Comic Review: The Amazing Spider-Man (2018-) #37

The Amazing Spider-Man #37

Marvel Comics

Writer: Nick Spencer

Artists: Ryan Ottley, Cliff Rathburn, Nathan Fairbairn

The Amazing Spider-Man has been in something of a slump recently. The unfortunate timing of two crossovers back-to-back was a big blow to the readability for me, as I just wasn’t interested in reading either of the two events. Although, the Absolute Carnage issues were still quite strong. Following that, however, with another crossover that lasts even longer? Not a good look for Spider-Man. Luckily though, the crossovers are over, and with Ottley back on pencils it feels like the book is home again.

This issue is fairly self-contained. There are a few holdovers from the 2099 event, but none so complex that it’s necessary. It’s a fairly standard “hang-out with Spider-Man” issue. The overarching plots regarding Jonah, The Clairvoyant, and Kindred are still developing around Peter, but his personal role in it is very hands-off as of right now. So far, his biggest roadblock, at least as far as he’s aware, is the moral implication of clairvoyance. While I don’t necessarily agree with the choice to have Peter use this device to aid him in crime-fighting, Spencer clearly has something in mind and I’m willing to hear him out.

It does make a degree of sense, though, as Peter’s past failures to save people are quite literally the biggest things driving him as Spider-Man. So, if he has the choice to stop a crime before anyone gets hurt, would Peter take it? Yeah, he definitely would. He would do it because it’s a bad decision driven entirely by his guilt. AKA, Peter’s modus operandi. Still, though, as much sense as it makes, it’s a very shaky moral ground to put the hero on and runs a high risk of painting him as a bad guy down the line. It’s a risky storytelling move, but one I have faith Spencer has something in mind for.

Despite my reservations regarding that particular plot point, it’s hard not to enjoy it when Ottley’s drawing. The man was born to draw this book and it’s never been more evident than in this issue. The two pages in which Jonah’s eating pizza with a returning character is a fantastic display of conversation in comics. Comics tend to stay away from characters sitting down and chatting, as it’s tough to make visually interesting. With Ottley on pencils though, this concern is void. The pizza scene isn’t dull or boring, it’s a lesson on how to engage the reader in something that’s normally mundane. The exaggerated expressions being the most obvious and effective method, but it’s also due the angles, framing, and pacing. It’s all meticulous. Of course, he draws fantastic Spider-Man action as well, but I never expect anything less from Ottley there.

The Amazing Spider-Man #37 is a breath of fresh air after an underwhelming couple of months for the title. It gets back to what made it so refreshing in the first place, focusing on Peter’s social life, the Kindred mystery, and the art team’s spectacular work. I couldn’t be happier to see it.