Deron Generally
Deron Generally
The Amazing Spider-Man #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Zeb Wells
Art by John Romita Jr
Inks by Scott Hanna
Colors by Marcio Menyz
Letters by Joe Caramagna
The Rundown: In the aftermath of a mysterious event, Spider-Man returns to New York and tries to rebuild his life.
In a giant crater outside of Philadelphia, a battle ravaged Spider-Man sits alone and screams. Six months later, Peter Parker returns to New York and while some things have changed, some stay the same including the bill collectors hunting him for his unpaid hospital bills. The things that have changed are significant like May being distant and not wanting to know what happened to him and his friends who have no idea where he’s been.
At the same time, Peter’s friend Randy decides to ask his girlfriend to marry him and wants Peter there as backup because the girl’s father happens to be Tombstone. Tombstone has his own issues as Kingpin’s son wants to set up his own territory and the rest of the bosses are not on board. As Peter tries to rebuild his life and find a job, Spider-Man’s actions spark a mob war and Mary Jane reveals a secret that changes everything.
The Story: Wells delivers an intriguing issue with a great mystery at its center. The whole story begs the reader to ask what happened to Peter that caused him to leave the city and what happened while he was gone. Having Peter be confronted by his friends adds some great drama to the story and having him being confronted by an enemy adds a great contrast as well. The story grabbed my attention with its mysteries and held it with great dialogue and tone.
The Art: Romita Jr brings a wonderful, classic style to the issue that brings me back to some of my favorite Spider-Man issues. The opening panels are dramatic and no one can capture the mood of the city and its characters like John Romita Jr.
The Amazing Spider-Man #1
