CC2K’s Comic of the Week: The Amazing Spider-Man #652
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 #652
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Stefano Caselli
“Revenge of the Spider-Slayers” Dan Slott’s new ASM arc sees the return of Mac Gargan as the Scorpion (a new character will become Venom in the next arc) and Alistair Smythe: The Spider-Slayer. Smythe has recruited an army of people who have ever been wronged by J.Jonah Jameson and transformed them into insect-inspired villains similar to the Scorpion. Mac Gargan (last seen slowly dying from being separated from the venom symbiote) has been transported into a new and more powerful Scorpion suit (by Smythe). Teaming up with Smythe and leading an army of insect themed villains, the Scorpion wants revenge on J.J. and our friendly neighborhood wall crawler.
Hats off to Dan Slott, his last arc really set up a new world for Spidey and now Slott gets to play in it. The book opens with Aunt May, Pete, Mary Jane, Jay Jameson (Aunt May’s new husband), Flash and Betty all attending a Roller Derby exhibition to cheer on Pete’s girlfriend Carlie. Pete’s shown as more relaxed and confident, enjoying himself with his family and friends. It’s a scene you normally don’t see Peter Parker in, since normally he’s late and people are typically pissed at him. Slott has Mary Jane notice this and it’s the first time we see her character as a little jealous.
“Look at Peter. Haven’t seen him like this in ages. He’s so…happy. Whattya know, Peter Parker finally pulled it off. He got his life together, juggling Spider-Man, his dream job, and a girl. He did it all. Just…not with me.”
Before “Brand New Day,” I’d pretty much read ASM just for the small intimate scenes with Peter, Mary Jane and Aunt May. When “Brand New Day” started Mary Jane was out of the picture and a boat load of new characters and revamped characters (like Harry Osborne) came in and ASM wasn’t the same. When i read this little scene with Mary Jane lashing out her feelings i thought: “Wow, Dan Slott way to give the “old” readers some great fanfare.” I’m liking how Pete’s life is forming and I am excited about what Slott will bring next.
Stefano Caselli is the perfect artist to join ASM after Humberto Ramos’s great runs. Caselli had great success with Secret Warriors and his action scenes are dynamite (plus his cover art is top notch). In Secret Warriors most of the villains are also bug inspired and creepy. Marvel got the right guy for this arc and his Scorpion looks sick! On a side note, my wife noticed that Caselli draws Peter Parker to resemble “The Vampire Diaries” actor Paul Wesley. Can you see it? I can.
Caselli and Slott make a great team. This issue of ASM is just part 1 of the Spider-Slayer story arc and the way Marvel has been rebuilding Spidey, it’s bound to be terrific. Pick it up!
4.0 out of 5.0