The Amazing Spider-Man (2018-) #30
Marvel Comics
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artists: Ryan Ottley Cliff Rathburn Nathan Fairbairn
The following issue is an Absolute Carnage tie-in and WILL contain spoilers for AC #3. So if you haven’t read it yet, be sure to do so before reading ASM #30. This review also WILL contain spoilers for Absolute Carnage, so IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, scroll down to the tl;dr verdict.
Good ol’ Webhead’s had his hands full ever since the re-emergence of Cletus Kasady – better known as the maniacal and twisted Carnage. Cletus has been trying to round up and apprehend anyone who’s ever worn a symbiote, whether it be for years or minutes. He’s been corrupted by the God of Symbiotes, Knull. Spidey has been working with his old adversary – Venom – in an attempt to stop Carnage from causing so much… Carnage.
So, this issue is the first part of an Absolute Carnage tie-in and it’s also very enjoyable. Taking place almost immediately after issue #3 of AC, Spider-Man does his best to fend off against a Carnage-ized Norman Osborne, after Kasady somehow infiltrates Eddie Brock’s safe house.
Ever since last year’s Red Goblin story arc, Norman has gone insane due to his tampering with the Carnage symbiote. So insane to the point where Norman actually thinks he’s Cletus Kasady. Norman’s current mental state is explored upon a tiny bit within the first pages. The mysterious Kindred is monologuing about how easy it would be to kill Osborn in the current state he’s in. It seems Nick Spencer is implying that Kindred has beef/has been involved with a lot of familiar faces.
After that, there are a few pages to sort of explain what’s going on with Absolute Carnage and how the symbiote got on earth. It’s a very straight-to-the-point issue. You don’t have to read AC to understand it, although you should.
The rest of this issue has Peter and Norman fighting whilst Peter reflects on just how long these two have been at each other’s throats. I’m liking this direction Spencer is taking it in. Delving deeper into the chaotic relationship between the two. I also do like how we’re getting some details about Kindred, despite this series getting involved in a crossover event.
My favorite part of this issue is, of course, Ryan Ottley’s artwork. The fight between Osborn and Spidey – despite being a bit basic – is fun to look at. It’s fast-paced and brutal. Definitely not Invincible level brutal, but there’s some grit in there. It just didn’t last all that long. This issue as a whole felt really short. I guess that can be a good thing. I’d rather it be fast and engaging than slow and boring. Also, I need to see more of Ottley’s Venom. Like, ASAP.
The Amazing Spider-Man (2018-) #30
Overall, Amazing Spider-Man #30 is a fast-paced, fun read. You don't have to read Absolute Carnage to understand it, even though I personally think you should read it. Absolute Carnage rules. Also, if you really don't plan on reading AC, I still say pick up ASM #30, as Kindred - the mysterious bug guy who's been appearing in Spencer's Spider-Man occasionally - is present. Nick Spencer's writing is great and Ryan Ottley's art is fantastic. It just sort of felt pretty short.
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