Deron Generally
Deron Generally
The Amazing Spider-Man #3
Marvel Comics
Written by Nick Spencer
Art by Ryan Ottley
Inks by Cliff Rathburn
Colors by Laura Martin
Letters by Joe Caramagna
The prevailing theme in the life of Peter Parker comes back into clear focus in this new issue. After the failed attack on the university lab, we are left with an interesting development in the life of Peter Parker aka Spider-Man. As Peter and Mary Jane continue to rekindle their relationship with a bowling double date, an alert about the return of the Tri-Sentinel prompts MJ to ask Peter if he needs to go. To her surprise, he says no. He doesn’t have to go because the device that gave him his powers in the first place has split him into two separate beings, essentially Peter Parker and Spider-Man.
While Peter gets used to a life without powers, Spider-Man takes on the Tri-Sentinel. What follows is a Peter Parker that comes to the realization that the experiment that separated him from Spider-Man might have taken more than just his powers and that the him in possession of those powers might be lacking in the responsibility in using them. Something that seems apparent at the end of the issue.
Spencer has given Peter and interesting dilemma in this issue and I’m glad the realization of the consequences of the experiment are brought up by Doctor Connors. It’s a fun moment that is captured by some well-done facial expressions by Ottley. More than one Peter Parker running around is well trod on territory and I am glad that Spencer addresses that trope in the issue. It allows for the reader to move on past their natural tendency to revisit storylines that were both loved and hated by some. Spencer continues to keep the overall story elements light and allows for humor to occur naturally within the story while also building up tension for Peter personally concerning what he’s lost and what he might lose next.
Ottley does an amazing job with the art in this issue. Both the smaller, character driven moments and the action beats are rendered with great care and detail. Each side of this story complements the other really well and I was left wondering how those two sides would reintegrate themselves, the same way you wonder about the character. It’s a great trick Ottley pulls off with the art to illicit that response.
The Amazing Spider-Man #3
