Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the 16th issue of The Amazing Spider-Man from Marvel Comics!
Peter Parker is MISSING! Stepping up in his absence is Norman Osborne (playing the part of Spider-Man) & Ben Reilly (playing the part of Peter Parker)! Obviously there's more to the role than simply looking the part right? So what happens when both Norman & Ben learn some of those lessons the hard way? Let's jump into it!
The Amazing Spider-Man #16 by Joe Kelly (Writer), John Romita Jr (Penciler), Scott Hanna (Inker), Marcio Menyz (Color Artist) & VC's Joe Caramanga (Letterer) is a great story that has a familiar feel to it, but with a new twist.
The Story
Joe Kelly did a really great job with the story in the issue, and it really surprised me how much I liked it. I went into the issue with not too many expectations and I was surprised with how much I enjoyed it and how much it kept me wanting more. We get to see 3 different perspectives in this issue, and each one of them is unique and is very impactful.
The first perspective is from Norman Osborne, and how he's adapting to playing the part of Spider-Man. Sure it seems like it's all glory & glamour and saving the day while doing what's right. However as Norman learns it's not all it's cracked up to be.
The second is from Ben Reilly and how he's adjusting to playing the role of Peter Parker. For all the abilities Peter possesses, he really has a lot of issues that come up involving his family. Seeing Ben adjusting to this and struggle with trying to live up to just everything Peter stands for and wants was really interesting to read.
The third is from Aunt May, and this is the part that surprised me the most. She has a sit down discussion with a VERY surprising figure that's been a central figure in the Spider-Man mythos for decades! I won't spoil who it is, but it's incredible to see just how much he's changed and how much he cares about Peter.
It'll be interesting to see where things go from here, and just where Peter is. It's an interesting set up, and one that I expect to play out spectacularly. I'm definitely very invested in this story.
The Artwork
John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna & Marcio Menyz all do a fantastic job with the artwork. They really give it the classic feel you've come to know & love from the main Spider-Man comic over the last decade or so. I also really liked the look of Plague Rx, and just how creepy they are. It gives a sense of unknown and mystery that just really enhances the story that much more.
FINAL POINT: 8.0/10
Joe Kelly pens a great story that is sure to intrigue everyone and keep you guessing at every page. Together with spectacular artwork that feels so familiar & amazing you cannot go wrong with this issue!
Thanks for checking out my review! Be sure to reach out to me on twitter & let me know what you thought of the issue!