Comic Review: Amazing Spider-Man #43

Amazing Spider-Man #43

Marvel Comics

Writer: Nick Spencer

Artists: Ryan Ottley and Cliff Rathburn

Nick Spencer’s Amazing Spider-Man has been a favorite of mine for a while now, despite a couple of low points. The less than stellar issues typically all lack the same thing; Ryan Ottley. When Spencer and Ottley are teaming up, you get issues such as the joyous #43. When someone else steps in, the results can be mixed. Very few artists throughout the run have been bad, but they don’t always bring the same magic as the Spencer/Ottley combo.

This issue’s impact relies heavily upon the previous devastating Gog-centered issue. Nick Spencer has this way of taking a villain no one really has any attachment to and turning them into something far more compelling than they’ve ever been. In Gog’s case, he manages it in just two issues. While the last one was more about his backstory, this one snaps us back to the present in which Spider-Man and Boomerang are trying to stop his rampage without seriously hurting the creature. They feel bad for it, as does the audience thanks to the previous issue. Spencer put it in the work to make this conflict have a genuine emotional weight behind it instead of another standard punch fest. Ultimately, it’s resolved in a way that’s utterly satisfying and heartwarming.

The way the issue plays out presents countless opportunities for strong character work. There’s Gog, an innocent creature being manipulated into hurting people. Spider-Man, who understands the creature and refuses to harm it. Boomerang, who’s trying to be a hero but suffers from extreme incompetence. These elements combine to form a wonderfully chaotic story. I’m not completely sure how this ties into the greater plot, but it honestly doesn’t matter in the end. It’s strong storytelling in its own right and it deserves praise for that.

I’ve sung Ryan Ottley’s praises time and time again, and with good reason. The man’s the perfect fit for Spidey, and the fast pace of his storytelling suits the chaos of the issue. The layouts of his pages do a great job directing the eye to the next panel without the reader even noticing it. He’s in complete control of the reader. Additionally, despite his style appearing somewhat simple on the surface, he includes so much detail. I particularly love just how elaborately he draws  Spider-Man’s webs, which is something I’m sure is a precedent he’s now kicking himself for setting given the time it must take.

With Amazing Spider-Man #43, Spencer and Ottley deliver an incredibly wholesome experience that builds upon the last issue’s momentum. It may tie into a larger story, but it doesn’t need to, as it feels completely satisfying all on its own. This team is magic, and the issues they work on together reflect that. I’m thrilled to have this book back.