REVIEW: ‘Sinister War,’ Issue #1

Sinister War #1 is written by Nick Spencer, penciled by Mark Bagley, inked by Andrew Hennessy, John Dell & Andy Owens, colored by Brian Reber, and lettered by VC’s Joe Caramagna. It is published by Marvel Comics. While attending his girlfriend Mary Jane Watson’s movie premiere, Peter Parker is drawn into action when the Vulture’s Savage Six and Doctor Octopus’ Sinister Six come to blows-with Octopus looking to recruit Mysterio as the final member of his Six and Vulture seeking revenge against the illusion casting villain. Little does Spidey know that both the Savage Six and Sinister Six-along with multiple other villains-are being manipulated by Kindred. Meanwhile, Doctor Strange confronts Mephisto about the nature of Peter Parker’s soul.

This storyline marks the beginning of the end of Spencer’s run on Amazing Spider-Man, and he decides to honor the old adage “Go big or go home.” And there are very few stories than fighting five different factions of supervillains all at the same time. While Spidey has faced various incarnations of the Six before, he hasn’t faced 30 villains-all of who want his head on a stake (or worse). Spencer also touches upon various plot points from his run, including the fallout from Last Remains and Peter planning to propose to MJ. The issue also features Mysterio attempting to atone for his past mistakes-and considering that Spencer’s run began with his machinations, it only seems fitting that Mysterio plays a role in the final storyline.

Spencer is joined by Bagley and his army of inkers, who have been a constant presence during the Spencer era of Amazing Spider-Man. Bagley draws massive splash pages that feature the Sinister Six and Savage Six in action, with both groups making a literally explosive entrance through the walls of the movie theater where most of the action takes place. The best image, however, features a two-page spread where Spidey comes face to face with multiple villains, including Beetle’s Syndicate and Boomerang’s Sinister Six. All of the villains are shown charging at Spidey with weapons at the ready and hatred etched on their faces. I’ve always felt that if you are going to end an issue on a cliffhanger, you’d better make it one that will keep readers’ attention, and this definitely falls into that category.

Rounding out the artistic team is Reber on colors, and he manages to give this book a wide variety of looks. Readers will be taken back to the bluish-green gloom of the cemetery Kindred calls home, and Reber manages to simulate the white-hot flash pops of camera lights as MJ and Peter walk down the red carpet. Spidey’s red-and-blue suit also serves as a contrast to the various shades of green that Octopus and the Vulture wear, and multiple backgrounds feature speed lines that draw the reader’s eyes to various characters. Reber’s colors also extend to Caramagna’s word boxes and balloons, including dark brown tones for the Savage Six and bright green for Mysterio and the Sinister Six. Combined with Bagley’s art, this is an eye-grabbing book.

Sinister War #1 begins Nick Spencer’s final Spider-Man story, and it starts with plenty of action and jaw-dropping plot twists. Peter Parker is in for the fight of his life, and I can’t wait to see how he gets out of this one. If you are a Spidey fan, you owe it to yourself to pick up this comic.

Sinister War #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.