Amazing Spider-Man

ASM #615 - Spidey in all that X-Mas get-up is rather, to quote Nat King, "unforgettable." Fred Van Lente really gets it. He still shoots for the classic rogue feel of the book with his update of Sandman, like Electro, both sympathizing and empowering another long lost villain. The difference here, is the script feels more contemporary than the golden age exclamation-enthused dialogue from Waid. The book also steers into Batman territory with Spidey in the role of detective. I guess the scarf, muffs and beanie go along with the new Sherlock Holmes coming out Dec. 25. And you gotta love the art from Pulido, since it captures both the transcedental gadgets of Sherlock Spidey and the wintery environment of the holiday season. Looking forward to the wrap-up Wednesday.

4/5 - Superb

ASM #616

Van Lente concludes another well-confined story arc during ASM's Gauntlet-era, scaring comic fans across the board into negative thinking. This is the type of paranoia Spidey fans have had ever since Brand New Day; yet I don't think with this current crop of artists and writers that we should be worried anytime soon. I'm not so sure how Vulture's daughter is going to fair in this whole saga of recapturing the essence of Spidey's rogues; otherwise, this upcoming Rhino arc should be better than Electro's and as good as this Sandman.

The highlight in the last 2 books has been the art. None better than in this issue where Pulido alternates Sandman's forms into landscapes, buildings, random sand-weapons/traps, and several modified Sandmen. These clones are amusing, despite all having the same skull-pad as Norman. With plenty of goodness--showcased by Pulido's gawdy retro pencils--the impressive writing that ties in re-enthused villains and sharp morals continues.

4/5 - Yup.

LOOSECANNON wrote:ASM #616

Van Lente concludes another well-confined story arc during ASM's Gauntlet-era, scaring comic fans across the board into negative thinking. This is the type of paranoia Spidey fans have had ever since Brand New Day; yet I don't think with this current crop of artists and writers that we should be worried anytime soon. I'm not so sure how Vulture's daughter is going to fair in this whole saga of recapturing the essence of Spidey's rogues; otherwise, this upcoming Rhino arc should be better than Electro's and as good as this Sandman.

The highlight in the last 2 books has been the art. None better than in this issue where Pulido alternates Sandman's forms into landscapes, buildings, random sand-weapons/traps, and several modified Sandmen. These clones are amusing, despite all having the same skull-pad as Norman. With plenty of goodness--showcased by Pulido's gawdy retro pencils--the impressive writing that ties in re-enthused villains and sharp morals continues.

4/5 - Yup.

Agreed. The Gauntlet has been pretty damn good overall. I liked seeing Sandman's expanded abilities, especially since they come with the downside of a fractured psyche. Then the stuff with the little girl was good too...just shows that even when Spidey does the right thing here, doesn't always mean its gonna be a happy ending. Yeah and the art was superb, very Kirby-esque.

Spider-Man in 2010

Whatever....

They said the same thing about the Red Headed Stranger arch, and got nothing from it.

ASM #617

This is the best issue of Amazing since American Son. It's the cherry on the top for Joe Kelly, whose writing of the web-slinger has been damn near perfect in recent months. His characterization of the rebirth of Rhino, a man now going the 'straight and narrow', feels just as great. Over time, women have changed many men's lives, for better or for worse. To hear a story so positively in a comic, despite obvious obstacles that could steer Aleksei toward another life of crime, is just touching.

To complete, the art screams a more detailed version of Tim Sale, which could give some readers the shivers of Spider-Man: Blue. Even during such events in the issue like Michelle's "little friend" surprise for Parker and the huge Casino parlor blowout, Kelly's story feels as classically as the New Years feeling it gives. I also want to give this book many kudos for Spidey's opening dialogue (have to admit I felt all-too similiar a couple weeks ago!) and for an excellent back-up that gives the "new" Rhino even more character development. If you're going to charge us the extra dollar, do things like this. The Romita-inspired art might have some thinking it's another one of those "thrown-in" reprints; but trust me, it's not. It's just wonderful.

4.5/5 Webs - Near-classic issue of Amazing. After nearly 20-25 quality issues, it's far too late to remind those sleeping that the title is back. Accept it.

^^^^ Could not have said it better myself.

LOOSECANNON wrote:ASM #617

This is the best issue of Amazing since American Son. It's the cherry on the top for Joe Kelly, whose writing of the web-slinger has been damn near perfect in recent months. His characterization of the rebirth of Rhino, a man now going the 'straight and narrow', feels just as great. Over time, women have changed many men's lives, for better or for worse. To hear a story so positively in a comic, despite obvious obstacles that could steer Aleksei toward another life of crime, is just touching.

To complete, the art screams a more detailed version of Tim Sale, which could give some readers the shivers of Spider-Man: Blue. Even during such events in the issue like Michelle's "little friend" surprise for Parker and the huge Casino parlor blowout, Kelly's story feels as classically as the New Years feeling it gives. I also want to give this book many kudos for Spidey's opening dialogue (have to admit I felt all-too similiar a couple weeks ago!) and for an excellent back-up that gives the "new" Rhino even more character development. If you're going to charge us the extra dollar, do things like this. The Romita-inspired art might have some thinking it's another one of those "thrown-in" reprints; but trust me, it's not. It's just wonderful.

4.5/5 Webs - Near-classic issue of Amazing. After nearly 20-25 quality issues, it's far too late to remind those sleeping that the title is back. Accept it.

I have to wholeheartedly agree with your points. Gotta love this humanizing of one of Spidey's long time punching bags. Really feel for him and his reformation via love.

617 was a really good issue. And I liked the art a lot.

LOOSECANNON wrote:ASM #617

This is the best issue of Amazing since American Son. It's the cherry on the top for Joe Kelly, whose writing of the web-slinger has been damn near perfect in recent months. His characterization of the rebirth of Rhino, a man now going the 'straight and narrow', feels just as great. Over time, women have changed many men's lives, for better or for worse. To hear a story so positively in a comic, despite obvious obstacles that could steer Aleksei toward another life of crime, is just touching.

To complete, the art screams a more detailed version of Tim Sale, which could give some readers the shivers of Spider-Man: Blue. Even during such events in the issue like Michelle's "little friend" surprise for Parker and the huge Casino parlor blowout, Kelly's story feels as classically as the New Years feeling it gives. I also want to give this book many kudos for Spidey's opening dialogue (have to admit I felt all-too similiar a couple weeks ago!) and for an excellent back-up that gives the "new" Rhino even more character development. If you're going to charge us the extra dollar, do things like this. The Romita-inspired art might have some thinking it's another one of those "thrown-in" reprints; but trust me, it's not. It's just wonderful.

4.5/5 Webs - Near-classic issue of Amazing. After nearly 20-25 quality issues, it's far too late to remind those sleeping that the title is back. Accept it.

Great review, my sentiments exactly. Joe Kelly is a genius of a Spidey writer. His characterization of Peter is absolutely dead on, and his comedic timing for Spidey is just perfect. I also loved what he did with both Norah and Rhino in this issue. Norah is a very eccentric character that works so well with Pete, I almost hope to see them develop some kind of relationship lol. And of course the character work on Rhino and his new life was just moving. The backup story of how Rhino got to where he is was great too. Oh and really good call on the art comparison to Tim Sale! This was easily one of the best single-issue stories I've read in a long long time.

Two weeks in a row, no discussion of Spider-Man...

ASM #618 & 619

I don't have a whole lot of time to get in-depth, so I'll just say I liked last week's issue better. Mr. Negative was definitely the highlight for me; this newer issue with the weird robot-grandpa just didn't do it. While I like that Spidey's taking a "break" from conquering old foes into taking down the Maggia mob acts, you can't help but feel these issues are a blip on the scale when comparing to the Gauntlet goodness from Van Lente and Kelly (this arc is beating Waid's, IMO).

Slott started something, but with the strange omnipresence of Mysterio, I can't help but feel he missed the boat on this one. And I'm a big fan of the Steve Ditko-inspired art from Marcos Martin. Guess we'll have to see how this concludes.

3.5/5 and 3/5 B&B, respectively - Not bad, and there's some pretty witty stuff from Slott, but lacks in comparison to the past few issues.

I think my favorite part of this arc has been the art

I'm digging the arc so far.

Ditto, I'm diggin the story and art. Good to see a good old fashion mob war with Spidey in the middle. I loved seeing Spidey's reaction to thinking he killed somebody, shows what separates him from guys like Wolverine. Mysterio is really working one over on him, he knows exactly what would throw Spidey off his game.

Oh and Mr. Negative has turned Aunt May into a total bitch!

Agreed ^ It actually reminds of the Spectacular Spider-Man cartoon.

And I love Mr. Negatives henchmen wearing those masks, it's very "Batman" and I love those the whole themed goon schtick.

i am really liking spiderman but isn't mysterio dead?

Amazing Spider-Man #620

For the past two weeks I was worried that Dan Slott's time as Spidey scribe had worn out its welcome. With fun, Gauntlet-driven arcs from Waid, Van Lente and Kelly, would BND pioneer be the one to screw it up? Not a chance. I'm very pleased to tell everyone that this issue is the best in an arc that was never entirely mediocre, just not as stellar vis-a-vis recent issues. Dan Slott adds much-needed humor to the Mysterio storyline that otherwise took itself too seriously--I mean, seriously, look at the villains--yet never let go of the high stakes.

The $&%# really hits the fan mid-issue, as well as other several eye-widened occasions, never giving readers reason to turn from the gorgeous art from Marcos Martin and Javier Pulido. Even with Slott regaining the voice that made his Mighty Avengers run so endearing, the art easily steals the show. Martin and Pulido emulate the classic Spider-Man senses of Ditko and Sale, all the while adding their own twist on mafia horror to the mix. With all the elements under control, ASM #620 is a satisfying conclusion to an arc that initially left me unimpressed.

4/5 Bags&Boards - The Gauntlet keeps on a tickin' and keeps on a lickin'

LOOSECANNON wrote:Amazing Spider-Man #620

For the past two weeks I was worried that Dan Slott's time as Spidey scribe had worn out its welcome. With fun, Gauntlet-driven arcs from Waid, Van Lente and Kelly, would BND pioneer be the one to screw it up? Not a chance. I'm very pleased to tell everyone that this issue is the best in an arc that was never entirely mediocre, just not as stellar vis-a-vis recent issues. Dan Slott adds much-needed humor to the Mysterio storyline that otherwise took itself too seriously--I mean, seriously, look at the villains--yet never let go of the high stakes.

The $&%# really hits the fan mid-issue, as well as other several eye-widened occasions, never giving readers reason to turn from the gorgeous art from Marcos Martin and Javier Pulido. Even with Slott regaining the voice that made his Mighty Avengers run so endearing, the art easily steals the show. Martin and Pulido emulate the classic Spider-Man senses of Ditko and Sale, all the while adding their own twist on mafia horror to the mix. With all the elements under control, ASM #620 is a satisfying conclusion to an arc that initially left me unimpressed.

4/5 Bags&Boards - The Gauntlet keeps on a tickin' and keeps on a lickin'

Yeah great stuff. With "The Gauntlet" I like that we're getting self-contained stories focusing on classic Spidey foes, yet they still tie together with the Kraven family recruiting them.

Has anyone here read Stan Lee Meets Spider-Man? If you have, do you agree with me thinking that Olivier Coipel would make an absolutely fantastic artist on ASM? He just brings that Romita-jazz feeling to the book with near ease and it just blew me away. I know that he's the big Thor artist at the moment, but I think he could be become one of the big Spidey artists. Because that art, it just blew me away.


Much larger version here: http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs22/f/2008/002/0/f/spider_man_meets_stan_lee_pg_5_by_MarkMorales.jpg

This ad gives me hope again for ASM...



Seems like they want to make things right and get some of their readers back. Until they do, Make Mine DC.

ASM #621

Call me underwhelmed. That said, Dan Slott does incorporate all the pieces in place in pushing the ASM saga: Pete hitting the brink with Mr. Negative, Carlie/Daddy resolution, Mary Jane/Harry sighting, and even more of Aunt May's newly-influenced attitude. Those subplots go just fine if you're looking for a typical roundabout Spider-Man story. But, being that this is The Gauntlet, Slott fails for the most part in taking these titillating pieces and delivering them with a bang. He doesn't capitalize on the steamy "teamwork" of Spidey and Black Cat that Kelly developed recently either. Otherwise, the dialogue in this particular issue is solid. Also, some of these dramatic beats take away from a much built-up encounter with Mr. Negative.

Don't get me wrong, the book is still an adequate read. I guess my hopes were higher than normal with my 4-star reaction to last week's ish. That, and former Daredevil artist Michael Lark jumps on board for the sketching. As good as Lark is at noiring Spidey for a week, it's not enough to take the book over the top. But, if you're a bit curious of Lark's loose, neorealistic take on the world wide Web for a change, I won't steer you otherwise.

3/5 Bags&Boards - Solidly pushes ASM's threads forward; underwhelms in closing the arc

ASM #622

The Gauntlet has been a far more relentless status-quo opportunity for the Web writers than I thought. Spider-Man readers have been blessed. Yet, while all the Spidey-churning villain refurbs and the frantic action that follows has been enjoyable, a breather like #622 was clearly needed. When interrupting an "event" so likable, don't expect fireworks. Rather, we get two anthology-type pieces that slow things down, lose the madness for a moment, and allow us to enjoy to enjoy Peter in all his humility.

And there's plenty to be embarrased by.

First, there's Pete engaged with Black Cat in a post-transgression act (we can only imagine), both laying together with nothing but masks. A lot of Spidey heads with more traditional values at home are sure to have a problem with this. Second, Pete dons his best Twilight impression to gain his Cat-sold-blood back from Morbius. You've got to love the man's constant state if naivity.

The second part of the book focuses on Flash Thompson's five cycles of grief, which were already subtitled and didn't need to be pointed out by one of the characters. Force-feeding fans information was regulated some years ago--much like the overuse of thought bubbles. Still, I always appreciate when the Spidey writers take time to update the ongoings of Flash and, thus, the story is an anjoyably simple one.

Making up for the questionable plot devices is the art. Both Joe Quinones (Wednesday Comics) and Luke Ross (Captain America) do an excellent job contrasting their style with the level of story, both in the fantastically cartoony (Morbius) and sentimentally realistic (Flash) stories, respectively. For that, the book is easily worth the $4.

3/5 Bags&Boards - Nothing to go nutty over; all the while a nice interlude between Gauntlet missions.

Pretty good issue.

I liked that Pete noticed the difference from the 90's and saw the glittery fakeness of Twilight that influenced the modern pseudo-vampire kid scene.

Whatever...

He has a job at Frontline so what does it matter of JJJ fires him?

comicgeekelly wrote:He has a job at Frontline so what does it matter of JJJ fires him?

That's what I thought. I'm confused. I heard that they are doing a story where Peter is going to be unemployed. (sound familiar) I thought he worked at Frontline so doesn't he get paid money from that?