REVIEW: ‘Amazing Spider-Man,’ Issue #75

Amazing Spider-Man #75 is written by Zeb Wells, illustrated by Patrick Gleason, colored by Marcio Menyz, and published by Marvel Comics. It also contains two backup stories; “Love and Monsters” is written by Kelly Thompson, illustrated by Travel Foreman, and colored by Jim Campbell, while “Kafka” is written by Wells, illustrated by Ivan Fiorelli, and colored by Edgar Delgado. The entire issue is lettered by VC’s Joe Caramagna. In the aftermath of his final battle with Kindred, Peter Parker struggles to deal with the physical and emotional toll the fight has taken on him. Matters aren’t helped with the reappearance of Ben Reilly, who is seeking to become a better Spider-Man with the help of the Beyond Corporation. Will a battle with the U-Foes turn things around for both web-slingers?

This issue marks the beginning of the “Beyond” saga, which shifts the title into a weekly format and features a collection of writers and artists tackling Reilly’s return to the Spider-Man mantle. Wells had previously written in a similar format for Spider-Man during the “Brand New Day” era of Amazing Spider-Man, and also tackled the origin of one of the web-slinger’s deadliest foes with Spider-Man/Doctor Octopus: Year One. Here he chooses to focus on the differences between Peter and Reilly-and make no mistake, even though Reilly is a clone of Peter, the two are in different spots. Peter is struggling to deal with the fallout of his fight with Kindred. His personal life is suffering for it; he misses an important project at Empire State University, and advice from his girlfriend Mary Jane Watson flies over his head.

In contrast, Reilly is determined to be the best Spider-Man he can be with the help of the Beyond Corporation; thanks to them, he has a new hi-tech suit and the means to fight all kinds of enemies. A conversation between the two only highlights the differences. The ending leaves Peter in an even worse place than before, and that’s saying something, considering he was literally buried alive once. Wells also manages to script a thrilling fight involving Reilly, Peter, and the U-Foes, and even introduces a sense of unease with the Beyond Corporation. Why would this massive conglomerate throw its weight behind Spider-Man? And what’s in it for them? The answers to that will no doubt fuel a large part of this storyline.

Joining Wells is the artistic team of Gleason and Menyz, who previously illustrated issues of Amazing Spider-Man, including “Last Remains.” Gleason’s art still has the same sense of hyperkinetic action; multiple splash pages feature Reilly soaring across the New York skylines and the U-Foes ripping apart Empire State University. Menyz’s colors are eye-grabbing, from the various radioactive hues the U-Foes give off to the red-and-blue costumes both Spider-Men wear. It also helps Caramagna’s lettering pop; every punch and kick is accompanied by a huge “thawk” or “crunch,” while explosions give off a perfectly massive “boom.” Gleason also designs a new costume for Reilly that incorporates elements of his Scarlet Spider uniform into a sleeker, more hi-tech affair.

The backups also hint at more stories to be explored during the Beyond saga, with “Love and Monsters” featuring Reilly encountering the Daughters of the Dragon and “Kafka” featuring the Beyond Corporation sinking its funds into Ravencroft Institute, where most of Spidey’s foes are incarcerated. Thompson has delivered impressive runs on Captain Marvel and Black Widow; I do not doubt that she’ll work wonders with the webhead, and Foreman does a great job of illustrating Misty Knight and Colleen Wing in action. “Kafka” marks Fiorelli as a must-watch artist; I’d definitely love to see more of his animated style on Spidey and other Marvel heroes.

Amazing Spider-Man #75 launches the Beyond Saga, as Peter Parker deals with emotional stress and Ben Reilly gets a new lease on life. This is the perfect jumping-on point for Spidey fans old and new, and I would definitely recommend it to Reilly’s fans as well. Hopefully, the upcoming weeks will keep up this momentum, as this saga is set to lead into Spidey’s 60th anniversary.

Amazing Spider-Man #75 is available now wherever comics are sold.