“But killing an enemy instead of trying to help them, bowing to animal rage and righteous anger… That’s childish weakness.” – Spider-Man
Creative Team
Joe Kelly (Writer), Ed McGuinness / Carlos Gomez / Francesco Manna (Artists),
Mark Farmer / Wade Von Grawbadger / Ed McGuinness / Carlos Gomez / Francesco Manna (Inker),
Marcio Menyz & Erick Arciniega (Colorist), VC’s Joe Caramagna (Letterer)
Sarah Spadaccini (Designer), Kaitlyn Lindtvedt (Assistant Editor), Tom Groneman (Associate Editor),
Nick Lowe (Editor), C.B. Cebulski (Editor-in-Chief)
Publisher: Marvel Comics
A Means to an End
Issue twenty-seven of Amazing Spider-Man (ASM) is the final installment of this “Death Spiral” mini-series between the ASM and Venom storylines. Within this conclusion, Joe Kelly brings out the absolute best of Spider-Man. Touching on the very essence of who Peter Parker is when he dons the Spider-Man suit. This issue reminds me of a quote from Spider-Man, the movie (2002), “You’re not Superman.” Which is true on so many levels if you try to compare Spider-Man and Superman. But the moral character of the two has astounding similarities.
Within the previous two installments of “Death Spiral,” readers are shown who Torment’s final two victims are before completing his “spirals” with our heroes in this series. Spider-Man fans (comic books or movies) know the emotional impact that Aunt May has on him. So much so that you get this “Peter tingle” that if anything were to ever happen to her, Peter/Spider-Man would go down a road that he could never return from. Joe Kelly does an excellent job of toeing that line within this issue! Causing readers to wonder if this is the moment we see our beloved Spider-Man turn heel.
Throughout this mini-series, readers have been introduced to so much character development from every main character. Spider-Man to Torment and the heavy hitters meshed in between. All of that comes full circle within this issue. The roller coaster of thoughts, theories, and emotions that readers will endure is rather poetic within Joe Kelly’s writing of this story. Events that happen will leave you stunned, questioning, baffled, and for some, somewhat emotionally traumatized.
This final issue of “Death Spiral” continues with the theme of Peter’s moral compass and the compassion that he evokes in people, especially the ones he cares deeply for. Mary Jane (MJ) and Peter share a subtle moment spanning multiple pages over a phone call. These two love each other and will till the end of time. Have they had falling outs before? Of course, what relationship doesn’t go through ups and downs? It is within these final pages of this issue that readers are greeted with a small ember of hope for MJ and Peter.
The Writing
Joe Kelly does an exceptional job writing Spider-Man. From the main story arc to collaborating with the creative team of Venom to bring readers this mini-series. His ability to hold readers in the palm of his hand while “tormenting” their emotions is enjoyable. The storytelling is fluid and makes sense throughout the series. There is not one moment that leaves you questioning why something is taking place. Every piece plays and feeds off of the others. This makes the writing satisfying to read.
The Artwork
Ed McGuinness, Carlos Gomez, Francesco Manna, Mark Farmer, Wade Von Grawbadger, Marcio Menyz, and Erick Arciniega ALL provided beautiful interpretations of the script laid out to them by Joe. This entire series has been so detailed and full of amazing splash pages! The pencil work is sharp, making details within panels easy to find and to enjoy. Accenting the pencil work is the coloration. The color wheel for this series has been all over the place, particularly! Doom and gloom to bright and powerful!
VC’s Joe Caramagna brings everything home with this issue. Amazing story, stunning art, and captivating lettering. Letterers aren’t given the same recognition as writers or artists, which is sad. VC’s Joe Caramagna gave this story from Joe’s life for the reader to take in. Having different fonts, sizes, colors, and bubbles adds to the story being told. Placement of comment bubbles is also important, and I’m sure no easy task. Amazing work!
Variant Covers
Final Thoughts
Issue twenty-seven of ASM is yet another great issue in a phenomenal run by Joe Kelly. This issue brings to a close a nine-part mini-series with Venom as they try to stop a common enemy. A thriller of a mini-series, with captivating events and stunning artwork! Jaw-dropping moments that will cause you to go back and read it again! Make sure to add this issue and the other eight from this mini-series!
Grade: 9.5/10
Links
Comic Book Reviews & Much More: Nerd Initiative
Previous ASM Review: The Amazing Spider-Man #26: Death Spiral Pt. 7 – Torment Evolves
Travis’ Reviews: TravisComicHaven – Nerd Initiative
Travis’ Personal Content: Travis’ Comic Haven
PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW!
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Leave a Reply