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Spider-Man #17 Review

Comic Books

Spider-Man #17 Review

Remember that cartoon Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends? You don’t? What the hell do you mean you were born in the 90’s? The 90’s ended, like, two years ago…or it least it feels like they did.

I’m getting so old.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

Anyway, Bendis is slowly but surely putting together his own updated version of Spidey and his Amazing Friends against the backdrop of some brutal gang violence.

Spider-Man #17 Review
Spider-Man #17
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Oscar Bazaldua
Publisher: Marvel Comics


First Read Reactions

  • Nothing keeps a situation from escalating like adding an exploding teenager to the mix.
  • Nothing fixes a guy’s “I won’t hit girls or kids” ethos like said exploding teenager knocking him flat on his ass.
  • Who knew that Goldballs (HAHAHAHA) would turn out to be such a great source of snarky superhero introspection…although to be fair, having a name like means you pretty much have to be.
  • I don’t care how big Hammerhead is, I’m taking a pissed of Miles in this fight any day.
  • …or not. Holy crap.

The Verdict

First and foremost, this issue should be commended for giving Goldballs (GIGGLE) and Hammerhead some of the most interesting dialogue they’ll ever have. While Hammerhead got to demonstrate a few shreds of misplaced decency, Goldballs (HEH) gives the brooding/self-loathing superhero trope a brilliant verbal smack down.

Spider-Man #17 Review

And then you have the action. Bombshell vs. Hammerhead is the awesome fight you never knew you wanted, while Miles vs. Hammerhead turns out just as cool as you’d imagine. The resulting cliffhangers from their encounter are obvious moments to be resolved, but I can’t wait to see how it happens. About the only thing I took issue with was how little we got to see/hear from Bombshell after one of the first times she’s ever seemed truly likable. It had to happen the way the narrative was laid out, but it was still disappointing.

Art-wise, Oscar Bazaldua is great again. The dude can draw some incredible action sequences, especially when said action sequences get to feature Michael Bay-level explosions.

Do we get to the team up part? Not yet. But the journey to that wonderful bounty of nostalgia has been a lot of fun so far.

Spider-Man #17 Review
Spider-Man #17 Review
Is It Good?
Great action, a great plot, and some (normally) lame characters getting their moments to shine have Spider-Man firing on all cylinders.
Oscar Bazaldua can draw some incredible action sequences, especially when said action sequences get to feature Michael Bay-level explosions.
Hammerhead and Goldballs have some surprisingly good dialogue. Yes, Goldballs.
Bombshell finally seemed likable...
...and just when we all start to like her, she disappears for the rest of the issue.
9
Great

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