The Amazing Spider-Man #35 (Marvel Comics)
Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the 35th issue of The Amazing Spider-Man from Marvel Comics!
Spider-Man is dealing with A LOT these days. A cousin he didn’t know about, Damage Control creating a hero, and a widening relationship between his Aunt May and him. So just how much more can Peter take? Let’s jump into it!
Credit: Marvel Comics // The Amazing Spider-Man #35 by Joe Kelly (Writer), Francisco Manna (Artist), David Curiel (Color Artist), VC’s Joe Caramanga (Letterer), Ed McGuinness, Mark Farmer & Marcio Menyz (Cover)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The Story
Joe Kelly really is telling one of the best stories in recent Spider-Man history. Each issue continues to exceed the previous in storytelling and how captivating it is. I’ll admit I haven’t read every issue of Spider-Man ever, but for what I have read this one continues to astound me with how good it is! It continues to put Peter into situations we haven’t seen him in before & test him in ways that leave readers on their toes from start to finish.
This issue sees a couple of issues present themselves to Peter. The first is his ongoing personal battle with his feelings about his new found cousin Cormac & Aunt May. Peter continues to struggle with what he feels is a widening gap between himself and his Aunt. He see’s the blooming relationship between his Aunt’s actual son and her, and he feels himself getting forced out. Aunt May senses the trouble going on with Peter and goes to confront him about it, and it turns into a really heartfelt conversation between the two. Moments like this really help separate Peter from other heroes with the human connection he has that others don’t. He doesn’t have money to help solve his issues, or magic to make his life easier. He’s just a guy trying his best in the world and all he really has to survive are his instincts and his friends and family.
Another issue presented to Peter is the ongoing situation with Damage Control and their new project, a superhero known as Agent Griffyn that’s part of a pilot program for the organization and the idea from Mayor Luke Cage. Spider-Man’s had his reservations, but after spending some time with him he presents his feelings to the Mayor. Things get interesting however when Peter gets a call about an attack happening, and once he gets there he finds a surprising person is responsible for the attack. I won’t spoil who it is, but what I will say is pay close attention to who called Peter about the attack. I think there’s more going on to this situation that we see at this moment, and the source of the call isn’t sitting right with me.
The issue ends on an incredible cliffhanger that is sure to have everyone talking and clamoring for the next issue. As if Peter wasn’t dealing with enough stress in his life, he’s about to get a WHOLE lot more. Because with issue #1000 coming up next, his world could be about to change forever.
The Artwork
Francesco Manna & David Curiel are all in charge of the artwork for this issue and it’s some of the best work of the series. It retains the familiar look fans will be used to, while still astounding you with how well drawn & colored it is. The personal moments with Peter particularly stood out to me with how good they looked. The action sequences were great and a true testament to the teams work, especially with the end sequence. The artwork in this series continues to be some of the best you’ll see from Marvel Comics
Overall Grade: 10/10
A fantastic issue that really takes a wild turn at the end. Joe Kelly is setting up for what’s sure to be one of the most memorable milestone issues when issue 1000 hits the stands, and this one lays the groundwork beautifully. A stunning story, together with artwork that’s sure to amaze you make this an issue you should put at the top of your reading list!
