Comic Review: Amazing Spider-Man (2018-) #32

Amazing Spider-Man #32

Marvel Comics

Writer: Nick Spencer

Artist: Patrick Gleason

Marvel’s 2099 books are making a big return this year, and it all starts here. Nick Spencer kicks off this mini-event with fan-favorite Miguel O’Hara, Spider-Man 2099. He is held captive by some Roxxon Oilmen who want to pry his brain for future secrets. Meanwhile, Peter Parker tries to adjust to working with his classmates and gets pulled into a secret mission with his sister, Teresa.

This is a fun issue, starting the 2099 event off small-scale but setting up some cataclysmic stakes, all the while continuing to seed the ongoing mystery of this run. Miguel is fighting to save the future, while Peter is missing MJ, and finds himself plagued by the lurking sense of someone looking over his shoulder. This someone being Kindred of course, but he doesn’t know that all we can do is watch as he is pulled into another crisis with the ever-present threat of our mystery villain looming over him.

I’d be remiss not to give Patrick Gleason a warm welcome! After leaving DC for an exclusive contract with Marvel, this is his first full issue of Amazing Spider-Man. Gleason is one of the best artists in the business, and he wastes no time showing it off here. The action is fluid and the facial expressions perfectly capture Spencer’s dialogue. He excels at dialogue, comedy, and action. Which is of course, why he’s perfect for Spider-Man. Glad to have you with us, Patrick.

Meanwhile, Matt Wilson’s colours bring the whole thing to a vibrant life. He provides great contrast between the action scenes and the university scenes, moving effortlessly between sinister shadows and warm natural lighting. There’s a particularly great fight sequence bathed in fluorescent pink light that really brings out the red of Spidey’s costume. And his popping colours perfectly suit Miguel’s sleeker look.

The story is well-paced, providing a welcome glimpse at Peter’s personal life while throwing him right into the fire again after he’s barely recovered from recent events (see Absolute Carnage). It’s great to see Miguel given a prominent role. Likewise, I’m curious to see what part Teresa Parker has to play in coming issues.  The set-up for the 2099 crisis has me fully on board.

Nick Spencer and Patrick Gleason make a great team, perfectly complimenting each other’s strengths. This issue has great action, quips, and fantastic art. If the 2099 event maintains this level of quality, we should be in for a crazy thrill ride.