Amazing Spider-Man #70 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. The issue acts as a prelude to the upcoming Sinister War, with Doctor Octopus and his Sinister Six aiming to collect the final member of their group: Curt Conners, or rather his reptilian alter-ego, the Lizard. Spider-Man leaps into action to track down the Six, having a nagging feeling that Kindred is behind the proceedings. Elsewhere, Mary Jane Watson embarks on a journey to find the missing Carlie Cooper. However, unbeknownst to her, Carlie is imprisoned with someone who looks an awful lot like Harry Osborn.
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Spencer has slowly been planting the seeds for Sinister War in recent issues of Amazing Spider-Man with backup stories that show Octopus reassembling the Sinister Six. This issue brings those threads to a head, while also touching upon elements from The Chameleon Conspiracy and King’s Ransom storylines. I previously thought the plot would focus on Spidey having to defuse a war between Octopus’ Sinister Six and the Vulture’s Savage Six. That isn’t the case as it looks like even MORE villains will be involved. Then again it wouldn’t be a Spider-Man story if Peter Parker wasn’t facing insurmountable odds.
I love that MJ also plays a role in the proceedings. Spencer understands that she’s more than a pretty face as he has her actively investigating Carlie’s disappearance. And the issue also throws a new wrinkle into the mix with the appearance of Harry Osborn, which raises more questions as Harry was supposedly revealed to be Kindred during the “Last Remains” story arc. These revelations thankfully feel natural to the plot and not thrown in for the sake of “OMG, a twist!” which makes me happy. I’ve been suckered in the past and I’m happy Spencer isn’t stooping to cheap tricks.
Vicentini, who previously illustrated the “King’s Ransom” storyline, returns and brings his trademark hyperkinetic artwork with him. The issue features multiple splash pages, which show moments such as Spidey sitting atop a gargoyle and looking down at New York City or the Lizard towering over Conners in all his reptilian glory. Other pages include a montage of MJ tracking down leads and the final page featuring the various villainous factions that Spidey will encounter in Sinister War.
Sinclair’s colors bring an ominous tone to the proceedings. The lab scene where the Lizard is separated from Connors is shrouded in icy blue mist, and the Lizard’s skin is an acidic green with scales and spikes everywhere. The graveyard where Kindred makes his home is shrouded in shadows, and Kindred himself lurks in darkness with insects crawling in and out of his bandaged face. Spidey correctly predicts that things are about to take a turn for the worse, and while that may make entertaining storytelling for fans it spells doom for both his personal life and superheroic career. Again, this is par for the course.
Amazing Spider-Man #70 sets the board for Sinister War, continuing to pay off plot points from Nick Spencer’s run while setting up a few new ones in the process. Next week begins Sinister War in full, which looks to serve as the grand conclusion to Spencer’s three-and-a-half-year run on the title.
Amazing Spider-Man #70 is available wherever comics are sold.
Amazing Spider-Man #70
TL;DR
Amazing Spider-Man #70 sets the board for Sinister War, continuing to pay off plot points from Nick Spencer’s run while setting up a few new ones in the process. Next week begins Sinister War in full, which looks to serve as the grand conclusion to Spencer’s three-and-a-half-year run on the title.
