What a tangled web indeed! Spider-Man disappeared after being brutally beaten by Hellgate. Upon his return, something was noticeably different. Spidey was showing a vicious streak in handling his foes. This same sharp mood was seen in Peter Parker.
Once both parties met, much was explained. That’s not a typo. It was revealed that Ben Reilly was posing as Peter. As for Spidey? It was none other than Norman Osborn! What about Peter? Oh yeah, he’s in space.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #12 by Joe Kelly, Ed McGuinness, Cliff Rathburn, Marcio Menyz and Joe Caramagna continues its latest adventure into the unknown.
Let’s take a closer look at what is happening now!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #12 by Joe Kelly, Ed McGuinness, Cliff Rathburn, Marcio Menyz and Joe Caramagna (Marvel Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
This chapter has a more grounded approach than last month. Keeping the story based on Reilly and Osborn helps to fuse their place in this tangled equation. This really helps give Osborn’s new role life. The opening monologue shows how he is dealing with being a hero. Hearing acknowledge the challenges presents a sense of self-doubt. It is very un-Norman like but an effective tactic.
This becomes a larger issue in dealing with another rogue. Their encounter shows how far Norman is trying to hold it together. Readers see how the external demons are the least of his worries. This follows a confrontation of interested parties. Pacing picks up as the action hits. It ends on a very strong note. Kelly reaches back to a connecting plot point. The move eases onto the closing. Once here, a new threat is teased that looks to impact Norman more than realized. Text book cliffhanger finish which helps this chapter.
McGuiness steps in for art duties this go-around. A two page splash shows Norman in action. His heroics are far from flawless. It does add to the questioning dialogue. This gives way to show Reilly some time as Peter. The facial reactions show how Reilly’s performance is starting to crack. The same can be said for Norman’s.
The spider-family crash the scene via half page shot. It leads to a tense conversation. This subsequently rolls into a fight. The two page splash shows Norman holding his own. Even as he battles, the sublime flashbacks are impacting his reactions. None more greater than one in particular. The full page panel stops everything at the drop of a dime. Readers see how far Norman has fallen during the following panels. It leaves events at a standstill before the end. A glimpse into the future leaves the audience with much to ponder when this portion picks back up.
OVERALL GRADE: 8.7
The “Spider-Norman” era experiences some growing pains as past scars resurface. Kelly conducts a look inside a struggling character trying to be good. McGuiness and the team keep things moving with a balance of action and insight. It’s a new day for Spider-Man and fans had better settle in for the ride!
Let me know your thoughts on Amazing Spider-Man #12 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!