Spider-Man is rich, owns a corporation and goes on global missions now. It’s a big change, but what about his supporting cast? All different too! I guess Marvel really is “All-New” and “All-Different”, but is it good?
Amazing Spider-Man #3 (Marvel Comics)
Spider-Man works for S.H.I.E.L.D. now, or at least helps them on missions. His global Parker Industries internet is of interest to terrorist groups so it makes sense they’d be working together. In the wrong hands the entire economy could fall. Last issue Spidey infiltrated the Zodiac underwater base in order to track down their global bases to take them down for good. This issue opens with Spidey going toe to toe with the Human Torch.
Unearned…
Why does this comic book matter?
He’s arguably the biggest superhero on the planet. Peter Parker has never been on top like this and it’s fun to see how the universe has changed as we wait to see what exactly happened at the end of Secret Wars.
So they are Star Trek fans.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Dan Slott has written himself an interesting new villainous group that’s trying to find its identity. They are a serious threat, but at the same time there’s a cookiness that’s fun to read. In just the first three pages you get a sense of great power, but also some nonchalant bro-dude behavior.
Meanwhile the story element introduced here that involved the Fantastic Four is interesting and a bit sweet. It’s a nice throwback to the old days when Spider-Man was brand new.
The art by Giuseppe Camuncoli continues to be solid as well. The Human Torch vs. Spidey fight looks great and the Zodiac layer is quite creepy. It’s a perfect balance of showing us details, but not showing enough to know what the deal is with the place. Is it just lit up like a Christmas tree or a missile base?
It can’t be perfect can it?
I had a hard time enjoying this issue mostly because the humor was lacking. The last two issues were downright hilarious, but the humor pretty much disappears after the first page here. This might be due to Slott trying to instill some sorrow for the Fantastic Four, but it doesn’t make the reading that enjoyable. Instead, much of this feels like plot progression and forced relationships. What do I mean by that? Well we see J.J. Jameson and a Harry Osborn in this issue, but they’re sort of just thrown in and we have to get a read on their relationship to Peter. Because no time is spent with them or who they are now, it doesn’t feel earned.
Why Human Torch has to fight Peter is also silly. Aren’t they friends? It makes the whole fight feel contrived and pointless like most hero vs. hero battles.
Are we supposed to take this seriously?
Is It Good?
This issue lacks the humor that made the first two issues so much fun to read. The plot progresses sure, and the Fantastic Four bits are heartfelt, but it otherwise falls flat.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
