Torment and Carnage have become one! Spider-Man is on a never-ending quest to stop Torment and save members of families of the one’s he loves!
Creative Team
Joe Kelly (Writer), Francesco Manna & Ed McGuinness (Artists), Francesco Manna & Mark Farmer (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
Torment Evolves
Issue twenty-six of Amazing Spider-Man (ASM) is also part seven of nine in a cross over event between ASM and Venom stories titled Death Spiral. This cross over story is nearing its end and is becoming increasingly more attractive! With this issue being a continuation from the recent Venom issue that has brought a lot of controversy with the elimination of a spiderverse character. What else does Torment (the villain) have let up his sleeve?
Within the beginning of issue twenty-six we have a continued introduction to the newly bonded Carnage and Torment. Which ultimately is a weird bond seeing as morally they are polar opposites. Carnage is all about blood lust and adding to his elimination list. While Torment has a disorder that causes his eliminations to create spirals that he must complete to feel whole. This bond of characters does have its comedic aspects as well with Carnage providing majority of the funny one liners.
Spider-man within this issue is facing something that continues to baffle him with every altercation. Sure, Spider-Man has fought Carnage on a number of occasions, but this is different. Carnage isn’t bonded with a human anymore. This combination of monsters bonded together is proving to be a true challenge for Spider-Man. Causing him to lose focus repeatedly because loved ones of his and of others that he cares for are being targeted by Torment. All to fulfil his spirals.
Another aspect to this issue is the Eddie Brock portion of this story. For those who do not know, Eddie Bonded with carnage in order to live. Same is said about Mary Jane and Venom. Within this issue we see the results of Eddie no longer bonded with Carnage and the mad dash to get him to the hospital by Venom. Eddie shares a very sentimental moment with Venom regarding their past and the bond they shared.
This issue ends on a chilling note. Spider-man is recovering from a recent run in with Torment. All the while Torment has moved on to hunting down his next spiral target. Which is going to make the next installment of this cross over one that you will not want to miss!
The Writing
Joe Kelly continues to bring a great delivery to this cross over event. The comedic dynamic with Carnage and Torment is entertaining to read. The emotional struggle for Spider-Man is something that fans are so used to seeing, and Joe is doing an amazing job keeping true to the character. The plot of this story is captivating and flows effortlessly. The intensity of the “cliff hangers” that the issues are left on entices the reader to continue with the next issue.
The Artwork
Ed McGuinness, Francesco Manna, Mark Farmer, Marcio Menyz and Erick Arciniega are an absolute powerhouse of an artistic team for this issue! The art is so sharp, detail driven and bright. When you first open this issue, you are met with an amazing two-page splash that is so beautiful and hits to the true lore of Spider-Man. This team did an astonishing job with bringing this story to life!
VC’s Joe Caramagna has yet to provide lettering that I haven’t been pleased with. The various styles used for each individual character help the reader to distinguish who is speaking. As an added plus the coloration and comment bubbles coincide with the coloration of the character they belong to. Placement of the comment bubbles is perfect as always!
Covers
My Thoughts
Issue twenty-six of ASM is a stellar addition this this amazing cross over event. You are introduced to so much more of the plot and given even more emotional pull from the characters. Joe Kelly continues to do his best with this ASM series! I highly recommend that you pick up the previous six parts of Death Spiral and of course this newest installment as well!
Grade: 9.5/10
Links
Comic Book Reviews & Much More: Nerd Initiative
Previous ASM Review: The Amazing Spider-Man #25: Death Spiral Pt. 5 – Unrelenting Torment
My Nerd Initiative Articles: TravisComicHaven – Nerd Initiative
My Personal Content: Travis’ Comic Haven
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