Peter tries to recover what is left of his life while a serial killer is on the loose. Who is this mysterious killer, and who will be able to stop them?
Creative Team
Joe Kelly, Al Ewing & Charles Soule (Writers), Jesús Saiz (Artist), Matt Hollingsworth (Colorist),
VC’s Joe Caramagna (Letterer), Ed McGuinness & Marte Gracia (Cover Artists)
Dave Rapoza / Skan / Stonehouse / Iban Coello / Jesus Aburtov (Variant Cover Artists)
Sarah Spadaccini (Designer), Kaitlyn Lindtvedt (Assistant Editor), Tom Groneman (Associate Editor),
Nick Lowe (Editor), C.B. Cebulski (Editor-in-Chief)
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Death Spiral Pt. 1
This debut issue of Amazing Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral by Joe Kelly, Al Ewing, & Charles Soule is full of mystery! This issue takes place alongside the current The Amazing Spider-Man (ASM) story also written by Joe Kelly. Which makes the beginning of this story easy to follow if you’ve been reading that story. If you need to play catchup, please visit the Nerd Initiative site for ASM reviews!
This issue starts off with Peter overcome with stress as he tries to put the pieces of his life back together. Which is a powerful part of this story. I’m sure that there are people out there who when reading this section of this story could relate. It gives you a feeling of hopelessness for Peter. Not to mention the amount of stress that ensues while going through all of the events that took place in Peter’s absence.
Throughout this first issue there are multiple murders taking place. Various panels sprinkled in that just give the basic info regarding the murders. These take place throughout the issue making you start to question, where is Spider-Man…? How can all this be taking place and Spider-Man has yet to notice or even look into what is really going on?
There are guest appearances within this issue that really make this a star-studded story. Obviously, Mary Jane and Venom are in this issue (based off of the title). As well as Eddie Brock and Carnage. Carnage in all of his mischievous ways is playing mind games with Eddie. There are multiple panels where you, the reader, will shout out “shut up Carnage”!
This issue has a massive reveal at the end that will leave you absolutely flabbergasted! I was so stunned and entranced that I kept moving closer and closer to the pages while reading. Then I was left in disbelief!
All images by Marvel Comics.
The Writing
Joe Kelly, Al Ewing, & Charles Soule deserve so much more than a pat on the back or a round of applause for this first issue. The storytelling within this issue is so captivating and full of details that you almost want to get a notebook and be a detective. You feel the raw emotion from Peter and his struggles through the dialogue and narration. And the subtle details within the murder panels send your mind spinning as you start to connect the dots. Their (Joe, Al, & Charles) writing of this story is flawless and smooth, making transitions within the story flow effortlessly.
The Artwork
Jesús Saiz rocked out when he did this issue! His attention to details that you normally wouldn’t try to even look for is outstanding. One panel that is an example of this is a bedroom scene that has wood paneling on a wall. The amount of detail in the line work to make you really notice that it is wood is out of this world. The emotional details within the faces of this issue are fascinating! Such a wonderful job!
Matt Hollingsworth did an amazing job giving this issue a dark gloomy presence. The color choices, various shades of said colors and the variations of shading really bring out the tone of this story. Matt also shows his exceptional eye for detail as he colors this issue. He assists in bringing minor details that may not seem to mean anything to the story to your attention. Phenomenal!
VC’s Joe Caramagna deserves credit as the letterer on this issue. His choice of fonts and various “comment bubbles” helps to deliver the dialogue of this story. The comment bubble placement is also perfect as well! Not too far away from the characters and placed within panels in a way that doesn’t take away from the scene that you’re looking at.
My Thoughts
Amazing Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral #1 is dark, heavy and full of mystery. Can Peter put his life together? Can Mary Jane come to terms with being attached to Venom? Same can be said about Eddie and Carnage. Will Spider-Man take notice of the serial murders that have rocked this debut issue? All of these things are woven perfectly together making this a real page turner. A captivating story with dark gritty artwork that will make you want more! I loved this issue, and I am not even questioning if I should get this for my collection. It shouldn’t even be a question for you either, go pick up this first issue, and follow along with this mystery.
Overall Grade: 9.5/10
Comic Book Reviews/Nerdy News: Nerd Initiative
Recent Spider-Man Review: The Amazing Spider-Man #22: Homeward Bound
My Personal Content: Travis’ Comic Haven
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