It’s been a bit since I’ve read Amazing Spider-Man, but with “Dark Web” approaching, I thought it might be a good time to swing on board. “Dark Web” is the upcoming crossover event between the X-Men and Spider-Man (and a few others) that has them taking on the Goblin Queen and Chasm. Amazing Spider-Man #14 begins to get things rolling in an issue that focuses on Chasm and his motivation behind what’s to come.
Written by Zeb Wells, Amazing Spider-Man #14 is a series of short stories by different teams of artists telling the story of Ben Reilly, aka Chasm. When we last saw him, Ben was vowing revenge against the Beyond Corporation and Peter Parker wanting his memories and life back. In his plot, Ben has found a perfect partner in Madelyne Pryor who is also a clone and having some issues with that. Granted dominion over Limbo she was looking to forgive and forget, but Ben has other plans. The two together making an interesting duo, as both have gone through similar situations a connection I hadn’t really made until this issue. Wells does a good job of giving us motivation and the anger that Chasm feels. But, while the issue does a decent job of catching up readers, there’s still a little bit of backstory missing for those coming into this new. There’s a lot to pack in though and the issue does an admirable job of fitting in so much. You get the basic overview, not the small details, enough to catch up and know what’s going on.
Where I think the issue falls a little short is the use of so many artists to tell the story. While the arc of it all works and makes sense, the art styles themselves vary so much. None of the art is bad at all, it’s good, but the styles are so different it’s jarring. Why this route was taken isn’t clear but it’s something that stands out to me in a negative way. There’s also some styles that work better than others as well, making the difference stand out a bit more.
Amazing Spider-Man #14 is an interesting issue. It feels like something that might normally be a “zero” issue or one-shot leading into an event. “Dark Web” kicking off in a regular issue that doesn’t feature Spider-Man or anyone else other than the villains is interesting in a lot of ways. Overall, it’s a nice issue that delivers motivation but doesn’t quite have that punch that really excites. Still, it’s more than enough to keep me interested in the event to come.
Story: Zeb Wells Art: Michael Dowling, Kyle Hotz, Terry Dodson, Ryan Stegman
Color: Richard Isanove, Dan Brown, Rachel Dodson, Matt Hollingsworth
Ink: Tim Townsend, JP Mayer Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.35 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle
Source: Graphic Policy
