Amazing Spider-Man #31 Review

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Alex Ross, Amazing Spider-Man #31, Amazing-Sider-Man #31 review, Captain America, comics, Dan Slott, Hydra, Marte Gracia, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Marvel Legacy, Peter Parker, Secret Empire, Spider-Man, Spider-Mobile, Stuart Immonen, Superior Octopus

Amazing Spider-Man #31

Review by Paul Bowler

Spider-Man faces the fight of his life in Amazing Spider-Man #31 as the Superior Octopus, under orders from Captain America and backed by Hydra, returns to reclaim the company Otto Octavius believes is rightfully his. Spider-Man mustered a squad of Spider-Mobiles to make a final stand at the Shanghai branch of Parker Industries, but the Superior Ock managed to override their systems and turned the Spider-Mobiles against Spider-Man!

Dan Slott continues to keep the curve balls coming thick and fast with this issues Secret Empire tie-in. Otto may have built what became Parker Industries way back when he was the Superior Spider-Man, but Peter isn’t going to give up that easily, even though the New York, London, and San Francisco offices of his company have fallen and Otto has programmed Spider-Man’s fleet of Spider-Mobiles to attack him. As you’d expect, the web-spinning action comes at a fast, furious, and ingeniously staged pace by Slott as Spidey and his allies rally themselves against Superior Ock’s underhand scheme to wrest back control and prevent him from getting his grubby Hydra funded tentacles on everything stored inside the Parker Industries mainframe.

Yes, I know I said I wasn’t bothering with ANY big comic book events or tie-in issues this year, but as I read Amazing Spider-Man regularly anyway there’s no avoiding this Secret Empire thing for me with this one really. To be honest, I had been considering dropping this title from my pull-list. Recent storylines hadn’t exactly rocked my boat, and the thought of these Secret Empire tie-in issues didn’t garner much enthusiasm from me either. I have to eat my words a bit though, as this issue has certainly rekindled my interests in all things Spider-Man again.

The fact you don’t need to have bothered with Secret Empire or cared one jot about it, was a big plus in my book. Few tie-in’s mange this, and for that I must applaud Dan Slott’s superior scripting of this issue. Otto’s journey from Superior Spider-Man, to disembodied consciousness inside a robot, and eventual rebirth as the Superior Octopus comes full circle with Amazing Spider-Man #31, it also rounds off one of the most compellingly innovative Spider-Man storylines in years, and in many ways Otto’s arc has at times proved more compelling in some ways than Peter’s own resurrection and ongoing success story with Parker Industries.

The pedal to the metal – or perhaps that should that be to side of the building – action is all stylishly brought to life by Stuart Immonen’s impeccably detailed artwork, the inks by Wade von Grawbader complement Immonen’s work perfectly, and together with colorist Marte Gracia this issue of Amazing Spider-Man looks every bit as rich and vibrant as the exciting plot threads Dan Slott has effortlessly spun into a web of high-drama and adventure. From the vertigo inducing clash with the Spider-Mobiles, to the interludes with Aunt May observing events from street level, right up to Peter’s final solution to repel Otto’s hostile takeover, and Spider-Man‘s battle with the Superior Octopus this issue is a dazzling example of a creative team pulling out all the stops to realize the epic scope, scale and implications of the fallout these events will ultimately have on Peter’s life.

Peter Parker has essentially been an everyman’s Tony Stark for a while now, which has been all well and good, but that concept quickly began to feel a bit of a wrong fit for the character. The battle between Spidey and the Superior Ock is the big highlight of the issue, and in many respects – even though the odds are impossibly stacked against him – it almost feels like Peter has finally managed to double down on that old Parker luck of his and come up trumps for once.

It didn’t make me want to check out Secret Empire, but I love how Amazing Spider-Man #31 effectively frees Peter of all that corporate paraphernalia and puts him back in the traditional red and the blue so to speak – stunning cover by Alex Ross this issue as well! I’ve also enjoyed the recent developments between Spidey and Mockingbird in this series, Peter and Bobbi are so good together – lets hope it lasts. Dan Slott is onto a sure fire winner here, the resolution of this issue and no doubt Marvel’s impending Legacy thingymajig is a great opportunity to really get back to the core essence of what makes the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man such a wonderful character. Fingers crossed it gets our Spider-Senses tingling in all the right ways again!

Publisher: Marvel

Writer: Dan Slott / Penciler: Stuart Immonen

Inks: Wade von Grawbadger / Colourist: Marte Gracia

Letters: VC’s Joe Caramanga / Cover: Alex Ross

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Spider-Man Homecoming Trailer 2 Released!

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Aunt May, Captain America, Iron Man, Jon Watts, Marisa Tomei, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Michael Keaton, New Spider-Man Homecoming trailer, New York, Peter Parker, Robert Downey Jr, Spider-Man, Spider-Man Homecoming, Spider-Man Homecoming Trailer 2, Spiderman Trailer, Spidey, The Vulture, Tom Holland

Spider-Man Homecoming Trailer 2 Released!

　

Check out the all-new Spider-Man Homecoming trailer! This looks great, certainly got my Spidey sense tingling, can’t wait for this movie!

Spider-Man Homecoming arrives in theatres July 7^th 2017

 

Spider-Man Homecoming First Official Teaser Trailer Released!

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Aunt May, Iron Man, Jon Watts, Marisa Tomei, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Michael Keaton, New York, Peter Parker, Robert Downey Jr, Spider-Man, Spider-Man Homecoming, Spider-Man Homecoming Jimmy Kimmel, Spiderman Trailer, Spidey, The Vulture, Tom Holland

Spider-Man Homecoming First Official Teaser Trailer Released!

Check out the new Spider-Man Homecoming trailer first show on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

THWIPP! THWIPP! Really excited for this movie now!

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Invincible Iron Man #10 Review

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Brian Michael Bendis, Civil War 2, Colonel Rhodes, comics, Frank Martin, Invincible Iron Man #10, Invincible Iron Man #10 review, Iron Man, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane Watson, Mike Deodato, New Iron Man armor, Spider-Man, The War Machines, Tokyo, Tony Stark, VC’s Clayton Cowles, War Machine

Invincible Iron Man #10

Review by Paul Bowler

The road to Civil War II continues in Invincible Iron Man #10, with Tony working undercover in Osaka alongside Rhodey to deal with the deadly threat posed by the biohack ninjas, Iron Man needs his allies now more than ever as Civil War ominously encroaches on the horizon of the Marvel Universe. Get ready for an emotional and action-packed issue of Invincible Iron Man as Tony Stark’s world is shaken to the core.

The War Machines story-arc and the Road to Civil War II converge inexorably in Invincible Iron Man #10, as writer Brian Michael Bendis effortlessly builds the suspense, and numerous plot strands are drawn together as Tony’s plan to infiltrate the biohack ninjas led by Techno Golem, Tomoe, enters its next phase. So, when the biohack ninjas come knocking on Mister Richard Franco’s (AKA Tony Stark’s undercover identity recently assumed with the help of some advanced facial disguise software) door in Osaka, it begins to look like Tony might’ve bitten off more than he can chew. Fortunately he‘s got Rhodey to watch his back. Meanwhile, Tony’s A.I, Friday, is managing his company in his absence. But with the board of directors attempting to seize control following news of Stark‘s apparent demise, it now falls to Mary Jane Watson, who recently turned down the job offer to become Tony’s assistant, to make the toughest decision of all.

This is another impressive tightly plotted issue from Brian Michael Bendis. From Tony’s / Franco’s abduction, tinged with hints of colourful language and a hilarious “stinky” mask thrown in just to add insult to injury, the wry humour and banter with Rhodey soon gives way to the brooding menace of Tony’s confrontation with Techno Golem, Tomoe. Its ingenious how Bendis makes the scenes with MJ in New York proved such an equally powerful and poignant contrast with Tony’s mission in Japan, as billboards, a web-swinging cameo, and an unexpected request for help bring MJ to reflect on both her life and career. The AI, Friday, is another character that really shines in this issue, as her role becomes more pivotal than ever.

Mike Deodato’s art work for Invincible Iron continues to impress on every level. With some concise page layouts that are both elegantly structure and packed with detail, the plot unfolds rapidly between Japan and New York, each resonating with the drama and emotional beats of the other in perfect unison. Mike Deodato and Brian Michael Bendis have infused this issue with a mesmerising blend of action and suspense, as story and art fuse seamlessly as one. Gloriously realized two-page spreads punctuate key moment with vivid clarity, as the meeting in Tomoe’s stunning penthouse and a dazzling test of skill and endurance against the biohack ninjas make our jaws hit the floor with the sheer intoxication of their spectacle, while color artist Frank Martin’s exquisite use of tone and shade throughout immerses your imagination in every scene.

The issue juggles a lot of plot threads and delivers just as many revelations as it does unanswered questions. I particularly liked how MJ’s arc is leading the character towards a much stronger role in this series. Mike Deodato and Frank Martin’s fun cover for Invincible Iron Man #10 had me expecting something more frivolous, however, the emotional impact of Mary Jane’s scenes in this issue are handled perfectly, and it is those same quiet, reflective moments – where things remain unspoken and introspective sideways glances melt your heart – which actually reveal far more than words mere could ever hope to describe.

There’s also a brief interlude with new armored superhero, Riri Williams, Tony uncovers a surprising secret about his captors, and Rhodey is standing by jut in case Tony’s plan to infiltrate the techno-terrorists goes pear shaped. Invincible Iron Man #10 is another incredibly strong issue from Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato, with its plethora exciting plot developments, stunning visuals, and awesome surprise final page, this is one issue on the road to Civil War II that you certainly wont want to miss!

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Brian Michael Bendis /

Art: Mike Deodato / Color Artist: Frank Martin

VC’s Clayton Cowles: Letterer & Production /

Cover Artists Mike Deodato & Frank Martin

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Invincible Iron Man #9 Review

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Brian Michael Bendis, Civil War 2, Colonel Rhodes, comics, Frank Martin, Invincible Iron Man #9, Invincible Iron Man #9 review, Iron Man, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane Watson, Mike Deodato, New Iron Man armor, Spider-Man, The War Machines Part 3, Tokyo, Tony Stark, VC’s Clayton Cowles, War Machine

Invincible Iron Man #9

Review by Paul Bowler

Tony and Rhodey’s friendship is tested to the limit in Marvel’s Invincible Iron Man #9: The War Machines Part 4, as the explosive fallout of the showdown in Japan between Iron Man, Rhodey, and Spider-Man against Tomoe and her biohack ninjas unfolds. This exciting road to Civil War II story will challenge Iron Man and War Machine like never before as new players are revealed and threaten everything they represent…

Iron Man may have called on Spider-Man’s help to find Colonel Rhodey in Japan, but rescuing Rhodey from techno-golem Tomoe and her biohack ninjas didn’t prove quite as straightforward as expected. Tomoe is able to attract and assimilate all forms of technology, including Rhodey’s and Tony’s armor, and even Spider-Man’s web shooters! With Tony’s suits AI, Friday, unable to counteract this new technology, Tomoe initiated a cataclysmic explosion to destroy them all. Now, writer Brian Michael Bendis delivers further action-packed developments as Invincible Iron Man #9 takes The War Machines arc to whole new level of excitement and intrigue.

Invincible Iron Man #9 begins with Tony Stark MIA, shares in his company have plummeted, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg, as Brian Michael Bendis surreptitiously casts a veil of mystery and suspense over what has really happened to Tony Stark. The War Machines Part 4 might not be wall-to-wall action like the previous issue, but it makes up for it with some brilliantly crafted character moments: with Friday dealing with an irate shareholder, an immensely thought provoking interlude with Doctor Amara Perera and the reformed Victor Von Doom, and Rhodey’s return visit to the secret underground nightclub in Osaka to get information about Tony’s whereabouts from its wheelchair bound proprietor – the mysterious Miss Yukio.

The most startling scene is that aforementioned meeting of minds between Victor and Amara, as advancements in her research into Alzheimer’s disease remains elusively beyond her grasp. Its a matter further compounded for her because of Tony’s disappearance, even news reports that Peter Parker has his best people searching for him offers little comfort, but it is the way Doom gains access to her lab that initiates the most fascinating debate of all. The startling juxtaposition between science and magic Bendis strikes in their conversation becomes intermingled with the ethical, moral, and potentially far-reaching consequences that reside in the core of Doctor Amara Perera’s argument with Victor Von Doom, and we are left wondering just how far she is prepared to go to compromise her principles in order to see her research move towards human trials.

Mike Deodato’s artwork for this issue is as captivating as it is dynamic. Deodato’s art brings added emotion and intensity to this densely plotted issue from Bendis, it’s almost as if they instinctively play to each others strengths as writer and artist, and the result is one of the most gripping issues of Invincible Iron Man so far. From the pang of emotion on Friday’s face when she’s asked if Tony is dead, to the frenetic action when Rhodey goes looking for information in the club in Osaka, and the marvellous scene between Amara and Victor, this issue has it all. Color artist Frank Martin is also on fine form, delicate tones and velvety shadows are blended in perfect harmony with every beat of the story, effortlessly drawing us into the narrative, and the Rhodey, War Machine, and biohack ninja scenes are the action-packed highlight of the issue!

Of course, the striking cover for Invincible Iron Man #9 by Mike Deodato reveals the debut of a brand new armored superhero, a woman, and the cover blurb reads: “OK, she doesn’t have a hero name yet – She’s working on it!” It’s certainly going to be the big talking point of this issue, but who is it? I won’t spoil it for you, but rest assured, everything – kind of – is revealed in this issue, it actually links back to scenes from earlier in The War Machines story-arc, and it skilfully sets up some really exciting possibilities for the future!

So, where is Tony Stark? Well, after keeping us – and most of the characters – guessing, that question is indeed answered in this issue, and it’s ingeniously done as well. Invincible Iron Man #9 is a tense, exciting, and thoughtful issue in The War Machines story-arc, Brian Michael Bendis is making Tony Stark’s work more compelling with every issue, it feels like we are building towards a real epic now, and with Mike Deodato’s excellent artwork and Frank Martin’s intricate colors, Invincible Iron Man continues to impress on every level and remains one of Marvel’s best new titles.

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Art: Mike Deodato / Color Artist: Frank Martin

VC’s Clayton Cowles: Letterer & Production

Cover Artists Mike Deodato & Frank Martin

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The Amazing Spider-Man #10 Review

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Alex Ross, comics, Dan Slott, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Marte Gracia, Marvel Comics, Peter Parker, Scorpio Rising, Scorpio Rising Part 2, SHIELD, Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man #10, The Amazing Spider-Man #10 review, Zodiac

The Amazing Spider-Man #10

Review by Paul Bowler

Scorpio Rising continues in The Amazing Spider-Man #10 as our friendly-globe-trotting Spider-Man tackles the menace of Scorpio and Zodiac once more. In a startling turn of events, the 13^th sign of the Zodiac has been revealed as The Spider! Now, after surviving re-entry from space, crash-landing in Paris and being attacked by Scorpio, Spider-Man’s fight for the future will span both sides of the English Channel, and when Parker Industries is also suddenly compromised Peter Parker’s life could be changed forever…

Following a mission into space with Nick Fury to regain control of the S.H.I.E.L.D satellites hacked by the terrorist organization Zodiac, Spider-Man used his emergency web-foam to make a daring free-fall from orbit to reach Paris and prevent Scorpio from gaining control of a mystical artefact – the Orrery. Following a ruthless attack by Scorpio, it looks like Spider-Man has lost his window of opportunity as Dan Slott propels the wall crawler’s cross-channel adventures to a whole new level, in Scorpio Rising Part 2: Power Play, as the stars align and Spider-Man’s battle with Scorpio spills over into the channel tunnel itself!

This issues kicks off with Scorpio on the cusp of victory after ambushing Spider-Man in Paris following Spidey’s fiery return to Earth. But writer Dan Slott skilfully proves, perhaps here more than ever, that even without all the fancy new Parker Industries gadgets and gizmos Spidey’s great power and responsibility wins out every time! Spider-Man even manages to find a major design flaw in Scorpio’s defences, but despite his efforts, the tide of the battle shifts when Scorpio exploit’s the wall-crawlers greatest weakness.

These opening scenes move along at a cracking pace as Spider-Man fights for his life, a fortuitous prediction however forces Scorpio’s hand, there’s also a scene where brave Parisians step in at a crucial moment that resonates powerfully, and we also have interludes featuring an ominous jail break back in New York…

Amazing Spider-Man #10 features some truly stunning artwork from Giuseppe Camuncoli. From the exciting opening scenes, Camuncoli keeps the action flowing seamlessly across numerous locales, with a fluid page layouts packed with breathtaking levels of detail across every panel. The moment where Anna and Brain the robot arrive to give Spider-Man a lift is another highlight, as Spidey thanks the civilians who helped him, before departing with a nod to David Tennant’s 10^th Doctor’s catchphrase as they set off to take the fight back to Scorpio! Of course, as you may have guessed from this issue glorious Alex Ross cover, the main battle of this issue takes place in the channel tunnel – Mission Impossible style – atop the speeding Eurostar train. This electrifying face-off between Spider-Man and Scorpio showcases Giuseppe Camuncoli’s art like never before, and Camuncoli pulls out all the stops for this fabulous, nerve jangling confrontation!

Likewise, the inks by Cam Smith highlights the finer details of Camuncoli’s art, brining a real sense of speed and moment in the channel tunnel sequences, whilst inky shadows saturate the interludes during the New York jail break. The colors by Marte Gracia also shine in those aforementioned moments in Paris and the channel tunnel scenes, with vivid emerald hues crackling furiously from Scorpio’s energy attacks, to a sinister image lurking in the hazy glow of Brains robot eyes, and the opaque tones in a holographic conference call all collectively add up to make The Amazing Spider-Man #10 one hell of an impressive looking issue!

Even though Spider-Man won’t be able to prevent Scorpio reaching his next stop, Spider-Man, Anna, and Brain manage to uncover a vast hidden lair, one whose secrets could see Peter Parker lose everything that he’s worked so hard to accomplish… The Amazing Spider-Man #10 is another great issue in the new Scorpio Rising arc, with Dan Slott weaving in some stellar plot twists into the mix to keep us all on our toes, and brilliant artwork by Giuseppe Camuncoli, this Spider-Man series remains one of Marvel Comics finest!

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Dan Slott /Art: Giuseppe Camuncoli

Inks: Cam Smith / Colorist: Marte Gracia

Lettering: VC’s Joe Caramagna / Cover Artist: Alex Ross

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Invincible Iron Man #8 Review

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Brian Michael Bendis, Colonel Rhodes, comcis, Frank Martin, Invincible Iron Man, Invincible Iron Man #7, Invincible Iron Man #7 review, Iron Man, Japan, Marvel Comcis, Mary Jane Watson, Mike Deodato, Spider-Man, The War Machines Part 3, Tony Stark, VC’s Clayton Cowles, War Machine

Invincible Iron Man #8

Review by Paul Bowler

The search is on in Invincible Iron Man #8: The War Machines Part 3, with Rhodey still missing in Japan after searching for the biohack ninjas that were tracking Madame Masque. Fortunately Tony’s new assistant / life coach Mary Jane Watson just happens to have Peter Parker’s emergency phone number, enabling Stark to call on Parker’s wall crawling bodyguard for assistance. Iron Man and Spider-Man must team-up to rescue War Machine, and somehow find a way to stop a deadly new menace to the Marvel Universe!

Its repulsor rays to maximum power and web-spinning action all the way as Brian Michael Bendis brings two of Marvel’s most iconic characters together in Invincible Iron Man #8, as Iron Man and Spider-Man join forces in Tokyo to find Rhodey. Following a quick flight across the Pacific, Iron Man soon encounters Spider-Man, and together they discover a clue that might lead them to War Machine. Bendis crafts some really fun moments between Iron Man and Spider-Man in this issue. The banter between them is priceless at times, with Tony being all serious – at least initially – in the face of Spidey’s wisecracks, but is not long before the jokes and flip remarks eventually send them on a path to becoming an even funnier superhero double act as they confront Rhodey’s captors.

Tony’s shape-changing Iron Man suits AI, Friday, is also beautifully written by Bendis in this issue, and it feel like she’s really evolving into a major character in her own right now. Friday gets some great lines of dialogue, especially once Iron Man and Spidey team up in Tokyo, and in a brief flashback the AI has an interesting scene with a less than impressed Mary Jane Watson that ends on an especially poignant note.

Having been stripped of his War Machine armor, Rhodey is now a prisoner of Tomoe and her biohack ninjas. Although we don’t learn much more about Tomoe over the course of this issue of Invincible Iron Man, it’s clear that her armor seems able to attract and assimilate all forms of technology, and it also mimics similar shape-shifting aspects of Tony’s armor. However, as Tomoe and the ninjas soon discover, Colonel Rhodes is not someone to be underestimated – even if he has to fight for his life wearing only his underwear!

This is another fabulous looking issue from artist Mike Deodato and colorist Frank Martin. Set against the gleaming Tokyo Skyline and the industrial gloom of Tomoe’s shadowy lair, Mike Deodato has clearly had a blast drawing this exciting team-up between Iron Man and Spider-Man. The level of detail bestowed on the Iron Man armor is astounding, Deodato also draws a great Spider-Man as well, and I love the scene where Spidey’s mask is reflected in Iron Man’s faceplate – you can just imagine the look on Tony’s face underneath. Rhodey’s fight against the ninjas also proves to be a big highlight of the issue as well. Frank Martin lavishes every page with a sumptuous palette of colors, blending vivid tones and inky shadows to bring added intensity and atmosphere to each scene. Deodato and Martin’s work is perfectly in key with the beats of Bendis’ script, balancing the humour and drama perfectly, there is some terrific moments of characterization, and the electrifying face-off between Iron Man, Spider-Man, Rhodey, and Tomoe is brilliant!

Facing jetlag, embarrassing boxers, and a technology that even Friday is unable to counteract, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Rhodey must risk life and limb as they battle Tomoe and the lethal biohack ninjas that are out for their blood. Invincible Iron Man #8, with its exciting action-packed story by Brian Michael Bendis and excellent art by Mike Deodato, is another hugely impressive issue in The War Machines storyarc, and its thrilling cliff-hanger ending is guaranteed to leave you on the edge of your seat until the next issue.

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Art: Mike Deodato

Color Artist: Frank Martin / VC’s Clayton Cowles: Letterer & Production

Cover Artists Mike Deodato & Frank Martin

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New Captain America Civil War Official Trailer 2!

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Ant Man, Black Panther, Black Widow, Bucky, Captain America, Captain America Civil War, Captain America Civil War trailer, Chris Evans, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Marvel, Marvel Comcis, New Civil War Trailer, Robert Downey Jr, Scarlet Witch, Spider-Man, Steve Rogers, The Falcon, The Vision, Tony Stark, War Machine, Winter Soldier

New Captain America Civil War Official Trailer 2!

Check out the awesome new trailer for Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War

The trailer also gives us our first look at Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

Can’t wait for this film, it looks amazing!

Captain America: Civil War arrives in cinemas May 6th 2016

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The Amazing Spider-Man #9 Review

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Alex Ross, Arachno-Rocket, Cam Smith, comics, Dan Slott, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Marte Gracia, Marvel Comics, Nick Fury, Parker Industries, Peter Parker, S.H.I.E.L.D, Scorpio Rising, Scorpio Rising Part 1, Spider-Man, Spidey, The Amazing Spider-Man #9, VC’s Cory Petit

The Amazing Spider-Man #9

Review by Paul Bowler

Scorpio Rising begins in The Amazing Spider-Man #9, as the wall crawlers new mission send him on a journey across Europe for a finale showdown with the international terrorist organization: The Zodiac! Their leader, Scorpio, is ready to instigate his master plan. Spider-Man and his allies must race against time to hunt Scorpio down, because if he succeeds, even Spider-Man and S.H.I.E.L.D won’t be able to stop him…

The Amazing Spider-Man #9 gets the first chapter of Scorpio Rising of to an exciting start. If you thought Spidey’s battle with Mr Negative, Cloak & Dagger, and his own Spider-Mobile in The Dark Kingdom was tough, then you better hang onto your webs because that was just a taster for what’s to come next! Writer Dan Slott and artist Giuseppe Camuncoli continue to work their magic with Marvel’s all-new, all-different The Amazing Spider-Man, as this action-packed new story-arc begins, and this time they are really going to put Peter Parker through his paces as he confronts the remnants of Zodiac!

Dan Slott rockets our global friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man’s adventures into the stratosphere, and beyond, in Scorpio Rising Part 1: One Way Trip, as Nick Fury turns to Peter Parker and Spider-Man to track down Scorpio before he can utilize the power of the Orrery – a mysterious mystical artefact Scorpio managed to escape with during the Zodiac’s attack on the British Museum in London. Now after Scorpio hacked S.H.I.E.L.D’s satellites, Nick Fury seeks assistance from Peter Parker at his New York HQ in the Baxter Building, but the “boss” of Parker Industries is unavailable, fortunately Spider-Man has devised a plan to reset the satellites manually – once Fury’s cleared them some airspace that is!

Yes, there’s a Spiiddeerr-Maaan waiting in the sky (Sorry I couldn’t resists that!) as Spidey and Nick Fury blast off into orbit to take back control of the S.H.I.E.L.D satellites. It’s a move that not even Scorpio or the looped timey-wimey abilities of Gemini could’ve predicted, as they monitor events from Scorpio’s base in Paris. Dan Slott strikes a perfect balance between all the drama and humour in this issue, with digital logos, emojis, a hilariously staged Gravity scenario for Nick Fury, and quite possibly the best built-in play list ever which all collectively make for a sublime blend of action and fun!

Following Matteo Buffangi’s excellent stint as guest artist for ASM #6-8, Giuseppe Camuncoli’s is back to provide the art for The Amazing Spider-Man #9, together with inks by Cam Smith, and this issue is a veritable feast of striking visuals, as Camuncoli brings us some of this new Marvel series’ most exciting scenes to date. The sheer level of detail lavished on each page by Camuncoli and Smith is staggering, from the initial scenes in the lobby of the Baxter Building, to excitement of the Arachno-Rockets launch, Scorpio’s menacing lair in Paris, and the beautifully realized action in space are all sublimely accentuated by colorist Marte Gracia’s exquisite tones and hues.

Everything in this issue builds towards the spectacular reveal of thirteenth a sing of the Zodiac, together with a nail-biting freefall from orbit, a brief interlude at Parker Industries London HQ with romantic and menacing ramifications, and a thrilling cliff-hanger ending. This issue certainly puts our wall crawling hero through the wringer! Featuring a gorgeous cover by Alex Ross, The Amazing Spider-Man #9, with its exciting story by Dan Slott and great art by Giuseppe Camuncoli, remains one of Marvel’s best new titles, and this Scorpio Rising story-arc looks set to be an action-packed thrill-ride of epic proportions for the Spiderverse!

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Dan Slott / Art: Giuseppe Camuncoli

Inks: Cam Smith / Colorist: Marte Gracia

Lettering: VC’s Joe Caramagna / Cover Artist: Alex Ross

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The Amazing Spider-Man #8 Review

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Alex Ross, Cloak and Dagger, comics, Dan Slott, Marte Gracia, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Matteo Buffagni, Mister Negative, Parker Industries, Peter Parker, Shanghai, Spider-Man, Spidermobile, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man #8, The Amazing-Spiderman #8 review, The Dark Kingdom

The Amazing Spider-Man #8

Review by Paul Bowler

Peter Parker has discovered that an old enemy Mister Negative and his gang, the Inner Demons, have been disturbing the designer drug Shade in Shanghai. The drug warps and enhances the users’ dark side. Spider-Man’s allies Cloak and Dagger have already been affected, and have become Mister Negative’s lieutenants in his vendetta against Spider-Man. Now in The Amazing Spider-Man #8 Peter Parker and his new company are threatened by Mister Negative’s plan to invert Parker to his cause, while unknown to Peter someone inside Parker Industries has been secretly conspiring with the terrorist group ZODIAC, and now they must honour their pact and deliver what they’ve promised the organization – to kill the Amazing Spider-Man!

The Dark Kingdom Part 3: Black & White, concludes in Marvel’s The Amazing Spider-Man #8 as the global business world of Parker Industries, with its cutting edge high-tech innovations, collides head on with Spider-Man’s crime-fighting responsibilities to make life even more complicate for Peter Parker. Dan Slott builds the momentum right from the outset, with Dr Yao Wu quickly rustling up an antidote in his lab at Parker Industries Shanghai HQ for the officers Cloak and Dagger dosed with the Shade during their dramatic face-off with Spider-Man last issue. From here events quickly move to a presentation of an award which also happens to involve the Spider-Mobile, or more precisely the vehicles revolutionary green fuel and engines, a technology, which thanks to the funding from Shen Quinghao, will now make the new engines available nationwide.

As if things aren’t hectic enough for Peter Parker, he’s also still pretending to be under Mister Negative’s influence – his corrupting touch only works once and as he already took control of Spider-Man before in the Dark Reign: Mister Negative miniseries so it won’t affect Peter now – but it’s a situation Spider-Man can use to his advantage. Add the fact the presentation also involves Peter taking a ride in the Spider-Mobile with his current girlfriend, Lian, who has been secretly working for ZODIAC to get experimental medical treatments for her terminally ill mother, and it’s not long before her intricate web of deceit beings to unravel.

The art by Matteo Buffagnio puts the pedal to the metal, quite literally this issue, especially when the Spider-Mobile goes all Spider-Slayer when Spider-Man makes an appearance! Matteo Buffagni’s artwork really excels here, if you liked the Spider-Mobile before, you are going to go absolutely crazy for the wall crawlers not-quite-so-friendly-neighbourhood set of high-tech wheels now! Things are compounded further because Peter’s girlfriend is at the wheel, particularly when she has a crisis of conscience at a crucial moment.

The action is fast and furious, as Spider-Man slugs it out with the Spider-Mobile in what quickly become a death-defying chase that plays out against the gleaming backdrop of the Shanghai skyline in spectacular fashion, and colorist Marte Gracia’s exquisite use of shade and tone ensures this is another hugely impressive issue – and of course there’s a spectacular Spider-Mobile themed cover by Alex Ross to enjoy as well! The characters and their expressions convey all the tension and drama perfectly, there are some particularly emotionally charged scenes amidst all the non-stop action as well, and Mister Negative’s grand scheme to expose Shen Quinghao’s past hit’s a snag after it becomes clear Sun’s officers are prepared to deal with the Shade.

Cloak and Dagger also enter the fray once more at a pivotal moment, however this time; Spidey is ready for Cloak’s teleporting ability thanks to some nifty Parker tech. This in turn paves the way for Cloak and Dagger to eventually escape Mister Negative’s influence, it’s a moment which is of particular significance for the characters, especially for Dagger, and I like the how Cloak’s motivation to take such drastic action is cleverly juxtaposed by Lian’s reasons for selling codes to ZODIAC to get treatments for her dying mother.

Dan Slott has crafted another superb issue here. The pace of the story seamlessly hits each emotional beat to perfection. There are some inspired moment of humour as well, including a hilarious Star Wars reference involving a certain Mon Calamari Admiral’s iconic catchphrase, there’s also gets a surprise communiqué midway thought the battle with the Spider-Mobile, and the mood set during Cloak and Dagger’s dramatically OTT closing statement is brilliantly quipped off the page by Spider-Man’s witty aside.

After the build up to the climatic events in this issue, everything did seem to get wrapped up a little bit too conveniently. Mister Negative and his alter ego is still out there somewhere as well, but its good to have Cloak and Dagger back, and it will be interesting to see how Lian’s actions will impact on her relationship with Peter from this point.

The Amazing Spider-Man #8 is an exciting and action-packed issue. Featuring a great story by Dan Slott, with excellent art by Matteo Buffagnio, and vivid colors by Marte Gracia, this is another knockout issue of Marvel’s flagship Spider-Man title, and everything is now set for the new story arc Scorpio Rising beginning in March!

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Dan Slott / Art: Matteo Buffagni /Colorist: Marte Gracia

Lettering: VC’s Cory Petit / Cover Artist: Alex Ross

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