Post by Morpheus on Feb 3, 2011 14:46:18 GMT -5
Amazing Spider-Man # 653
Revenge of the Spider Slayer, Part 2: All you love will die
Story by Dan Slott
Artwork by Stefano Caselli
This issue picks up immediately on the various points featured in # 652, part 1 of Revenge of the Spider Slayer. For you unfortunate few that did not read the previous issue, a revamped and more powerful than ever Alistair Smythe, with the assistance of a re-empowered Gargan as the Scorpion, and an army of bug themed drones target widely beloved NYC mayor, J. Jonah Jameson, and everything and everyone he holds dear. Our wise-cracking hero's interest here is on two fronts, since his life is connected to JJJ both as a a member of Max Modell's think tank that is supposed to be overseeing the taking off of the rocket that would carry John Jameson to the stars, but also the fact that his aunt May is married to JJJ Senior, Jonah's father.
This issue is a mixed bag - without spoiling much, Spider-Man finds himself in a dire position nearly at all fronts, which forces him to resort to calling his teammates in the New Avengers (that's not a spoiler, silly, they are on the cover), to help him save John Jameson, deal with the Scorpion, and face the rapidly moving drones that keep targeting members of JJJ's inner circle. Along the way, Slott does something that is very frequent in his Big Time run so far, he brings even more crazy ideas to the table when you thought our hero could not possibly deal with more at that point. It is commendable, and lays the foundations for future plot threads, but this time it is not done as subtly or methodically as seen before.
Moreover, for better, or worse, this issue moves from plot point to plot point at near breakneck speed. Perhaps that is the true fault: there is no real space for the reader to take a step back, and breathe for a while before the inevitable return to action, all the while processing what has already occurred. And, despite the prolonged length of the issue, nearly all of them are nowhere near resolved. Whether this is an intentional choice, or not, remains to be seen.
As a short, final complaint, there is a short interlude scene concerning a certain octopi related doctor that is crucial to one of the plot points left hanging until that point. The scene rather confounded me, because, while there is nothing wrong with the way said character takes action (out of pettiness, no less), his interest, or even rivalry with Alistair Smythe were not previously discussed, or introduced, which makes it just plain odd to see him enact in a deus ex machina manner.
On the positive note, Slott, even when he misfires, so to speak, never fails to thrill, and entertain. His writing is brimming with imaginative scenes and concepts with which he wishes to imbue the Spidey franchise, without never taking himself too seriously. I particularly enjoy something that, if memory serves right, he has done two, or three times by now, by using situations Spidey handled early (and I do mean early) in his career to illustrate how he intends to deal with a current problem. It's simple, intelligent, and proves he cares about the character to do his research to such a degree. The revamped Scorpion is a shining example of the imaginative concepts I spoke of. I cannot wait to see him in full scale conflict with out hero. And certain scenes with JJJ ranting at the New Avengers, or Spidey talking to Squirrel Girl are bound to cause some laughs that lighten the overally tense atmosphere.
Stefano Caselli is, once again, great, with an ample number of very energetic fight scenes, and almost as effective more quiet moments (even though there aren't many of those), and close-ups. He draws a great Spider-Man, and, paraphrasing Spidey himself, a Hulk of a Scorpion. The rest of the Avengers look equally well, and not rushed into the mix despite being guest-stars.
All things considered, this issue may be a slight step down in comparison to the previous installments of Slott's great Big Time run, but that could also be attributed to the fact that it is the middle point of the storyline, and the jury will still be out until its completion. And with such a creative team, it's hard to bet against it being a winner.
3+/5
