Peter is, shockingly, without a job and looking for gainful employment, but his job search is interrupted by a RAMPAGING RHINO who is but the tip of a sinister iceberg. What major Spider-Villain is working behind the scenes weaponizing other Spider-Villains including one we haven’t seen in OVER SEVEN YEARS?! Also, what is that Goblin-free Norman Osborn up to anyway? Amazing Spider-Man #1 is a whole new starting point that doesn’t feel as much groundbreaking as it is a back to basics beginning.
Written by Joe Kelly, Amazing Spider-Man #1 is an interesting comic. It continues what has come before but also serves as a pretty solid entry point for new readers. It’s a comic where you don’t need to know what’s been going on but also features far more if you do. It nails it’s dual purpose. But, more interestingly, Amazing Spider-Man #1 feels like it dials back things for Peter Parker, reminding readers what’s at the core of this character.
Kelly presents a Parker that’s down on his luck. He’s unemployed, looking for work, and his time being a superhero clashes with his ability to have a life. It’s basic Spider-Man that makes him the nebbishy hero that’s easy to relate to. And Kelly makes sure to emphasize it all, focusing in on what matters. We’re taken through a series of job interviews, and really awkward date, and a battle with Rhino, all with the humor we’d expect. It’s a debut and comic that’ll get you to chuckle and just sit back and enjoy the chaos.
Kelly is helped by Pepe Larraz‘s great art. With Marte Gracia on color and lettering by Joe Caramagna, Amazing Spider-Man #1 nails it on the visuals. The comic has a fun look to it, playing off the details to deliver laughs and fill in some gaps when it comes to the injuries Peter endures in his dual identity. Like the story itself, there’s a kinetic and frenetic aspect to it that’s fun and delivers an almost cheery feel to the chaos that is Peter’s life.
Amazing Spider-Man #1 doesn’t break any ground. Instead, it focuses on the Peter we know and the basics that make Spider-Man and himself such a loveable character. He’s the screwup you want to see get ahead but know his doing the right thing will always make it an uphill climb. He’s the superhero underdog you want to root for and see succeed. Kelly and Larraz seem to know that and celebrate it with this debut issue.
Story: Joe Kelly Art: Pepe Larraz
Color: Marte Gracia Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
Discover more from Graphic Policy
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Source: Graphic Policy
