Comic Review: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (2019-) #9

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #9

Marvel Comics

Writer: Tom Taylor

Artists: Ken Lashley and Juann Cabal

This is the 3rd part of the “Feast or Famine” arc, and it immediately picks up where issue 8 ended. The Rumor is one of the newest characters that Tom Taylor introduced in the book, and we know little about her. This issue puts her in a state of vulnerability that we haven’t seen before. We learn about her past, and honestly, her backstory works for her. 

The Rumor and Captain America have entwined pasts. Showing someone working with Captain America is a quick, yet powerful way of establishing their character. I think it was a brilliant move for Taylor to intwine her backstory with Steve’s. Their dynamic was very interesting to see, and I can honestly say I wish I saw more of their interactions. They’re written as if they’ve been on various missions and have a level of trust between each other that takes a heartbreaking turn. 

Cabal and Lashley really weave the story together with the art. The panels in the flashbacks are juxtaposed with actions happening in the present. It looks absolutely beautiful. I also want to give a shout out to the colorists Nolan Woodard and Marcio Menyz for their choice of colors in certain flashback segments. Rumor’s powers being activated is the only color in the more dour tones of the black and white past. Steve and Rumor’s scene was filtered through a warm orangeish tone, which emphasizes the bond between the two. Seeing a panel switch from that warm, inviting tone to a cold, dark tone really makes you empathize with her. 

One of the issues that I have is that Prowler is basically just sitting there most of the issue. For instance, Prowler and Peter get into a pointless argument towards the end of the issue. Subsequently, he ignores everything Peter says. Prowler has no impact on the narrative of this issue, which is a problem. Prowler jumpstarted this current arc, so I really feel like he should be doing more.

I love that this issue is basically the calm before the storm. It concludes with Peter, in a fit of desperation, doing something that I couldn’t imagine him doing in current day Marvel comics. So, it has me really excited for the next issue. 

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