Amazing Spider-Man #599 – Review

By Joe Kelly (writer), Stephen Segovia, Marco Checcheto, Paulo Siqeira and Amilton Santos (pencils, inks) Cris Chuckry and Jeremy Cox (colors)

The Story: Joe Kelly’s American Son arc concludes with the final showdown between Norman and Harry Osborn, as Spidey tries to recover from injuries sustained while he was tortured by the Dark Avengers.

What’s Good: Truthfully, there isn’t a whole lot that happens in this issue, since it is basically one long fight scene. With that said, the first five pages were awesome. The art was killer and the flashback scene between Peter and Harry was masterful. It showed the depth of their relationship and a lot of the motivations of each character. I also really like the whole Norman/Menace relationship. It had a lot of potential and the whole family dynamic seemed set to make a big impact on Spidey’s world.

Kelly told a complete story. All the dynamics were in play that he began with, i.e. Peter’s man-love for Harry, Aunt May’s wedding, and Wolverine’s advice. Perhaps, it came off as overly formulaic and almost text-book like, but it was still satisfying that all the pieces of the story were there.

What’s Not So Good: For some reason, there were three different art teams on this issue and it mostly didn’t look consistent. Also, the last art team seemed to have forgotten that Menace was pregnant. So why the hell did she have six-pack abs and a lean figure in some scenes. Also, remember when she looked like a devil who was so intensely ugly and monstrous that the reader couldn’t even tell her gender (hence the suprise that she was a girl! and Lilly! and pregnant!)? Well, not anymore. In this issue she was a Goblin-Babe with green skin and red-lipstick.

And another thing, I was really getting tired of Spider-Man always fighting past the point of exhaustion and physical durability, where at any moment he was going to pass out or die. Every major ASM arc has featured him in this state and it is getting really, really old. Also, his non-stop trips to the emergency room at the end of stories are getting way too formulaic.

Conclusion: As far as this arc goes, it was a bit of a downer to see everything, minus Menace bearing Norman’s child. I was hoping Harry would evolve into something other than a thirty-something still dealing with his Daddy issues. It would’ve have made this story infinitely better if it was clear that he knew that Spidey was Peter. Don’t get me wrong: this is the best written and plotted ASM arc of ’09. But, this finale was a little lack luster, consisting largely of two pseudo Iron-Mans duking it out during a dysfunctional family therapy session.

Grade: B

-Rob G.

Amazing Spider-Man #597 (American Son Chapter 3) – Review

By Joe Kelly (Writer), Marco Chachetto (Art), and Chris Chuckry (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Since Joe Kelly’s been on a roll lately (Four Eyes), picking up his “American Son” story was something of a no-brainer for me. I enjoyed the first two issues quite a bit (Rob’s reviews are pretty much dead on) and I looked forward to seeing where Kelly takes the story next. One thing though…what’s the deal with having a different art team for each chapter?! It’s absolutely killing me…

The Story: The “American Son” project is revealed as Spidey infiltrates the Dark Avengers by disguising himself as Venom/Mac Gargan/Spider-Man. Harry, meanwhile, thinks of a plan that can eliminate Menace, save his child, and save his lover.

What’s Good: Joe Kelly continues to weave one hell of a Spider-Man tale that takes full advantage of the Dark Reign concept. Watching Spidey take the offensive against Norman and his Avengers is a lot of fun thanks to Kelly’s sharp, surprising dialogue (love Peter’s “Venom” talk) and compelling plot twists. And while chapter three of “American Son” puts most of the politics on hold in favor of some action, the story still manages to move forward at a nice -though slightly fast- pace, especially in regards to the titular American Son.

The moody color work by Chris Chuckry is definitely the highlight of the art package, which is something of a mixed-bag. That said, Marco Chachetto’s work proves to be a good fit for the story. His character designs are strong, his panel layouts are unique, and a few of his action panels are extremely well done.

What’s Not So Good: One complaint I have about The Amazing Spider-Man #597 is that it lacks the depth found in the first two “American Son” chapters. Most of Spidey’s cast is put on the back-burner in favor of action, as a result, I found myself a bit let down by the latest part of Kelly’s Dark Reign tie-in. And the worst part? The action I’m talking about isn’t executed all that well. A few scenes look very good, but Marco Chachetto litters some pages with so many panels that it becomes a chore to try and sort out the correct flow of action. Though I suppose that one could make a case that the panel layout is supposed to reflect Spider-Man’s confusion…

Conclusion: A strong ending keeps the third chapter of “American Son” on par with the rest of the arc. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely worth reading.

Grade: B-

-Kyle Posluszny

Amazing Spider-Man #596 – Review

By Joe Kelly (writer), Paulo Siqueira (pencils), Amilton Santos (inks), Jeremy Cox (colors)

The Story: As Harry Osborn makes his move to the “Dark Side,” by accepting a job with his father, Norman and his Dark Avengers, Peter decides to proactively protect Harry while scoring some revenge points against Norman. Meanwhile, Norah infiltrates Avengers Tower while trying to uncover a story that will out Norman and his corrupt ways, while the older JJ further ingratiates himself to the Parker family through bonding with Peter.

What’s Good: The American Son arc keeps its momentum in this second installment. Kelly has a clear direction for this arc and some of the developments are quite interesting and daring. There have been many false promises through solicitations and editorial interviews that Spidey’s world would be affected substantially in previous installments of ASM, but I have a hunch that this arc will prove to be transformative.

I really like Kelly’s take on Peter as a bold yet thoughtful hero, rather than an perpetually whimpering and wise cracking protagonist. In this issue, Spidey goes full onto a dangerous situation with out a shred of fear. You can’t help but root for him and believe in his character.

Additionally, Kelly nails the bad guys here as well. Norman has become so overused in the Marvel U as of late, but Kelly utilizes the principle that “less is more” when writing him. There are no lengthy diatribes or overt actions that show Norman’s hand, Kelly simply relies on quick dialogue and precise revelations to portray Norman and his motivations.

What’s Not So Good: What is it with switching art teams so soon in this arc? The whole tone and flow of this book is thrown off with Phil Jimenez disappearing and Paulo Siqueira arriving to draw this book. Their styles are nothing alike and it doesn’t seem that Siqueira even attempted to keep the feel from the previous book. Also, there are these weird energy rays that are illustrated whenever someone does something dramatic with their hands that I found to be irritating and odd. However, it should be said that the Venom scenes were executed very well.

My other complaint is that this comic gets off to a slow start. I mean it is a yawner for half of the book and I found myself checking to see how many more pages I had to read. This is the comic book equivalent of checking your watch; which is never a good sign. Sure, the end of this read is exciting and surprising, but not enough to retroactively brighten the beginning.

Conclusion: One of those frustrating reads that has some great content built upon a flow of forgettable narrative. Nevertheless, this is a issue that retains the high-interest inherent in this arc. Kelly possibly pulled-off the impossible for me in the fact that I’m thoroughly enjoying Spidey’s supporting cast. I am really interested in how this arc will progress and what will transpire in the coming pages. However, Phil Jimenez’s absence thoroughly tempers this excitement.

Grade: B-

-Rob G.

Amazing Spider-Man # 595 – Review

By Joe Kelly (writer), Phil Jimenez (pencils), Andy Lanning (inks), Chris Chuckry (colors)

The Story: The living specter of the Green Goblin bears down into Pete’s life as Norman Osborn tries to play father-of-the-year by offering a job to Harry. Speaking of screwed up family issues, Peter and JJ, soon-to-be brothers, attend the celebration of Aunt May’s and JJ Sr.’s engagement at the mayor’s mansion.  Peter decides to take a hands-on approach to Norman and during his smack-down, he receives disturbing news as his worst fears are realized.

What’s Good: This issue effectively sets up what the arc American Son, will be dealing with. While this issue isn’t groundbreaking or outrageously good, I’m excited for this 5 issue run by Joe Kelly. The characters are in place, the momentum is laid down, and the many plot threads are in the loom.

I am thrilled to report that Peter’s supporting cast actually helps this story along, rather than bring it into the mud, like in the past issues when you were getting mere attempts of injecting the rag-tag team of Brand New Day associates into this series. Joe Kelly does a great job of making Peter’s friends, family, and associates seem important and interesting. The soap-opera angle of ASM is starting to click, finally. Also, Kelly has a natural take on Peter that works very well, as the character stays consistent and entertaining.

Phil Jimenez is handling pencils on this arc, and minus a few action scenes that take place in a vacuum of setting and form, this comic is drawn great. I appreciate his character designs that stay true to form while still retaining some subtle difference that make the same old characters unique and fresh. There is no doubt that Jimenez was the right man for the job, as his work — specifically the characters’ facial expressions, were  more telling than the text.

What’s Not So Good: I have a personal message for comic book creators: Barack Obama won the election—months ago! I got it, your guy won, America might be better for it, congrats! Can we not move on? Seriously, the scene with Wolverine and Spidey dissing Bush and then fist-bumping as if we are in the middle of an election (or Obama even ran against Bush) was probably the most irritating and corny thing I’ve read this year. Not to mention the fact that  Wolverine strikes me as a Republican, no? Unlike Kelly, I’m not trying to make a political point here about who is good or who is bad, I’m just saying, its time to move on. Anyway, aren’t comics supposed to challenge the status quo, no matter who is in office, rather than playing cheerleader to any political party?

As far as the story itself, without giving too much away, Harry’s change of heart seemed to be a little contrived. The thing he was so emotional about is something that he has and has been through before already with Liz (hint, hint). So, why is he all mushy now? Additionally, some of the dialogue was a bit too terse and quick, and I had to reread certain panels a couple of times to really get what was being said.

Conclusion: A nice start to an interesting and exciting arc that is poised to make substantial changes to Spidey’s world. I recommend to anyone who is waiting to jump into this series to make the plunge now. I expect good things from the creative team, as I’m already looking forward to seeing how things play out.

Grade: B

-Rob G