AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #17 (marvel comics)
Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is a long way from home.
Since his defeat at the hands of Hellgate, Peter Parker has been trying to find some sense of direction. Winding up in space, he was rescued by Xanto Starblood. His immediate goal was to get strong enough for a second round. While in space, he has fallen into a role of leading a misfit band of characters Starblood acquired along his travels.
Now being the head of the crew, Parker’s focus isn’t so much on returning to the 616. He’s slowly falling for his new life away from Earth. Can it be Spidey has swung his last web in New York City?
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #17 by Joe Kelly, Pepe Larraz, Marte Gracia & Joe Caramagna sees Spidey’s new stat quo in space take another twist.
Let’s take a deeper dive into where the web-slinger heads now.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #17 by Joe Kelly, Pepe Larraz, Marte Gracia & Joe Caramagna (Marvel Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Kelly devotes a good portion of story to the inner struggle of Parker. Knowing that his current situation is based around doubt, it becomes clear how much fear is now in his heart. Dealing with the “relationship” aspect with Raelith early allows the true drama to take flight. Even with the quick dialogue of Rocket scolding the crew can’t take away from the deeper issues at hand.
Nikodimu’s proclamation slowly starts bringing back the hero fans know. The writing pits Peter into confronting the paralyzing sense of loss. This is heightened with Raelith now caught in cross fire. Readers watch as classic themes are used to kickstart this movement. It results in lighting a neccessary spark, not only in Parker, but the rest of the crew. This boils over into the closing portion. Readers leave knowing there’s a new mission at hand for Parker, whether he’s ready or not.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Larraz’s art is perfect for Spider-Man. Even in space, there is a stronger presence on page due to his talents. The opening shot of the ship in water feels like a larger moment than perceived. This moves events from a more light-hearted situation with Rocket into last issue’s cliffhanger. Peter and Raelith’s reactions to their “status” is a fin moment before all the drama hits the fan.
Readers watch as Nikodimu’s presence pops off panel. The ghostly coloring of Gracia cements these panels as impactful. It doesn’t take long beofre Peter is required into action. The art knows how to make every move so electric. This builds into an amazing full image of Spidey jumping into a fight. Even with small flashbacks woven in, the pages bring the conflict to new heights. It ends with a shocking turn that throws events into closing. The final panel leaves no doubt where Parker’s future lies. It’s always a must read with this team on art.
FINAL GRADE: 8.2
Even in space, Peter Parker can’t outrun his past. Kelly constructs a driven look into his latest failure and the impact of accepting it. Larraz and Gracia
Let me know your thoughts on AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #17 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
