Comic Review: Amazing Spider-Man (2018-) #31

Amazing Spider-Man (2018-) #31

Marvel Comics

Writer: Nick Spencer

Artist: Ryan Ottley

Absolute Carnage continues to infect Amazing Spider-Man in #31 of Nick Spencer’s run! Donny Cates and Ryan Ottley are doing awesome work over on the main event, and Spencer effortlessly weaves it into his ongoing storyline. Picking up from the events of the last issue, Norman (who believes he is Cletus Kasady) is pursuing Normie (his grandson) and Dylan Brock (Eddie’s son) for their symbiote codecs.

One of the strongest parts of Spencer’s run has been his characterisation and his humour. This is a more serious issue but he knows how to balance tone. Peter sees the symbiote situation as his responsibility, as he started it all when he took the black suit that would become Venom from Battleworld. Some of the best Spider-Man moments are when he rises up against tough odds, and we see that here. Beaten down by Norman Carnage, he pulls his bloodied self up and finds the strength to continue the fight.

The Carnage-infected Norman Osborn fight is cool enough, but we also get flashbacks to the classic Lee-Romita era and some juicy new Kindred scenes to spin conspiracy theories from. The flashbacks bring emotional resonance to the present scenes, and also proving fertile ground for possible Kindred suspects. Spencer is playing his cards close to his chest, but the dialogue in this issue definitely narrows it down.

Ryan Ottley is back on art for this tie-in, and it is a joy to behold. Ottley has a great form of action and movement. His fluid style is well-suited to gooey symbiote action. The layouts alternating between past and present are pulse-pounding and really hammer home how Peter’s past is driving him forward at this moment. The vibrant colours by Nathan Fairbairn make the whole thing pop. He nicely contrasts the flashbacks, the Carnage fight, and the scenes with Norman and Kindred. The flashbacks are a little brighter, a throwback to a more innocent time. Before all the pain that Norman has put Peter through over the years. The stark white of Norman’s padded cell serves to reinforce his isolation and insanity.

Overall this is another great issue of Spencer’s run, with fantastic art and a compelling story. Event tie-ins are often lackluster, but Spencer knows how to use them. This story is a great intersection between Absolute Carnage and the ongoing Kindred mystery. The pay-off promises to be spectacular. Or should I say, amazing?