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Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we’re heading back into the dangerous landscape of New York City via Marvel Entertainment. One event has kickstarted an all-out free-for-all with control of the NYC Underworld up for grabs. Caught in the middle is the Amazing Spider-Man! Can Peter Parker and friends stop this before it’s too late?
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #40 by Zeb Wells, John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna, Marcio Menyz and Joe Caramagna shows desperate times call for desperate measures as an unlikely group fights to save the city! Let’s jump into the latest chapter!
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
In the West Village, A mysterious figure is preparing himself in the shadows. He is talking with an associate about plans since he is now out of jail. The figure alludes to jumping right into the Gang War. The sights are set on Tombstone and Beetle. Readers see when he steps into the light, he is The Rose! With his forces ready, the journey to the Beetle is made.
Meanwhile in the Meatpacking District, the Track Suit Mafia and Inner Demons are set to face off in a warehouse. Before the suits make a move, an imposing figure makes his way into the crowd. Tombstone is there and he didn’t come alone. Spider-Man and She-Hulk are along for the ride. The uneasy trio defeat the mafia while the demons took off.
lurking in the shadows of downtown is Madame Masque. Considering her actions started the war, readers witness her next play. How does this move affect the war? What is the Beetle up to during all of this? How long can the uneasy trio work together?
All questions are revealed as the war rages on in the heart of the Big Apple. Statements are made. Actions have consequences. However, no bigger move is made than the final image. Readers will need to brace for impact as a major player has enter the deadly game. Suffice to say, the final image is going to have fans talking.
Wells juggles many character with this latest issue, but keeps the theme centered around one especially. Tombstone’s play keeps readers engaged whenever he is on page. The uneasy alliance with the heroes pours with tension and mistrust. yet, Wells’ grouping makes for some strong dynamics with conversation. Tombstone’s view of events speaks volumes to the overall gravity of the situation. With his presences and the debuting player, the storyline looks to be re-igniting a new flame for readers.
Romita, Hanna and Menyz give slow builds for each main player throughout the issue. The Rose makes the dramatic debut with a full page panel. The same goes for the Beetle as her storyline takes flight with a strong full page image as well. “The Uneasy Alliance” kicks events off with great action panels. Seeing the “Fastball Special” used should get old-school fans excited!
The art builds up the tension with the parallel characters heading into the final act. Readers will be shocked who finally makes their appearance in the final pages. An incredible two-page full spread brings a close to this round, but lights the match for an eventual combustible confrontation later on. Readers should have much to say about this latest chapter.
FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10
The lastest chapter of “Gang War” brings forth a game-changing character to an already explosive saga. Wells paces the multiple storylines with solid writing. Romita and the art team craft some excellent visuals in the backdrops to show readers things have only just begun. You’ll want to keep your eye out for this issue on New Comic Book Day!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Amazing Spider-Man #40. Thanks for reading Parlay point s on Nerd Initiative!
