CC2K’s Comic of the Week: The Amazing Spider-Man #651

Written by: Gary M. Kenny, CC2K Comics Editor

Every week, there are a multitude of books being released from multiple different publishers. And while we here at CC2K like to provide as many reviews as our limited numbers can provide, there is always one book that is the cream of the crop. Comics are expensive, and so is the gas to get to the shop. So that’s why we’ve started giving you the one, absolutely unmissable book every week.

The Amazing Spider-Man # 651

Writer: Dan Slott

Artist: Humberto Ramos

Dan Slott has made it, “Big Time.” In his ASM arc he completely changed Spidey’s status quo. Brainy Peter Parker has had a ton of jobs over the past few years, from high school science teacher, photographer, Iron-Man’s assistant,etc. Finally, Marvel got it right and gave Parker his dream job: Scientist/Inventor. Slott has Peter taking a job with a tech company similar to Apple called Horizon Labs, and with all huge companies come a serious paycheck. By the end of this arc, Pete owns an apartment in NYC, has a secure lab where he can create new Spidey-tech and costumes, and a brand new HOBGOBLIN.

Dan Slott’s “Big Time” arc has the return of Phil Urich, nephew of the Bugles/Front Line’s Ben Urich (friend of DareDevil), and once the “good” Green Goblin. Phil takes over Pete’s old position as Bugles photographer. He was always seen as a nice guy but lately the goblin formula has taken it’s toll on Urich and after a melt down Phil has giving into his psychosis. Phil goes to one of the many hidden Osborn Goblin dens looking for new Goblin gear where he’s caught by the Hobgoblin. Phil is the only Goblin to has a power called the “lunatic laugh,” which projects sonic waves from his voice. Using this power he kills the Hobgoblin and takes over his title and his position as Wilson Fisk a.k.a. “The Kingpin” right hand man.

“Big Time” also sees the return of Humberto Ramos. Ramos last drawed Spider-Man back in 2005 and became a fan favorite. His cartoon like characters are big, animated and full of personality. I love how he draws facial features and how he crosses this anime type style with a modern spin. Spidey needs a new costume to protect himself from the Hobgoblin’s “lunatic laugh” why not have Ramos draw it. Good Job Marvel.

Issue #651 is the closing of “Big Time” and it was full of action and the death of Kingpin lackey: Montana. Dan Slott, Humberto Ramos, Marvel has really stepped up Amazing Spider-Man and “Big Time” is a great jumping on point. Go to your local Comic Shop pick up issues 648-651 and see a new yet familiar Spidey. They made Pete a nerd again! Yet the more modern, popular kind of nerd. The comic is well written and amazingly drawn. It’s probably the best thing Marvel has to offer that isn’t written by Mark Miller or Brian Bendis. Pick it up!

4.0 out of 5.0