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The Amazing Spider-Man (2018) (Collected Editions)
The Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 12: Shattered Web
Recent events have taken their toll on Peter Parker’s world. In the wake of “Last Remains,” you’ll never look at Norman or Harry Osborn the same again! We know Spider-Man certainly won’t. But as Spidey continues to pick up the pieces and put his life back together, the gathering storms are swirling more and more violently. Mister Negative is back and wants only one thing: His own alter ego, Martin Li! But how is that possible? Meanwhile, Peter and Mary Jane have been through so much, and the specter of Spider-Man has been a constant strain on their relationship from day one. Is there anything left for them to cling to? As one era comes to a shocking end, an unexpected new day is dawning!
Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (2018) #56-60.
Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (2018) #56-60.
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2021
12 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Nick Spencer
996 books346 followersLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Nick Spencer is a comic book writer known for his creator-owned titles at Image Comics (Existence 2.0/3.0, Forgetless, Shuddertown, Morning Glories), his work at DC Comics (Action Comics, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents), and for his current work at Marvel Comics (Iron Man 2.0, Ultimate Comics: X-Men).
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Nick Spencer is a comic book writer known for his creator-owned titles at Image Comics (Existence 2.0/3.0, Forgetless, Shuddertown, Morning Glories), his work at DC Comics (Action Comics, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents), and for his current work at Marvel Comics (Iron Man 2.0, Ultimate Comics: X-Men).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 12, 2023
Overall another flat volume by the creative team with a two comic book issue follow-up to Last Remains, followed by the connected return of Mr Negative; and then Spidey trying to get over of dealing with the Osborns yet again; and all this in a New York with a former Spidey-villain as Mayor! It's all wrapped up with the conclusion of the Spidey is friends with Boomerang story. Still, yet another comparatively average instalment of this run, gets a meagre 5 out of 12 Two Stars for me.
2023 read
2023 read
September 24, 2021
I found these issues about the fallout from Last Remains better than Last Remains itself. These first 2 issues should have been a part of said collection instead of this one. Norman Osborn seems to be legit about making amends for his past actions although Peter doesn't at all believe him. The middle two issues are about Mr. Negative and reminiscent of some of the best parts of the Playstation game. The final issue is hokey. MJ talks Peter into airing how grievances with the Osborns on an empty stage. It had some decent moments but overall I found the setup to be goofy.
I'm glad Mark Bagley is back in rotation as a Spider-Man artist where he belongs. Marcelo Ferreira has some potential, but still too often draws some fugly, scrunched up faces.
I'm glad Mark Bagley is back in rotation as a Spider-Man artist where he belongs. Marcelo Ferreira has some potential, but still too often draws some fugly, scrunched up faces.
June 4, 2021
Another rock solid volume of Nick Spencer's run on Spidey. This book mostly deals with the fallout from the last amazing installment but it definitely doesn't rest on its laurels, with the return of Mr. Negative and the Kingpin up to his old tricks.
The final issue collected here (#60) is very moving, focusing on Pete and MJ, and has a teaser at the end that has me eagerly anticipating the next book.
This may not be the best Spidey run ever but it's been consistently entertaining to this dusty, old Spider-Fan.
My next book: Flying Too High
The final issue collected here (#60) is very moving, focusing on Pete and MJ, and has a teaser at the end that has me eagerly anticipating the next book.
This may not be the best Spidey run ever but it's been consistently entertaining to this dusty, old Spider-Fan.
My next book: Flying Too High
September 13, 2021
Oh boy was this an emotional one, I cried at several parts. This deals with the fallout of last remains and Spencer doesn’t hold back. Honestly this volume reminded me why I love his run so much because he really nails the character moments like this and tugs at your heart.
August 4, 2021
This is actually a much more somber volume than I expected.
Peter is now dealing with the aftermath of Harry's actions. He's trying to understand why his friend did what he did while also coming to accept his own issues. On top of that we have Norman Osborn trying to make amends and seek redemption by being a decent father/grandfather but it won't be very easy.
Overall a cool fallout issue. Peter's growth is nice. Him and MJ works well. The Harry stuff is good. And Norman growing is a interesting idea...Overall a solid volume but Mr. Negative stuff is boring and lame.
A 3 out of 5.
Peter is now dealing with the aftermath of Harry's actions. He's trying to understand why his friend did what he did while also coming to accept his own issues. On top of that we have Norman Osborn trying to make amends and seek redemption by being a decent father/grandfather but it won't be very easy.
Overall a cool fallout issue. Peter's growth is nice. Him and MJ works well. The Harry stuff is good. And Norman growing is a interesting idea...Overall a solid volume but Mr. Negative stuff is boring and lame.
A 3 out of 5.
May 21, 2021
Last Remains may be over, but the fallout will be felt forever. Mary Jane's back in town, but so is Mister Negative, and while Kindred may be trapped behind Ravencroft's walls, that doesn't mean that the menace of the Kingpin or Norman Osborn is over and done with either.
For all the false conclusions Last Remains gave us, these five issues give a good argument as to why it's not a bad thing - there's still so much story to tell here, and the fallout from Last Remains is almost as exciting as the story itself was. The opening two issues really delve into the minds of Norman Osborn and the Kingpin as they grapple over Kindred, and I'm almost inclined to believe that ol' Normie's face turn might actually last for a change.
The Mister Negative story feels a tiny bit like a rehash of old Negative stories (with some of the PS4 Spider-Man game thrown in for fun), but it's still a solid two parter. The real gem of the volume is issue 60 though, which is basically Peter Parker giving a monologue for 20 pages - it sounds boring, but it shows Spencer's grasp not only on Peter himself, but on years of Spider-Man continuity and how it's shaped the character into who he is today.
The first two issues and the last of the volume are all penciled by the incomparable Mark Bagley, who I'm glad Marvel has managed to tie down to a Spider-Man book again. The middle two are by Marcelo Ferreira, whom I'd kind of forgotten about, but I'm glad to see again - his more detailed style contrasts with Bagley's, but they're on separate stories so it's not a huge problem.
I know Last Remains rubbed some people up the wrong way, but this volume went a long way to reassure me that Nick Spencer knows what he's doing.
For all the false conclusions Last Remains gave us, these five issues give a good argument as to why it's not a bad thing - there's still so much story to tell here, and the fallout from Last Remains is almost as exciting as the story itself was. The opening two issues really delve into the minds of Norman Osborn and the Kingpin as they grapple over Kindred, and I'm almost inclined to believe that ol' Normie's face turn might actually last for a change.
The Mister Negative story feels a tiny bit like a rehash of old Negative stories (with some of the PS4 Spider-Man game thrown in for fun), but it's still a solid two parter. The real gem of the volume is issue 60 though, which is basically Peter Parker giving a monologue for 20 pages - it sounds boring, but it shows Spencer's grasp not only on Peter himself, but on years of Spider-Man continuity and how it's shaped the character into who he is today.
The first two issues and the last of the volume are all penciled by the incomparable Mark Bagley, who I'm glad Marvel has managed to tie down to a Spider-Man book again. The middle two are by Marcelo Ferreira, whom I'd kind of forgotten about, but I'm glad to see again - his more detailed style contrasts with Bagley's, but they're on separate stories so it's not a huge problem.
I know Last Remains rubbed some people up the wrong way, but this volume went a long way to reassure me that Nick Spencer knows what he's doing.
July 18, 2021
Cleaning up the newest spider-crossover is (unshockingly) a better story than the crossover itself. Well, aside from the wonky timeframe of the first two issues. And the fact that they should have been in the previous volume.
But we get all kinds of great repercussions of the Osbournes' various antics in the last few volumes: how they affect family and friends, including Peter himself.
And besides that, we get a tight look at how the returning sins are affecting people, in the form of one Mr. Negative, the best new villain to come out of the Brand New Day.
And really, could Spencer have been given the OK to deal with the mess that One More Day made of continuity? That's at least as intriguing as Spencer's main plot.
But we get all kinds of great repercussions of the Osbournes' various antics in the last few volumes: how they affect family and friends, including Peter himself.
And besides that, we get a tight look at how the returning sins are affecting people, in the form of one Mr. Negative, the best new villain to come out of the Brand New Day.
And really, could Spencer have been given the OK to deal with the mess that One More Day made of continuity? That's at least as intriguing as Spencer's main plot.
August 29, 2021
After the hellish dinner party hosted by Kindred, who happens to Peter’s best friend Harry Osborn, the Green Goblin made an explosive entrance, whilst Mary Jane got caught in the crossfire of a pumpkin bomb. Both Osborns have tormented Peter long enough to point he is finally ready to put the Osborn family drama behind him, whilst continuing to pick up the pieces and put his life back together.
However, after Sin-Eater got rid of all the sins from Norman, it seems that he is looking redemption as pairing with Mayor Wilson Fisk (and weirdly Spot, one of the obscure Spidey villains), Norman is able to imprison his son in the confines of Ravencroft Insititute. Given that Norman Osborn has gained his place as one of the greatest Marvel villains, whether he is in goblin mode or not, writer Nick Spencer is allowing the character to show a more sensitive side as he’s trying to reconnecting with his son, as well as his extended family such as his grandson.
Although I’m still coming to terms with how Kindred’s powers work, the powers that partly tied to the now-departed Sin-Eater sets up a decent story about the return of Mister Negative. As his alter-ego Martin Li seeks refuge in FEAST, the homeless shelter that he founded, where he reacquaints with Aunt May, his gang the Inner Demons and the sinful entity that represents Li’s negativity want their boss back. Though the story is drawn efficiently by Marcelo Ferreira, who can draw action, though his character faces can be sketchy, it ultimately falls into a recurring problem with this run, which is constantly setting the next big thing in the ongoing narrative.
Spencer is at his best with this comic when he is solely focusing on the psyche of our hero, who has been through a lot with the recent events, where he still shows anger towards Norman and Harry, someone who was best friends with Peter, only to be a conflicted relationship over the years. In the last issue, Mary Jane invites him to an empty theatre stage where he can let out his feelings. Drawn by Mark Bagley, whose work here reminds you of the dialogue-heavy drama of Ultimate Spider-Man, the internal conflict is more engaging than any external forces and it helps cement why Mary Jane is willing to help her love through this hard time. M.J. may not always be the focus in this run, but when Spencer gives her the spotlight, she shines.
The end of one conflict and the start of another, which is always the case with superhero comics, this is certainly one of the better volumes in Nick Spencer’s Amazing Spider-Man.
However, after Sin-Eater got rid of all the sins from Norman, it seems that he is looking redemption as pairing with Mayor Wilson Fisk (and weirdly Spot, one of the obscure Spidey villains), Norman is able to imprison his son in the confines of Ravencroft Insititute. Given that Norman Osborn has gained his place as one of the greatest Marvel villains, whether he is in goblin mode or not, writer Nick Spencer is allowing the character to show a more sensitive side as he’s trying to reconnecting with his son, as well as his extended family such as his grandson.
Although I’m still coming to terms with how Kindred’s powers work, the powers that partly tied to the now-departed Sin-Eater sets up a decent story about the return of Mister Negative. As his alter-ego Martin Li seeks refuge in FEAST, the homeless shelter that he founded, where he reacquaints with Aunt May, his gang the Inner Demons and the sinful entity that represents Li’s negativity want their boss back. Though the story is drawn efficiently by Marcelo Ferreira, who can draw action, though his character faces can be sketchy, it ultimately falls into a recurring problem with this run, which is constantly setting the next big thing in the ongoing narrative.
Spencer is at his best with this comic when he is solely focusing on the psyche of our hero, who has been through a lot with the recent events, where he still shows anger towards Norman and Harry, someone who was best friends with Peter, only to be a conflicted relationship over the years. In the last issue, Mary Jane invites him to an empty theatre stage where he can let out his feelings. Drawn by Mark Bagley, whose work here reminds you of the dialogue-heavy drama of Ultimate Spider-Man, the internal conflict is more engaging than any external forces and it helps cement why Mary Jane is willing to help her love through this hard time. M.J. may not always be the focus in this run, but when Spencer gives her the spotlight, she shines.
The end of one conflict and the start of another, which is always the case with superhero comics, this is certainly one of the better volumes in Nick Spencer’s Amazing Spider-Man.
Read
March 23, 2021While I feel as though the last three volumes should probably been at the most two, I am still enjoying Amazing Spider-Man.
My issue at this point is that everything that is supposed to end one thing is a set up for another thing, like issue 60 is very good but is also a big set up for more Kindred stuff.
The art is very good, Mark Bagely does a few issues and covers.
Mister Negative is back, Kingpin is doing something (For the best Kingpin read current Zdarsky Daredevil), and kindred is around. Also MJ is up to something so this volume is all setups when there should be some endings.
Building is great, building more is good too, but will it be worth it at the end? That is what I ask myself.
My issue at this point is that everything that is supposed to end one thing is a set up for another thing, like issue 60 is very good but is also a big set up for more Kindred stuff.
The art is very good, Mark Bagely does a few issues and covers.
Mister Negative is back, Kingpin is doing something (For the best Kingpin read current Zdarsky Daredevil), and kindred is around. Also MJ is up to something so this volume is all setups when there should be some endings.
Building is great, building more is good too, but will it be worth it at the end? That is what I ask myself.
December 13, 2021
I..just can't...
Can't wait this stupid mess to end.
And the cliffhanger just adds more salt to insult.
Can't wait this stupid mess to end.
And the cliffhanger just adds more salt to insult.
December 13, 2021
Oddly, this aftermath of Last remains is better than the main story and explains lots of confusing elements of the previous volume.
The 2 uninspired Mr negative issues cost the book 1* though.
The 2 uninspired Mr negative issues cost the book 1* though.
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October 21, 2021Yet another installment in the apparently endless go-round of Peter, Norman and Kindred being moody at each other. At this point I can't even recall how many volumes it is since this series last featured Boomerang (bar one tantalising flashback panel here), fun, or forward motion. The problem being, Spencer has a solid core point (Peter became Spider-Man because of Ben Parker's death, yet being Spider-Man has only put more danger on those close to him; interwoven with that, the wider issue of Big Two superheroes' lives as inherently cyclical/Sisyphean) but the actual solution (Spidey to end those threats by killing Osborn et al) is closed to him. And apart from anything else, surely webs tear, rather than shatter? Also, Ferreira draws Aunt May so she looks uncannily similar to my mother-in-law.
February 20, 2022
This collection deals mostly with the aftermath of the previous. Peter is clearly with some intense PTSD after having been killed over and over by his 'best friend' and having to protect his friends and family YET AGAIN.
Through it all, we see cracks in the armor that is 'One More Day'. Soul tampering is a no-no and we'll see how much is revealed.
Bonus: waiting for Kindred to be revealed as a clone. lol
Through it all, we see cracks in the armor that is 'One More Day'. Soul tampering is a no-no and we'll see how much is revealed.
Bonus: waiting for Kindred to be revealed as a clone. lol
June 14, 2023
This is more of an epilogue to the primary story of the Spencer run than actually something that will still have a few twists and turns headed on. Harry Osborn is seemingly identified as Kindred and the Kingpin reveals he's had an alliance with Norman the entire time. We get some good Mr. Negative stuff as well, very reminescent of the PS4 game. Strangely, the best part of the book is Peter Parker airing his greviances about the Osborn family and how they have ruined his life for about twenty-pages that is surprisingly powerful and emotional.
September 14, 2022
i see some great character development for Peter Parker i don't know if it will last in the future but it was a nice volume.
May 31, 2025
Nick Spencer's big, overarching story of Kindred that has been around for months is still a struggle to comprehend but this volume does get better as there are some great human scenes between Peter/MJ and Norman/Normie. The mysteries here are still so vague that they're bothersome. I still desperately want answers to make sense and that's been slow to happen. I also enjoyed the Mister Negative story but not sure I like where his story is going. The book is still paced terribly as I think Spencer's dialogue far exceeds his plots. Another solid artistic effort here. Overall, some really good conversations here but as a plot, not so much.
May 8, 2023
It feels weird that they are going back to the hated storyline of One More Day as we get Peter and Mary Jane talking and trying to figure what is going on and we do see that Mephisto is involved in story. We also learn that Harry is back in the form of the kindred which also feels a little weird.
May 30, 2022
Just an okay book. Interested in seeing where it goes though.
May 22, 2023
Oh my god, that speech, yo…
And then I remember the future of ASM and it just makes that speech even more sad…
And then I remember the future of ASM and it just makes that speech even more sad…
August 10, 2021
Nick Spencer is really putting Peter through emotional hell and it's really beginning to take toll. Are we headed for the end of Parker as Spidey? I'm starting to get those vibes...
Highlights:
- Picking up right at the end of the fight with Kindred (from last Volume), we see that MJ is not hurt, but was actually working with Norman to stop Harry (revealed last Volume as Kindred). Norman is working with Kingpin though, and that can never be good.
- We get to see Aunt May working at FEAST, and Martin Li returns, still combating against his nature as Mr Negative. (Question: Was this something that happened in the comics? I only remember this happening in the video game...... I'll look it up.) When he gives in, Spidey is there to save the day, but then Fisk arrives with the cops. As I thought might happen, Li goes back to working for Fisk. His mission? To find a special stone that will give Fisk the power of resurrection.
- Spidey visits Norman and is very aggressive. Refusing to believe Norman can change (and none of us readers believe it either), his anger is taken out on Osborn, causing Kindred (Harry) to smile from his cage.
- A small tangent with Carley Cooper seems to indicate that Kindred may not actually be in the prison, but free, escaping from the morgue... but I guess I'll find out.
- MJ (who is working on a movie with Mysterio, but Peter doesn't know that) wants to help Peter let all the stress and chaos out, so she gets him a stage where he can express all his feelings. WOW... the amount of guilt he's carrying.
- Finally, the book ends with Doctor Strange going to visit Mephisto.... asking "What's wrong with Peter Parker's soul?" FINALLY!!!! Are we finally about to reap the chaos caused by "One More Day" and Pete's deal with the literal devil? I can't wait...
Overall, a great Volume. Very looking forward to continuing this soon.
Strong recommend.
Highlights:
- Picking up right at the end of the fight with Kindred (from last Volume), we see that MJ is not hurt, but was actually working with Norman to stop Harry (revealed last Volume as Kindred). Norman is working with Kingpin though, and that can never be good.
- We get to see Aunt May working at FEAST, and Martin Li returns, still combating against his nature as Mr Negative. (Question: Was this something that happened in the comics? I only remember this happening in the video game...... I'll look it up.) When he gives in, Spidey is there to save the day, but then Fisk arrives with the cops. As I thought might happen, Li goes back to working for Fisk. His mission? To find a special stone that will give Fisk the power of resurrection.
- Spidey visits Norman and is very aggressive. Refusing to believe Norman can change (and none of us readers believe it either), his anger is taken out on Osborn, causing Kindred (Harry) to smile from his cage.
- A small tangent with Carley Cooper seems to indicate that Kindred may not actually be in the prison, but free, escaping from the morgue... but I guess I'll find out.
- MJ (who is working on a movie with Mysterio, but Peter doesn't know that) wants to help Peter let all the stress and chaos out, so she gets him a stage where he can express all his feelings. WOW... the amount of guilt he's carrying.
- Finally, the book ends with Doctor Strange going to visit Mephisto.... asking "What's wrong with Peter Parker's soul?" FINALLY!!!! Are we finally about to reap the chaos caused by "One More Day" and Pete's deal with the literal devil? I can't wait...
Overall, a great Volume. Very looking forward to continuing this soon.
Strong recommend.
September 29, 2021
Not Bad. I have to be honest I sort of checked out on the Nick Spencer run on Spider-man someime after Amazing Spider-Man by Nick Spencer, Vol. 4: Hunted. It just became a snooze fest to me after that arc. Spencer has not been doing a bad job writing on this series but it just feels like the editors are making him stretch out the story he is building concerning Kindred. Nevertheless here we are picking up with Peter Parker aka Spider-man after the events in Amazing Spider-Man by Nick Spencer, Vol. 11: Last Remains. There is not a large amount of action in these issues but we do get some great character moments. Fans are no doubt eagerly waiting to see if Spencer and the staff at Marvel are going to de-canonize or at least fix all the controversies associated with Spider-Man: One More Day. The artwork by Bagley was okay but a bit of a far cry from is work on Ultimate Spider man. There's nothing here that's super amazing just good old fashion Spidey storytelling and sometimes that's all you need. I am definitely looking forward to the Dr. Strange & and Mephisto conversation. The Kingpin stuff looks to be building to a bigger event that is sure to effect all of our street level heroes in the Marvel universe. All in all this was a fun read.
July 12, 2021
I’m getting a little tired of the constant buildup here.
Spencer started his run with a lot of promise: continually fixing issues that have been prevalent in Spider-Man books since the late 2000’s. Mary Jane was brought back to being a starring character, with hers and Peter’s relationship back on track. Black Cat and Spider-Man’s friendship was restored. Peter is finally facing actual, reasonable consequences for the fallout of Superior Spider-Man and Parker Industries.
However, the further that we have gone into these volumes, the more and more it feels like Spencer is absolutely stretching every last setup, reveal, and story beat to as much page real estate as possible. Here on volume twelve, we still don’t have all too many real resolutions to any of the innumerable story threads that have begun in Spencer’s run. You can even feel this stretching within each issue itself; thoughts are scattered across multiple pages, often with a sentence starting on one page and ending on the next. Far too many pages are devoted to one or two splashy panels with some sort of “”big reveal”” or “”epic moment,”” which gets old very quickly.
I will, however, acknowledge that this is more of me airing my grievances with the Nick Spencer Spider-Man run as a whole. To my own credit, I will also acknowledge that this volume is the one where I really started to feel all of these things in full force, so I suppose it’s relevant to this particular review. Especially since, when I really think on it, these thoughts encapsulate my thoughts on this specific volume as well.
To be briefer, and to finish this review, I say this: there is far too much set up here, and hardly any resolutions. It is tiring, even if it is solid enough in terms of both writing and reading.
Spencer started his run with a lot of promise: continually fixing issues that have been prevalent in Spider-Man books since the late 2000’s. Mary Jane was brought back to being a starring character, with hers and Peter’s relationship back on track. Black Cat and Spider-Man’s friendship was restored. Peter is finally facing actual, reasonable consequences for the fallout of Superior Spider-Man and Parker Industries.
However, the further that we have gone into these volumes, the more and more it feels like Spencer is absolutely stretching every last setup, reveal, and story beat to as much page real estate as possible. Here on volume twelve, we still don’t have all too many real resolutions to any of the innumerable story threads that have begun in Spencer’s run. You can even feel this stretching within each issue itself; thoughts are scattered across multiple pages, often with a sentence starting on one page and ending on the next. Far too many pages are devoted to one or two splashy panels with some sort of “”big reveal”” or “”epic moment,”” which gets old very quickly.
I will, however, acknowledge that this is more of me airing my grievances with the Nick Spencer Spider-Man run as a whole. To my own credit, I will also acknowledge that this volume is the one where I really started to feel all of these things in full force, so I suppose it’s relevant to this particular review. Especially since, when I really think on it, these thoughts encapsulate my thoughts on this specific volume as well.
To be briefer, and to finish this review, I say this: there is far too much set up here, and hardly any resolutions. It is tiring, even if it is solid enough in terms of both writing and reading.
July 23, 2021
COLLECTS AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (2018) ISSUES #56-60
This is basically a "Last Remains" fallout collection. I loved the first two issues in this collection, and then was so-so on the final three issues. There were definitely some solid moments, but something felt like it was missing, coming off of the previous, important collection.
SPOILERS:
I can't remember if I mentioned this in a previous review, but because Spencer's run is purposely making us look back at the events of "Brand New Day," "One More Day," and specifically the revelations of "One Moment In Time." We know that MJ is the one that actually made the deal with Mephisto, and Volume #11 of this series seemed to indicate that she remembers making that deal, but Peter does not know what happened. Harry Osborn was dead before "Brand New Day," and there was a surprising reveal page early in that series in which he was alive and friends with Peter, and everyone acted like that was a totally normal thing. I suspect that Kindred is not the post-"Brand New Day" Harry Osborn, but rather his supernatural powers come from the fact that he is the pre-"Brand New Day" Harry Osborn, who has died, and must have been brought back as some sort of demonic entity, possibly in service to Mephisto. Maybe this is happening because Peter and MJ are reuniting in a natural way, and it will undo some of the pain that Mephisto was able to cause with the deal he made.
This is basically a "Last Remains" fallout collection. I loved the first two issues in this collection, and then was so-so on the final three issues. There were definitely some solid moments, but something felt like it was missing, coming off of the previous, important collection.
SPOILERS:
I can't remember if I mentioned this in a previous review, but because Spencer's run is purposely making us look back at the events of "Brand New Day," "One More Day," and specifically the revelations of "One Moment In Time." We know that MJ is the one that actually made the deal with Mephisto, and Volume #11 of this series seemed to indicate that she remembers making that deal, but Peter does not know what happened. Harry Osborn was dead before "Brand New Day," and there was a surprising reveal page early in that series in which he was alive and friends with Peter, and everyone acted like that was a totally normal thing. I suspect that Kindred is not the post-"Brand New Day" Harry Osborn, but rather his supernatural powers come from the fact that he is the pre-"Brand New Day" Harry Osborn, who has died, and must have been brought back as some sort of demonic entity, possibly in service to Mephisto. Maybe this is happening because Peter and MJ are reuniting in a natural way, and it will undo some of the pain that Mephisto was able to cause with the deal he made.
October 25, 2021
Spencer really doubles down on what he started in Volume 11 - having the characters talk about the conventions of the comic world they live in. Peter Parker, for example, says,
“Sometimes I’ll have these moments when things feel different—I’m in the Avengers. I’m running Parker Industries. But no matter what I always seem to land right back in the same place.”
I happen to like this kind of meta-business that allows comics characters to acknowledge the weirdness of their lives.
I was left looking forward to Volume 13, partly because instead of answering some of the basic questions - “How did Kindred get like this?” foremost among them - this volume just raises more questions and throws more plot threads out there. Martin Li (Mr. Negative) is back, Carlie Cooper might be starting a relationship with Overdrive, the Spider-Friends start a new supergroup called The Order, something is wrong with Peter’s soul and Doctor Strange starts investigating, etc.
So it’s really too soon to tell whether Spencer’s run is going to be good. Will all of this stuff pay off? Will most of it be forgotten and unresolved? Will a massive crossover event destroy it all and reset to status quo? It’s certainly good enough that I will keep reading and I am eager to find out.
“Sometimes I’ll have these moments when things feel different—I’m in the Avengers. I’m running Parker Industries. But no matter what I always seem to land right back in the same place.”
I happen to like this kind of meta-business that allows comics characters to acknowledge the weirdness of their lives.
I was left looking forward to Volume 13, partly because instead of answering some of the basic questions - “How did Kindred get like this?” foremost among them - this volume just raises more questions and throws more plot threads out there. Martin Li (Mr. Negative) is back, Carlie Cooper might be starting a relationship with Overdrive, the Spider-Friends start a new supergroup called The Order, something is wrong with Peter’s soul and Doctor Strange starts investigating, etc.
So it’s really too soon to tell whether Spencer’s run is going to be good. Will all of this stuff pay off? Will most of it be forgotten and unresolved? Will a massive crossover event destroy it all and reset to status quo? It’s certainly good enough that I will keep reading and I am eager to find out.
August 24, 2021
This was really more of a clean-up book that tried to deal with the fallout of the last big story arc. Sure, Kindred appears to be securely in the care of Norman Osborne at the Ravencroft Institute but who knows how long that will last. And there's still a lot more that needs to be resolved.
One of the better parts of this book was seeing Mary Jane and Peter more or less back together again. After years of being apart (and several story arcs to boot), it was nice to let them be the amazing people they are when they empower one another. The joy doesn't last though because of course, it won't.
Not quite sure how long this Norman Osborne without sin is going to last. It's an interesting version of the character that stands a chance to change things in this title in the issues to come. But for everyone else, all the work of the Sin Eater was resolved faster than a major character death in these comics. The book covers one of the bigger baddies being reunited with his sin and that just adds to future complexities I suppose.
So this was a mostly okay venture but it suffers from being a transitionary title between bigger stories.
One of the better parts of this book was seeing Mary Jane and Peter more or less back together again. After years of being apart (and several story arcs to boot), it was nice to let them be the amazing people they are when they empower one another. The joy doesn't last though because of course, it won't.
Not quite sure how long this Norman Osborne without sin is going to last. It's an interesting version of the character that stands a chance to change things in this title in the issues to come. But for everyone else, all the work of the Sin Eater was resolved faster than a major character death in these comics. The book covers one of the bigger baddies being reunited with his sin and that just adds to future complexities I suppose.
So this was a mostly okay venture but it suffers from being a transitionary title between bigger stories.
September 22, 2021
A little bit of aftermath to the big showdown, but it's quite clear things aren't "over". A couple of issues are spent setting up more pieces. I did like Peter's argument with Norman. Felt real, because I've just about had enough of him too. The writers keep bringing him back and he comes off as being overused. I've only been half paying attention to this run so I'm really not sure what Kingpin is up to.
The last issue was probably the best. It's an attempt to give Peter some therapy for at least some of the trauma and anguish he's been through. All of the dialogue just didn't cut it for me but I really appreciate the effort. One, to show that it's ok to get help for psychological issues, and 2) Peter's been through a lot and he really does need to work out some of his problems. It's nice that he and MJ are back together again and Spencer has done a decent job of making MJ fit into this three-person relationship.
I'm curious to see what the deal is with Kindred and what does Kingpin have planned, but otherwise, I'm ready for Spencer's run to end.
The last issue was probably the best. It's an attempt to give Peter some therapy for at least some of the trauma and anguish he's been through. All of the dialogue just didn't cut it for me but I really appreciate the effort. One, to show that it's ok to get help for psychological issues, and 2) Peter's been through a lot and he really does need to work out some of his problems. It's nice that he and MJ are back together again and Spencer has done a decent job of making MJ fit into this three-person relationship.
I'm curious to see what the deal is with Kindred and what does Kingpin have planned, but otherwise, I'm ready for Spencer's run to end.
June 9, 2021
Another great volume.
June 5, 2021
Forse merita qualcosa di meno, ma mi piace come Spencer ha giocato con i sentimenti dei personaggi in questa storia: anche se noto eccessiva decompressione nella narrazione, quasi per allungare il brodo (anche se non capisco ancora per quale motivo: voglia di tirarla in lungo per cuocere il lettore a fuoco lento, oppure per tergiversare in attesa che vanga, boh, l'idea giusta?).
Poi, beh, Mark Bagley sul ragno - anche se non in forma smagliate, forse anche per colpa del colorista - non può che alzare la media del voto.
Poi, beh, Mark Bagley sul ragno - anche se non in forma smagliate, forse anche per colpa del colorista - non può che alzare la media del voto.
January 19, 2022
A pesar de gustarme esta run de Nick Spencer, me doy cuenta que es muy confusa con todo el tema de Kindred, los Osborn y todas las demás tramas. Siento que esta run abre demasiadas tramas y me pierdo al leerlas mes a mes.
Aún así, me gusta poder explorar a tantos personajes del universo de Spider-Man, dándoles desarrollo y utilidad a todos.
Se nota que este run trata de dar sentido y unir tramas de muchos otros autores de Spider-man, redefiniendo poco a poco el status-quo de todos los personajes e historias dentro de la serie de Amazing Spider-Man.
Aún así, me gusta poder explorar a tantos personajes del universo de Spider-Man, dándoles desarrollo y utilidad a todos.
Se nota que este run trata de dar sentido y unir tramas de muchos otros autores de Spider-man, redefiniendo poco a poco el status-quo de todos los personajes e historias dentro de la serie de Amazing Spider-Man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2021
As with the last volume, I was excited when this finally showed up in my library queue. As with the last volume, I was also soon to be quite disappointed. Whatever Spencer is up to here, he's drawing it out very slowly (too slowly). And the artwork is really bad in the early going here--little more than half-finished sketches. Guess I need to learn to temper my expectations--you'd think I would have learned from Morning Glories...
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