Comic Review: Amazing Spider-Man (2018-) #49

Amazing Spider-Man (2018-) #49

Marvel Comics

Writers: Nick Spencer, Kurt Busiek, Tradd Moore, & Saladin Ahmed

Artists: Ryan Ottley, Humberto Ramos, Mark Bagley, Chris Bachalo, Tradd Moore, & Aaron Kuder

I’ve always loved Nick Spencer’s take on Spider-Man. I think his sensibilities are perfectly in line with what makes a good Spidey book, and he surrounds himself with artists who are the same in that way. This issue is both #49 and #850 (thanks, Marvel), but surprisingly it works for both of those numbers. It’s a successful 49th issue of Spencer’s run, and it works as the 850th of AMS as a whole.

The first story, “Return of Green Goblin” by Nick Spencer, Ryan Ottley, Humberto Ramos, and Mark Bagley is the real meat of the issue. It’s split into three parts, each drawn by a different artist. This story is simply the next chapter of Spencer’s AMS run, but what makes it for me is how it also manages to double as an anniversary issue. It almost reads like a “greatest hits” story that’s somewhat typical of landmark issues, yet it organically melds into the story Spencer is telling. We’re given the return of Green Goblin, obviously, but also Spencer’s own take on “Nothing Can Stop the Juggernaut”, all the while interspersed with other tidbits of Spidey’s past. It’s impressive how well these story elements tie-in with the current run.

Each of the artists chosen for this story is spectacular and all deserving of their place on this anniversary issue. They’ve each greatly contributed to Spider-Man in the modern era with their distinct styles and long runs on the character (with the exception of Ryan Ottley, but given his history with the current run, his presence is justifiable). With that said, their styles are so unique that the switch between the three is a bit jarring. It’s the kind of thing that makes the issue feel more “anniversary” instead of simply “the next issue”. It’s not necessarily a complaint, but Spencer is telling one story, and I think the artists would be better served if they each had their own story to tell. This is likely why the story is split into three chapters. It’s more to justify the artist’s change than an actual chapter break.

The story itself is a delight. Spencer writes a fantastic Goblin, and his team-up with Peter is delicious. The banter and tension is incredibly strong, and the behemoth art team sells it completely. Couple that with an actual compelling moral quandary for the Spider-Family, and it makes this story work on multiple levels. I might not like all the Spider-people we have running around in the main universe, but I can’t deny that they’re very well-utilized here.

While the Spencer story is the highlight, it’s only half the issue. Follow it up is a Kurt Busiek and Chris Bachalo story, which is pretty much my dream team. That said, I’m not blown away by it. It’s pretty cute, and it’s gorgeous to look at, but the art is pretty much the only thing I thought about once it was over. It’s got some great Spidey and Jameson dialogue though.

The following story is surprisingly written and drawn by Tradd Moore.  Moore has been one of the best guys artists comics for quite a while now, but I didn’t expect to see a writing credit from him. I’ll say this, even though I didn’t love the story he chose to tell, I think it was an interesting choice that was well told. Even if I didn’t love it, it’s a brave choice to take Spider-Man in such an atypical direction. The art, obviously, was blasphemously good. Every page and panel is a sight to behold. Without exaggeration, Tradd Moore doesn’t draw like any other artist out there, and he lives and breathes his own voice.

The final story by Saladin Ahmed and Aaron Kuder is the weakest of the bunch. Its focus is on the Vulture’s granddaughter, who I think has had other appearances though I’m unfamiliar with her, and her scuffle with Spider-Man. The conflict comes off as forced, and it seems to be setting something up with her character rather than just telling a quick story. It’s strange that given Tradd Moore’s story is about a wizard dog, somehow this story feels like it’s the odd one out. Still, Kuder draws the hell out of it, and I don’t regret reading it for that very reason.

Amazing Spider-Man #850 succeeds as both a celebration and as the next chapter in Nick Spencer’s run. Every artist attached to this book is worthy of the honor and succeeds in delivering one of the best-looking books of the year. Not every story is a winner, but they’re all more than worth reading for one reason or another. This issue is an exciting look back at Spider-Man’s past but doesn’t forget to excite you for its future.