The Amazing Spider-Man # is Just More of the Same Old, Same Old

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The enduring impact of “The Amazing Spider-Man” series illustrates why it’s considered one of the most convoluted comic books in history, particularly in contemporary times. Despite its strong sales, the quality of the book has been less than stellar. Unfortunately, the current state of the comic seems to be at its lowest point, even surpassing notorious periods like the Clone Saga and the Byrne reboot. The run by Zeb Wells significantly harmed the series, and while bringing back beloved writer Joe Kelly was a positive move, it feels like a step backward after plunging off a cliff. Issue #8 of “The Amazing Spider-Man” is an enjoyable read, but it’s marred by numerous issues that prevent it from being truly exceptional.

Kelly is a student of comic book storytelling, and his reboot of “The Amazing Spider-Man” has generally been well-received. The main reason for this is that Kelly avoids the complicated love triangle involving Peter, MJ, and Paul, which caused problems in Wells’ run, and instead focuses on telling traditional, high-quality Spider-Man stories. The first issue was a refreshing change, but it didn’t completely revitalize the book. The latest issue, “The Amazing Spider-Man #8,” demonstrates why this series is still enjoyable yet somewhat frustrating at the same time. Essentially, the entire issue consists of a lengthy fight scene, one that Kelly executes skillfully with an appropriate level of tension. However, if you’ve been following Spider-Man comics for any duration, you’ll recognize that this type of storyline is common and repetitive, making it both exciting and somewhat tedious at the same time because it resembles numerous other Spider-Man comics in which he is overpowered by a villain stronger than himself.

As a movie reviewer, I’d say: “I found myself immersed in Spider-Man’s world thanks to Kelly’s exceptional narrative. The clever use of captions intensifies the brutal beatings our hero endures, making every blow feel significant. A poignant flashback featuring Peter and Uncle Ben is skillfully woven into the story, shedding light on Spider-Man’s strategic decisions throughout the tale. Despite some familiar elements, this Spider-Man narrative remains a captivating read, showcasing top-notch storytelling.

As a devoted cinephile, I must admit that the new antagonist Hellgate isn’t exactly groundbreaking. He’s undeniably formidable with his enigmatic purpose and backstory, but somehow, Kelly’s portrayal doesn’t quite stir the desired emotional response from the readers. Yet, for this particular issue, he serves his purpose effectively.

There’s also a scene involving Mary Jane, Paul, and Dylan Brock, but it seems out of place. I believe they would be more at home in All-New Venom, where Al Ewing can continue to pour scorn upon Paul, keeping the narrative fresh and engaging.

In this particular issue, the artwork is credited to John Romita Jr., a figure whose style tends to be divisive among fans – you either adore or dislike it. However, Romita Jr. is known for his exceptional action sequences, which are beautifully demonstrated here. The action flows smoothly, enhancing the excitement of the fight scenes.

As Romita Jr.’s career progresses, some may notice a shift towards sketchier artwork. This can be observed in certain parts of this issue where detail is sacrificed. One persistent criticism about his contemporary work is the lack of detail in facial expressions, which has been an issue for quite some time. Fortunately, characters like Spider-Man, who wears a mask throughout, and Hellgate, a helmeted character with a black face, have fewer opportunities for such detail. Thus, if you appreciate Romita Jr.’s art style, you’ll likely enjoy this issue. Conversely, if his work doesn’t resonate with you, it might not be to your liking.

If you’re seeking an innovative take on the Spider-Man saga, then Issue #8 of The Amazing Spider-Man may not be what you’re after. Instead, it offers a familiar tale of the web-slinger, albeit with some intriguing moments. However, the artwork in this edition might not win over new fans, but it won’t drive existing enthusiasts away either. Essentially, this issue doesn’t have the power to ignite a newfound passion for The Amazing Spider-Man, yet it also lacks the punch to turn you off from it entirely. It simply is what it is.

Rating: 3 out of 5

The Amazing Spider-Man #8 is on sale now.

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2025-07-23 16:12