REVIEW: ‘Amazing Spider-Man,’ Issue #54.LR

In the midst of a conflict with all the personal stakes one could ask for in a Spider-Man story, The Amazing Spider-Man #54LR further embroils Peter Parker’s friends and allies into the “Last Remains” conflict after they’ve been freed by Spider-Man. This thrilling issue is written by Nick Spencer and Matthew Rosenberg, with art by Federico Vicentini and Takeshi Miyazawa, inks by Vicentini, Miyazawa, and Scott Hanna, colors by Erick Arciniega, and letters by VC’s Ariana Maher.

This issue starts off with an emotional gut-punch that calls back to several aspects of Peter’s tragic history as Spider-Man. Through the eyes and memories of Mary Jane and Norman Osborn, the reader is reminded of just how much our hero has suffered through his long conflict with the monstrous Norman, who seemingly wants to repent for his past actions. Spencer and Rosenberg write devastatingly cathartic dialogue for Mary Jane as she verbally takes down the Green Goblin, calling him out on why he may never be deserving of forgiveness. It’s only a few pages at the start, but it is an incredibly powerful scene that encompasses the core of Peter and his loved ones’ everlasting conflict with the Osborns.

The rest of the issue is the Spider-People’s fight with “Kindred,” AKA Harry Osborn as revealed in a previous issue. All of the panels, with excellent art by Vicentini and Miyazawa, are thrilling and action-packed. It feels like you’re in the middle of a Spider-Man battle, but now you’ve got almost all the Spider-People in the fight too. They’re in a desperate fight against their powerful enemy. The action is multi-varied and fast-paced, letting you feel like you’re in a cinematic battle. While we may not get as much of all the Spider-People as we may like, Spencer and Rosenberg write them effectively as a cohesive team battling Kindred. The villain has some great internal monologuing, with a consistently menacing presence.

The art is, on the, whole fantastic. Vicentini and Miyazawa use a great variety of colors and shadows throughout the issue. The main battle in the graveyard has a good balance between the murkiness of the setting and colors popping from the heroes and villain.  As mentioned before, the action scenes are incredibly well done, with amazing maneuvers put on display by all the Spider-People. If you’re looking for some action, this issue absolutely delivers.

The lettering by Maher is also very well done. The dialogue boxes are all in good places, not interrupting the consistent action through the issue. In particular, this is done well for Kindred’s internal monologue, as his thoughts compliment his actions in the fight perfectly.

Overall, The Amazing Spider-Man #54LR is a great installment in the “Last Remains” storyline. It makes great use of Peter Parker’s supporting cast and allies while delivering profound emotion, action, and an almost constant source of adrenaline. In many ways, it has all the elements of an Amazing Spider-Man story without Spider-Man actually being present, and it works to great and unique effect.

The Amazing Spider-Man #54LR is available wherever comics are sold.