Comic Review: Amazing Spider-Man #26 (2018-)

Amazing Spider-Man #26

Marvel Comics

Writer: Nick Spencer

Artists: Kev Walker and Laura Martin

Amazing Spider-Man #26 is the first issue of a new arc that’s likely the closest we’re ever going to get to a Superior Foes sequel. Nick Spencer and guest-artist Kev Walker team-up to deliver a very solid Boomerang-centric issue. Additionally, it serves as a great starting point for new readers.

It should be noted that this issue does very little to progress the “overall plot” of the book. However, I appreciate that despite that, it still manages to convey the looming threat of Kindred. He doesn’t really appear, but Spencer makes it clear that he’s not forgotten. Instead, this issue shifts it’s focus onto Boomerang (and one other Superior Foe). I actually quite like that this book isn’t afraid to veer off in different directions instead of staying hyper-focused on the A-plot. It gives it an episodic feel, much like Spidey comics of old.

While Spencer is a consistently funny writer, he tends to be able to reign in the humor on bigger books like this one or Captain America. However, with this issue being so closely tied to Superior Foes, it seems that he’s letting loose a bit. This is a genuinely funny issue that had me laughing out loud multiple times. On top of some cleverly written jokes, Kev Walker conveys visual comedy very well. Comedy’s not easy to do in comics, so it takes a special team to pull it off without feeling the slightest bit awkward.

Speaking of Kev Walker; he’s fantastic. I’ve always been a big fan of his and I hadn’t known he was drawing the book until I saw the first page. His style is so distinct that it was immediately recognizable. His exaggerated proportions and faces ooze comedic potential. Plus, as distinct as his style is, it’s not too far removed from the likes of Ottley or Ramos. It still fits within the visual language that the book has set up. That’s partially on Walker, but also largely due to Laura Martin’s colors. While she hasn’t colored every issue, it isn’t a huge departure from the other colorists. Both artists make an effort to fit into the book’s style, which helps make the shifting art less jarring.

While I earlier praised the book for being a good starting point for new readers, this does come with a drawback. If you’ve been reading the book since #1, the recaps inside the book itself can get tiresome. A recap page before the book starts is fine, but having a recap page and Peter’s inner monologue is too much. If there’s important information that needs conveying to new readers, there is a place for that which doesn’t waste as much page space.

Amazing Spider-Man #26 is a hilarious issue that’s full of heart. While it doesn’t do much to push the “main plot” forward, it does deliver a worthy Superior Foes successor. Kev Walker makes a wonderful addition to the team whose style doesn’t feel far removed from those who came before. While the book does spend a bit too much time on recaps, it doesn’t significantly hinder its quality. This book has always been a blast, and that hasn’t changed.

Click For More Comic Reviews