new lover). He is devastated with how his absence has taken a toll on the people he loves. Peter is allowed to see Aunt May, and it is in this moment, on his knees and emotional in front of Aunt May that she knows the real Peter has returned home…

Writing

This issue is jam packed with various emotions! Joe Kelly brings to life the feelings of joy, fear, discomfort, rage, regret and heartbreak within nineteen pages. The most powerful example of this comes at the end of the issue. Peter is rejoined with Aunt May, and it is a flood of emotions. Dialogue and narration are spot on, and the flow from emotion to emotion is seamless.

Artwork

Nick Bradshaw, Todd Nauck and Nathan Stockman all did a fantastic job bringing this issue to life. The attention to detail on buildings and inside of living quarters makes you feel like you are actually there in New York. Don’t get me started on the linework of Peter’s new Spidey suit. So many details are displayed up close and from a distance. Excellent penciling from these three individuals.

Scott Hanna, Matre Garcia and Rachelle Rosenberg are true masters of their craft! It is truly amazing how colors set the tone for pages and panels. From galactic space, run down apartments and the joyous uplifting ending. One can simply read the wording through a story and capture it, but to visually see it is something special as well. This trio picked the right colors and shading to mold this story into what it is.

I will add one final piece regarding the art. When I read my comic books, I try to play a game. I read all of the dialogue and narrative in its entirety. But then I go back and reread the story, by just the art. And this group of artists told you this story without you needing one word on the pages. Stellar job!

Final Thoughts

This is such a good addition to this already spectacular story. All facets of this issue will have you glued to it. I recommend taking your time when reading this issue. Study the dialogue and pair it with the art that goes with it. Together they make this a captivating story panel by panel. Check out The Amazing Spider-Man #22 for yourself!

Grade: 9.5/10

More Comic Book Reviews/News: Nerd Initiative

Another Spider-Man Review of Mine: The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #5: Never Can Say Goodbye

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