REVIEW: ‘Amazing Spider-Man,’ Issue 52.LR

Amazing Spider-Man #52LR is written by Nick Spencer and Matthew Rosenberg, illustrated by Federico Vicentini, colored by Marcio Meynz and Erick Arciniega and lettered by VC’s Ariana Maher. It is published by Marvel Comics. Running parallel to the events of Amazing Spider-Man #52, the members of the Order of the Web find themselves free from Kindred’s control. They are soon approached by Doctor Strange and Black Cat, who need their help tracking down Peter Parker. Meanwhile, Mary Jane Watson finds herself in the presence of Norman Osborn and the Sin-Eater creates a trap for Morlun.

The creative team does an excellent job of juggling three separate storylines, as well as a wealth of different characters. Not only are Miles Morales and his fellow Spider-People front and center, but the story also puts the focus on MJ. MJ is a large part of Peter Parker’s life and even though she doesn’t have superpowers, her connection to his friends and villains comes in handy. She also can take care of herself, as Norman Osborn finds himself on the receiving end of a surprise attack.

Spencer and Rosenberg’s script is full of wit and genuine emotion. When the Order of the Web wakes up from their possession, they are shunned by the citizens they attacked while under Kindred’s control. When Strange appears to recruit the Order, Gwen is visibly freaked out by his astral form and Anya refers to him as “Snape” which gave me a chuckle. At the same time, Norman Osborn literally begs MJ to help save his son. Not only is this genuinely shocking-this is the Green Goblin we’re talking about after all-but Spencer and Rosenberg infuse the scene with emotional weight. It takes a special talent to make your audience empathize with the villain, and that’s a talent Spencer and Rosenberg have in spades.

I’m not sure how I felt about the Sin-Eater and Morlun plotline. While Morlun is a great Spidey villain and the Sin-Eater was perfectly utilized in the “Sins Rising” storyline, here it feels like a detour from the ongoing story. If the creators meant for Morlun’s return and Sin-Eater’s mission to play into the larger plot, that’s fine. I just hope that it resolves in a way that makes sense.

Vicentini’s art is immensely dynamic, grabbing the eye with every page. A key example comes toward the opening of the bridge, where Doctor Strange saves several citizens on the Brooklyn Bridge. A series of panels showcase magic tendrils wrapping around the bridge and holding it in place, finally shifting to an image of Strange flying under the bridge while holding the tendrils. The characters also feel like they’re actually moving, especially Morlun who moves with the speed and fury of a predator let loose.

Amazing Spider-Man #52LR successfully juggles multiple plotlines, focusing on the people who are most important to Peter Parker. With the friendly neighborhood web-slinger in the fight of his life, he’s going to need all the help he can get.

Amazing Spider-Man #52LR is available now, wherever comics are sold.