Welcome to the First Issue Bin, where I — Ethan Kaye — randomly grab one of this week's comics that’s just starting up and give you the details on whether it should get added to your collection … or remain on the comic shop shelf.
The Amazing Spider-Man #1
Writer: Joe Kelly
Artist: Pepe Larraz/John Romita Jr/Scott Hanna
Color Artist: Marte Gracia/Marcio Menyz
Letterer: VC's Joe Caramagna
Editor: Nick Lowe
When Marvel releases another Spider-Man title it's … well, just another Wednesday. There have been seven individual Amazing Spider-Man books launched since 1963, that means seven #1 issues to track down (the first one's the priciest). Last week's #1 was the seventh, but amazingly, it was no slouch.
Yeah, I said "last week's #1." I got hit with a few things that kept me busy and away from comics! Those things are Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii for PS5. I got it for my birthday and it rules.
Anyway, there's a difference between how Marvel and DC structure their #1 issues when that new series is following on the heels of a just-cancelled title of the same name. DC seems to be a little less focused on continuity, so you can pick up a new Batman #1 (which is coming out later this summer) and it will feel like you're stepping into the world for the first time, no baggage, very little, if any, pre-reading to do.
Marvel will pick up with a new creative team, a new #1, and it will be like the previous series never ended. I don't understand why Marvel has launched so many different Amazing Spider-Man series when I haven't noticed much of a change in direction between them. Most times, this included, you don't need to launch a new run of a title that has been continuously in print for 60 years.
But a new series came about with veteran Spider writer Joe Kelly handling the writing again and Pepe Larraz on art, and it's good — really really good. It's got everything you want from a Spider-Man book: family drama, job drama, relationship drama, and friendly neighborhood superhero drama where no one has to go to space and fight the made-up alien race of the week. It's a good read from start to finish.
Does it treat the previous plot points from the sixth Amazing Spider-Man continuity in a way where you're not reeeeeally going to feel lost stepping back into the world? Eh … There are some changes to be had: Peter Parker is no longer working at Oscorp with his old nemesis Norman Osborn and he's looking for a new tech job. Wait — that's the only change. But it's still geared for people picking up Spider-Man for the first time in a while, a "good jumping on point" as they like to say. It's done in exposition and context clues.
Peter spends a good deal of time attempting to get a job after leaving Oscorp, which in itself is some decent comedy and a device that gets us rooting for the protagonist again (I dread the inevitable job hunt in my future). He spends some time with Aunt May in [non-superhero plot], whups on the Rhino in [superhero plot], goes on a double date with his on-again-off-again gf Shay Marken in [non-superhero plot], and investigates a sinister plot by Roderick Kingsley (the Hobgoblin) and an unseen conspirator in [superhero plot]. It all balances well but I really wanted to see more of [non-superhero plot], oddly enough.
Shay Marken has been done dirty by Marvel since her first appearance. She gets relegated to the Silver Age Iris West role of waiting for Spider-Man to show up for a date, or getting upset when he has to stand her up again to fight crime. This issue was the first glimpse of her as an interesting character with her own agency, telling Peter that they are not officially back together until she says so. I want so much more from their relationship, and I'd be willing to sacrifice superhero fight panels to get it.
Part of that is the phenomenal art by Pepe Larraz, who's channeling Kevin Maguire in his face work this issue. When you're not throwing punches for a full book you have to be able to illustrate and pace the slow scenes as well and that's where a lot of artists just drop the ball. Not Larraz. The "eager puppy dog" Peter Parker interviewing for jobs is spot-on — how many of us have been forced to put on a happy face for a job we really didn't want in the first place? The joyful scenes of Peter getting the job and celebrating with Aunt May are comic book comfort food.
And then there's Brie.
Brie is the best goddam trainwreck to hit Marvel since Madisynn King in the She-Hulk series. Brie is not from New York. Brie is on a date with Randy Robertson, who's apparently on the rebound from his previous relationship with the Beetle. Brie is also drunk and loud and has zero inhibitions. Brie better come back, as she is wonderful. I want to read more Brie than I want to read Hobgoblin.
There's an additional story at the end of Norman Osborn dodging an assassination attempt, but it didn't make much of an impression. The assassin was justified in going after Norman and Norman was justified in pounding him into the floor. I guess it's good to check in with Norm from time to time? Will this be a thing?
In the end, it's Spider-Man doing Spider-Man things, balancing his superhero life with his personal life. The first issue gives us equal portions of both, enough to satisfy fans of witty dialogue and massive fight scenes. If you're new to the series, you might need a breath or two to figure out the current status quo, so fair warning. No Mary Jane, Norman Orborn's a good guy and Peter worked for him, new sort-of-girlfriend, and Rhino's a bad guy again. Oh, hey, I summarized it for you. Nothing to stop you from picking up this issue!
Is Brie single: 5/5, she's on a date with Randy
Does Brie live within commuting range of NYC: 5/5
Does Brie live her truth: 5/5
How many necklaces can Brie wear at one time: 6/6
Verdict: If you were thinking about dropping The Amazing Spider-Man after the last series ended, don't. If you were thinking now's a good time to get reading The Amazing Spider-Man, do so now.
