Review: Spider’s Bite In ‘Amazing Spider-Man’ #78
by Tony Thornley
Ben Reilly has only been back in the webs full-time for a month, and already he’s running afoul of some of his brother’s deadliest enemies. It’s all a day in the life of the Amazing Spider-Man.
Kelly Thompson, Sara Pichelli, Jim Towe, Nolan Woodard, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Joe Caramagna throw Ben in the deep end. It’s not just a story of Spider-Man versus Morbius though. There are some very interesting teases for what’s going on behind the scenes, and it’s looking like there’s a much bigger picture in play.
Morbius is running wild, and only Spider-Man can stop him. Unfortunately, Ben Reilly quickly learns that may not mean him, and that could cost him dearly. Meanwhile, the Beyond Corporation may not be as benevolent as they appear, and one Avenger in particular may be trying to figure out what they’re after with Spider-Man.
Thompson has a lot on her shoulders in this issue. After Wells’ introductory arc last month, these two issues have done a lot to set up plot and characters moving forward. That means that she’s had to juggle a lot of moving pieces and put them in place for her compatriots in the line. She does it, but also puts in a strong showing with several key scenes with the supporting cast.
In this issue, her Ben isn’t quite as strong, but that’s largely because he’s in the middle of a medical emergency. Some of the resolution is rushed, and Morbius is off. Generally it’s good, but it’s not at the heights that it can be.
The real draw for this issue is Pichelli though. Her softer style, with less heavy lines and more ink wash, makes this story feel unique. Her Spidey is flexible and nimble, but not impossibly so. Morbius looks like a predator, and she clearly takes inspiration from several natural predators. Woodard’’s colors create an illusion that the art is painted, adding to the quality of the line art. Towe and Rosenberg step in for the last few pages, and are able capture the same feel without mimicking Pichelli and Woodard exactly.
The Beyond era is just getting going, and it’s a hell of a lot of fun.
Amazing Spider-Man #78 is available now from Marvel Comics.
Overview
Spider-Man’s life is getting turned upside down. The creative team sets up the pieces for the story to come, with some absolutely incredible art.
