Comic Review: Amazing Spider-Man (2018-) #21

Amazing Spider-Man #21

Marvel Comics

Writer: Nick Spencer

Artist: Gerardo Sandoval

The “Hunted” story-arc really picks up with this issue. It’s part 5 – or part 11 if you want to count the prelude and the .HU issues – and it is also the second to last issue for this story.
Throughout Hunted, it’s been a bit difficult to figure out just what Kraven The Hunter has planned for Spider-Man, but in ASM #21, we finally learn a little bit more as to why Kraven has yet again targeted Spidey.

The issue starts off with Spider-Man being attacked by a pack of Vermin. Y’know, Vermin, the D-List Spider-Man villain who lives in a sewer and likes to eat people. Arcade decided to clone him (What is UP with Spider-Man and clones?) and have the multiple Vermin attack our favorite webhead. As the rabid Vermin rush Spider-Man, Kraven is narrating about how – unlike previous times – this whole ordeal is a test for Spider-Man. I’m sure you’re wondering “What kind of test?” and according to Kraven, it is a test of “Pain, blood, and sorrow.”

The beginning of this issue made me think this is going to be a “Been there, done that” type of situation, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that wasn’t entirely the case. Yes, some familiar things do happen where you think to yourself that you know exactly where this story is going. But I think what makes Hunted so unique from other Kraven tales is that it’s not only a personal story for Spidey, but also for Curt Connors – The Lizard.

Connors’ son Billy was captured by Black Ant and Taskmaster in the beginning of this arc. Because of that, this becomes very personal for Curt. He wants to save his son and try to redeem himself in the process, as he still feels guilty for murdering Billy way back in the Shed story-arc from Dan Slott’s run on the title.

I really enjoy Nick Spencer’s characterization here, getting into the mind of Connors, learning about the harrowing guilt that still lives inside him. He may have his son back, but he also still lives with the memory of him slaughtering his own boy. Ever since Spencer’s run began last year, I knew from the get-go that Lizard will be pivotal in a future story-arc ever since he was reintroduced in the series.

Vulture has also been pretty prominent in Hunted as well. Essentially being manipulated by Arcade and Kraven to basically kill as many people as possible, Hunted has shown Vulture’s weaknesses very well. He’ll do anything for extra death – and I guess that means also getting played like a fiddle.
I’m telling you, there’s nothing more satisfying than an egotistical megalomaniac unknowingly being a pawn in a much larger game of chess. Of course, people are dying at said maniac’s hand so… Maybe it’s not so satisfying at all.

What is undoubtedly satisfying is the sleek artwork from Gerardo Sandoval. I’m usually not a huge fan of this art style. Humberto Ramos’ art was never my cup of tea and for a while, neither was Sandoval’s -who has a similar style to Ramos. I have to say, as of late, he’s won me over. Him – along with Victor Nava on inks and Edgar Delgado on color – have done such a great job with the issues they’ve been on together. The Vermin look fierce and dangerous and Spidey’s expressions as he fights with them are awe-inspiring. Throughout this issue, I was heavily immersed and I believe it was the art that sucked me in the most.