REVIEW: ‘Amazing Spider-Man,’ Issue #83

Amazing Spider-Man #83 is written & illustrated by Patrick Gleason, colored by Morry Hollowell & Nathan Fairbairn, and lettered by VC’s Joe Caramagna. It is published by Marvel Comics. After his horrifying ordeal in the previous issue, Peter Parker is avoiding physical therapy while dealing with the searing pain from his Spider-Sense, which has taken on a life of his own. After a near-death experience with a pair of muggers (and an assist from Captain America), Peter has a mental confrontation with his Spider-Sense. Yes, you read that right; this is a comic where the hero faces the manifestation of one of his superpowers.

Thankfully, this concept is in good hands—specifically, Gleason’s hands. Gleason previously illustrated the first two chapters of the Beyond Saga and the “Last Remains” storyline during Nick Spencer’s run on Amazing Spider-Man, and here he takes things a step further by serving as the issue’s writer. And throughout the issue, Gleason shows that he has a firm grasp on what makes the web-slinger tick. He’s scared of what’s happening with his body but ultimately gains the courage to do the hard work and face his problems. What I love about Peter Parker is that no matter what life throws at him, he’ll find a way to overcome it—even if it’s his own powers.

Gleason also continues to impress artwise, especially in the sequences taking place in Peter’s head. Continuing the trend from last issue, the art takes on more of a horror vibe, especially that of a Frankenstein story. When Peter’s Spider-Sense comes to life, Gleason fills the page with a horrific twist on its traditional depiction as spider legs jut out of our hero’s head, ripping it in half. The Spider-Sense then takes the form of Spider-Man, if he was entirely spun out of webs—a nod to Gleason’s “web-head” covers for the family of Spider-Man-related books such as Amazing Spider-Man and Carnage: Black White & Blood. Captain America also gets a great action sequence full of shield-slinging and narrowly saves Spidey’s life-one panel even shows the edge of Cap’s shield as it deflects a bullet that would have gone through Spidey’s head.

Joining Gleason are Hollowell and Fairbairn who provide different shades of color based on where the action’s taking place. Hollowell colors the present sequences, which have a lighter look to them; the hospital where Peter’s residing is a pale blue and the night sky takes on a bluish-purple hue. Even Caramagna’s letters have a bright red hue to them, especially when someone yells for help or Peter screams in agony. Fairbairn, in contrast, decides to take a darker approach to the mental sequences—which is fitting, considering that those have the most horror elements. When Peter’s Spider-Sense attacks him (in his mind, Peter is depicted as a younger version of himself), it stands out as a pale figure in the night, which is utterly unsettling.

Amazing Spider-Man #83 sees Patrick Gleason returning to the title as both writer & artist, and continues infusing the book with horror elements. Next issue will put the spotlight back on Ben Reilly as he faces off against Doctor Octopus, though I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more of Peter’s road to recovery.

Amazing Spider-Man #83 is available wherever comics are sold.