Amazing Spider-Man #558 – Review

By Bob Gale (writer), Barry Kitson (pencils), Mark Farmer (inks), Avalon’s Hannin & Milla (colors)

Wow, talk about invoking mixed feelings. This issue of Amazing Spider-Man does just that in spades. After abandoning The Order (which I’m still bitter over), it’s nice to see Barry Kitson turn up with some outstanding pencil work. One of Kitson’s strengths is that he can draw all kinds of people, not just “the standard build” with a different face (which most artists are guilty of doing). And because this issue features tons of pedestrians, Kitson’s artistic talents are showcased at a high level. In fact, everything he draws in this issue is painstakingly detailed and beautiful.

Bob Gale’s script is harder to gauge. His use of word bubbles with Peter Parker harken back to the classic days of Spider-Man, but in this modern age, they feel out of place. Curt Connors’ self-pity is also Silver Age inspired, yet feels unrealistic (by today’s standards). The Freak, I’ll get into in a moment. And while the return of Menace almost feels annoying, the possible revelation behind his character may end up redeeming him as a villain. Because other than Mr. Negative (who has been keeping a low profile since the first Brand New Day story arc), and that crazy Mayan god, the new villains introduced thus far have been pretty weak.

Okay, so the Freak… Good concept, crappy character. He was created for one simple reason: To lose to Spider-Man in humiliating ways. Why do you think they gave this guy “unlimited lives”? Because he’s a stoner, and stoners are stupid. Nothing illustrates this point more than his death in this issue. I mean, come on – going for Spider-Man’s obvious headfake at the end? Are you serious?! No one in their right mind would fall for that. It’s like being in the middle of the fight and you saying to your opponent, “Hey, look over there,” and then sucker punching them. That’s what Spidey did this issue, and the whole scene was just stupid.

The rest of the issue (I know, it seems like I’ve covered it all, but I haven’t), is filled with some good moments. The crowd reactions to Spidey’s fight with Menace are entertaining, the scene with the snipers is spot on, and Aunt May has a glorious moment that actually made me laugh out loud. There’s also some silly narratives scattered about that come off as entertaining, but all in all, this issue just would have been better had it not dealt with The Freak. Please don’t bring this guy back. (Grade: C+)

– J. Montes

A Second Opinion

Funny, I seem to have the exact opposite opinion as Jay. In this issue, we finally get a satisfying ending to the story of Freak. Or do we?

Before that, we trudge through several problematic scenes with this Brand New Day storyline. First, we see that Peter is feeling guilty for wanting to move out and leave his poor old aunt all by herself. How many times has he moved out before? Don’t tell me they all got retconned away too. Likewise, I think he is more than old enough to live on his own. Later on in the story, we get another confrontation between Spidey and Menace, who I have yet to be convinced is not just another Goblin copycat. Making this scene worse, we are given some of the cheesiest mid-battle quips that Spidey has had in a while.

The last half of the issue is where Gale and Kitson finally deliver as Spider-Man once again faces The Freak, and his jokes become funny and smart. Likewise, Kitson is great at displaying the action in this scene as well as the humor (especially in the facial expressions). The Freak, is without a doubt, the best character to come out of Brand New Day. While is extreme addiction to drugs should be saddening and pity-worthy, Gale writes it so that it is humorous, while at the same time giveing another “Stay away from drugs” lesson without brow-beating the reader. So, to anyone not pleased with Brand New Day, the first half of this issue certainly won’t make you feel any better, but the second half definitely entertains. (Grade: C+)

-M. Staples

Amazing Spider-Man #554 – Review

By Bob Gale (writer), Phil Jimenez (pencils & inks), Andy Lanning & Danny Miki (inks), Jeremy Cox (colors)

Wow, this was a very unexpected issue. With the last two “Brand New Day” arcs, the stories lasted three issues. And while Bob Gale’s run is ending after three issues, the story isn’t over! Another thing that’s changed is the tone. There’s a few running gags still going, but overall, the humor has been toned down and with more attention going towards the plot(s).

Spidey’s bad luck (or the Parker luck, if you will), is the star of this episode. Already on the run from the law for not being registered and being accused of murder, Spidey’s now blamed for assaulting a mayoral candidate, murdering drug dealers, burning down a building, and well, you get the picture. Despite all this, Peter’s keeps his spirits high. He gets a nice check from the Daily Bugle, enjoys a night out with his friends, and even visits J. Jonah Jameson in the hospital (as Spider-Man), which leads to one hilarious scene.

As I said in my review of last issue, I’m not a big fan of The Freak. However, this issue goes into the concept and science behind him. Basically, every time The Freak is inflicted with a mortal wound, he goes into a cocoon like stasis. When he reemerges from it, he becomes immune to whatever might have killed him prior. So if he “dies” in a fire, he’ll be immune to fire when he comes back from his cocoon. It’s a fascinating concept that will most likely pay dividends down the line, story wise.

While the story line isn’t wrapped up this issue, it does a good job touching on all the underlying stories, while giving us a hint of things to come. Bob Gale is to be commended for working things out. I’m actually interested to see where this story with The Freak goes now. And Phil Jimenez wraps up his run with another issue of stunning visuals. (Grade: B+)

– J. Montes

Amazing Spider-Man #553 – Review

By Bob Gale (writer), Phil Jimenez (pencils), Andy Lanning (inks), Jeromy Cox (colors)

Bob Gale brings us another dense issue of Spider-Man! Like the previous issue, Gale packs the book with narrative and dialogue while Phil Jimenez fills each page with glorious panel work. You’re definitely getting your money’s worth, reading wise, but is the issue good? It’s a bit of a mixed bag.

I wouldn’t say the book’s boring or lacking on the humor front. I’m just not really sure if I like “The Freak” or not. He’s a pretty silly, ugly villain, and I find it hilarious that he’s got the dirtiest mouth in the Marvel Universe. But humor aside, he’s completely forgettable and not iconic in any sense. I mean, he’s basically this half human, platypus zombie looking thing – what’s so scary about that? And his powers? He can track Peter’s scent and he’s got super human strength and webbed hands. Webbed hands?! Who the heck thought of this concept?!

Now, if you can not be too distracted by this guy and just read the story for what it is, you’ll be plenty entertained. The opening panel will make you laugh out loud. Hell, the way the cops act throughout this book is pretty darn ridiculous. As soon as The Freak shows up on the scene, Officer O’Neil almost instantly shoots him in the head! What’s up with him not being suspended or put on leave while an investigation takes place?! Like I said, it’s ridiculous, and yet funny as hell.

There’s other plot points touched upon like Jameson finally getting a copy of the Daily Bugle, DB finally calling Peter by his proper name, and Carly’s father running for mayor, but most of this issue is centered around The Freak, his transformation, and his revenge against Spider-Man. I really can’t give anymore accolades to Phil Jimenez. He’s a stunning artist – perfect for Spider-Man. I don’t know if he designed The Freak or not, but I suppose Jimenez is drawing him as well as he can.

As the last page begs the hilarious question: Does Marvel hate politicians so much that they’re going to kill another? We’ll find out next, week! The book is still fun, no doubt about it. But it’s very hard to overlook the book’s one glaring flaw: The Freak. (Grade: B-)

– J. Montes