Amazing Spider-Man #64 is written by Nick Spencer, illustrated by Federico Vicentini, colored by Alex Sinclair, and lettered by VC’s Joe Caramagna. It is published by Marvel Comics. Part two of the “King’s Ransom” storyline sees the friendly neighborhood web-slinger intervene in Robbie Robertson and Tombstone’s rivalry in order to convince them to work together, as their children are being held hostage by the Crime-Master and Madame Masque. Meanwhile, Boomerang decides to take matters into his own hand regarding the Tablet of Life and Destiny while Kingpin attempts to delve into Kindred’s mind.
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The previous issue reignited the rivalry between Robbie and Tombstone, and while normally I would be annoyed that it was tabled so fast, the fact that their kids’ lives are on the line are some rather extenuating circumstances. Spencer perfectly plays up the contrast between Robbie and Tombstone as they search for answers: Robbie uses his reporting skills and sources to get to the root of the problem while Tombstone uses blunt force and intimidation. This also makes for an odd contrast with his speech bubbles, which feature smallish print to convey an ever-present whisper.
As for Spidey himself, Spencer puts the webhead’s skills on display-including his intellect as well as his superpowers. When trapped in his apartment with a horde of supervillains, Peter Parker employs a few bursts of webbing and some applied force to slip away and change into Spider-Man. For the first time, readers will also get to see how Peter changes into his new suit, courtesy of Vicentini and Sinclair’s art. The end result continues to add to the Tokusatsu vibe of Spidey’s new threads, as he is surrounded by a golden light that transforms into his costume. Said golden light also provides a new power-up that comes in handy.
As for the action sequences, Vicentini and Sinclair continue the same frantic motion that drove the bulk of the action in Amazing Spider-Man #63. Spidey enters into a fight with the Crime-Master, which doesn’t go well for the latter as he is subjected to punches and kicks that send his body jerking about. Explosions send rubble and steel flying through the air. Even Spidey’s webbing seems to take on a life of its own as it coils through the air, wrapping around its targets.
Capping off the end of the book is a short story that features artwork by Mark Bagley. This story not only features the return of one of Spider-Man’s most feared enemies, but it also hints at the trouble that Kindred is still capable of causing even though he’s locked in prison. Readers will have to wait until this July to see what happens, though I think Spidey fans will be in for a treat.
Amazing Spider-Man #64 sees the “King’s Ransom” storyline progress at a steady pace, while hinting at the next big story for the web-slinger. As was the case with “Last Remains,” Spencer is paying off plot threads he set up in earlier issues and his labor has borne some rather intriguing fruit.
Amazing Spider-Man #64 is available wherever comics are sold.
Amazing Spider-Man #64
TL;DR
Amazing Spider-Man #64 sees the “King’s Ransom” storyline progress at a steady pace, while hinting at the next big story for the web-slinger. As was the case with “Last Remains,” Spencer is paying off plot threads he set up in earlier issues and his labor has borne some rather intriguing fruit.
