Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we are on the battlelines of NYC as war has erupted via Marvel Entertainment. With a power vacuum of the criminal underworld now open, every crime boss is making a play for the throne. Standing in their way is a friendly neighborhood SPIDER-MAN. The question now remains: Is he going to be enough to stop the war or has the city already been lost?
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #39 by Zeb Wells, John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna, Marcio Menyz and Joe Caramagna lead Peter Parker into battle to save New York City! Let’s take a closer peek and see how things are shaping up!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #39 by Zeb Wells, John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna, Marcio Menyz and Joe Caramagna (Credit: Marvel Entertainment)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The story begins six hours after the first strike was taken in the Gang War. The Streets are on fire. The residents are in the crossfire. A couple is trying to run away from the violence. Unfortunately, they run into a figure trying to stake is claim in the battle. He is the Ringmaster, from the Circus of Crime.
The couple gets hypnotized into joining the battle. Ringmaster leads their charge as the opposition comes from Crime-Master and A.I.M. With the conflict spiraling out of control, time is not an ally. There is an invested group watching over the rooftops. Their arrival is not a moment too soon.
Peter Parker has recruited some allies to save NYC. She-Hulk, Daredevil (Elektra), Spider-Woman and Miles Morales are waiting to strike. With innocent residents used as soldiers, Spidey and company know that extra care is needed. Once A.I.M. sends in a tank, the time for waiting is over.
The action revs up as the heroes enter the war. Readers see how the initial counter fares. It sets a pace for where things unfold from here. However, there are more figures making their presence known in this claim for the throne. None will be bigger than a return of one prominent player who could be the game-changer through all of this. If anyone isn’t sure about the magnitude of said character, just wait for the final page to send readers into the next chapter.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #39 by Zeb Wells, John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna, Marcio Menyz and Joe Caramagna (Credit: Marvel Entertainment - cover: Patrick Gleason)
Wells kicks off the first round of actin with a solid entry. Right form the start, seeing how badly New York City is faring makes a big statement. The use of civilians as soldiers shows the desperation and disregard Ringmaster has to stake his claim for territory. Readers are treated to great Spidey action as his team of allies make a big debut.
The break-off adventure later with him and She-Hulk is another stand-out moment. The banter is fun and provides a relief from the drama unfolding. The sub-plot with the crime bosses amplifies with a great return. Throwing in a wild-card to the mix, Wells creates a few uneasy alliances which should have a big payoff later. The issue ends on a great note to move things forward as desperate times call for desperate measures.
Romita JR and Hanna bring excellent storytelling to the pages of this chapter. Fans are greeted to a huge two-page full spread showing the conflict between Crime-Master and Ringmaster. This is matched with another two-page spread announcing the heroes’ arrival to the conflict. The art captures the impact of the returning character to raise up the writing. Seeing the frustration and anxiousness this character creates solidifies the importance of what they’re bringing. The final pages reflect that, even with sneaking in a quip on the way out.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #39 by Zeb Wells, John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna, Marcio Menyz and Joe Caramagna (Credit: Marvel Entertainment - cover: Lee Garbett)
FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10
“Gang War” launches Peter Parker and friends into the conflict head-on with a great introduction. Wells, Romita jr, Hanna and the team construct excellent action with high-stakes drama to give readers a great read for New Comic Book Day!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Amazing Spider-Man #39. Thanks for reading!
