Close Menu
  • Login
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    Momo and Okarun share a close moment in Dandadan

    Momo And Okarun: The Gold Standard For Shonen Romance

    07/03/2025
    Ironheart Episodes 4 6 But Why Tho 1

    ‘Ironheart’ Explained: Explore MCU’s Bold New Chapter

    07/01/2025
    Buck in 9-1-1

    ‘9-1-1’ Has To Let Buck Say Bisexual

    06/29/2025
    Nintendo Welcome Tour promotional image of the maraca mini-game

    The One “Game” That Justifies The Nintendo Switch 2 Purchase

    06/25/2025
    Destiel Confession in Supernatural - Castiel (Misha Collins) and Dean (Jensen Ackles)

    The Destiel Confession: The Lasting Importance Of Supernatural’s Greatest Ship

    06/22/2025
  • Squid Game
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Switch 2 Games
  • Summer Game Fest
But Why Tho?
Home » Marvel Comics » REVIEW: ‘Amazing Spider-Man,’ Issue #86

REVIEW: ‘Amazing Spider-Man,’ Issue #86

Collier "CJ" JenningsBy Collier "CJ" Jennings01/19/20223 Mins Read
Amazing Spider-Man #86 - But Why Tho
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

Amazing Spider-Man #86 - But Why Tho

Amazing Spider-Man #86 is written by Zeb Wells, illustrated by Michael Dowling, colored by Bryan Valenza, and lettered by VC’s Joe Caramagna. It’s published by Marvel Comics. After his confrontation with Doctor Octopus, Ben Reilly’s faith in the Beyond Corporation has been shaken. And it completely shatters when he discovers the secrets on a hard drive Octopus stole. At a crossroads, Ben seeks the help of Dr. Ashley Kafka while his girlfriend Janine Godbe plans her own escape from Beyond’s watchful eye.

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Previous issues and one-shots slowly revealed that Beyond was not on the up and up, and in this installment, it all comes crashing down. Ben has always struggled with feelings of self-worth and identity due to his history as a clone-something that the first issue of Ben Reilly: Spider-Man also touched upon. But he truly believed that he had a chance to do better with Beyond and now that’s been yanked out from under him. The ending of the issue is a truly bleak one, as it hints that this latest deception may be the last straw for Ben’s psyche.

Wells, who launched the Beyond Saga with Amazing Spider-Man #75-76, returns to script this issue. It’s a masterclass in how to build tension, as Ben slowly unpacks his feelings with Doctor Kafka. Kafka also reveals that she was less than trustworthy of Beyond and has been working to help Ben; it’s a nice change of pace to see a psychiatrist in superhero fiction that’s actively trying to help their patient, in more ways than one. Wells is slated to take over as the main writer of Amazing Spider-Man after the Beyond Saga and if this issue is any indication, the web-slinger’s in good hands. He also shows that he has a good grasp of Spidey’s history, as Ben’s past adventures are referenced during his therapy session.

Joining Wells is Dowling, who illustrated Ben’s battle with Kraven in Amazing Spider-Man #79-80. Dowling’s art brings a sense of realism to Wells’ script and humanity to the characters within it. Readers can see that Ben is struggling due to the stubble covering his face and the bags under his eyes. The art also leads to dramatic moments such as Ben flipping out when his spider-sense is triggered and a two-page spread where he literally falls into a swirling vortex comprised of his memories. Valenza’s colors perfectly compliment the realistic vibe; the book moves from the sunlit streets of New York City to the dark underbelly of Beyond’s HQ. And the sound effects by Caramagna literally feel like they’ll pop out of the book. Their shading and texture give the letters a three-dimensional effect.

Amazing Spider-Man #86 is a character-focused look into the worst day of Ben Reilly’s life and kicks the second half of the Beyond Saga into high gear. Given how the issue ends, I’m curious to see how Ben pulls himself out of this spiral, and whether this is what convinces Peter Parker to don his webs again.

Amazing Spider-Man #86 is available wherever comics are sold.

Amazing Spider-Man #86
4.5

TL;DR

Amazing Spider-Man #86 is a character-focused look into the worst day of Ben Reilly’s life and kicks the second half of the Beyond Saga into high gear. Given how the issue ends, I’m curious to see how Ben pulls himself out of this spiral, and whether this is what convinces Peter Parker to don his webs again.

  • Read Now with our ComiXology Affiliate Link

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleREVIEW: ‘Devil’s Reign: Villains for Hire,’ Issue #1
Next Article REVIEW: ‘Hulk,’ Issue #3
Collier "CJ" Jennings
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)

Born and raised in Texas, Collier “CJ” Jennings was introduced to geekdom at an early age by his father, who showed him Ultraman and Star Trek: The Next Generation. On his thirteenth birthday, he received a copy of Giant Size X-Men #1 and dove head first into the realm of pop culture, never looking back. His hobbies include: writing screenplays and essays, watching movies and television, card games/RPG’s, and cooking. He currently resides in Seattle.

Related Posts

Captain America Issue 1

REVIEW: ‘Captain America’ Issue 1

07/02/2025
Godzilla VS Thor Issue 1

REVIEW: ‘Godzilla vs Thor’ Issue 1

07/02/2025
X-Men Hellfire Vigil Issue 1 cover art

REVIEW: ‘X-Men: Hellfire Vigil’ Issue 1

07/02/2025
Uncanny X-Men Issue 16 cover

REVIEW: ‘Uncanny X-Men’ Issue 16

06/25/2025
Godzilla vs Avengers Issue 1

REVIEW: ‘Godzilla vs Avengers’ Issue 1

06/18/2025
Death of the Silver Surfer Issue 1

REVIEW: ‘Death of the Silver Surfer’ Issue 1

06/11/2025

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
Taecyeon and Seohyun in The First Night With The Duke Episodes 7-8
7.5
TV

REVIEW: ‘The First Night With The Duke’ Episodes 7-8

By Sarah Musnicky07/03/2025

The First Night With The Duke Episodes 7-8 spends welcome time in pre-domestic bliss before new developments stir up trouble.

Together (2025) still from Sundance
8.0
Film

REVIEW: Have A Grossly Good Time ‘Together’

By Kate Sánchez01/27/2025Updated:07/04/2025

Dave Franco and Alison Brie’s Together (2025) is disgustingly funny, genuinely ugly, and just a good time at the movies.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 Alcatraz
9.0
PS5

REVIEW: ‘Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 + 4’ Gives Old Games New Life

By Kyle Foley07/07/2025

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 is another example of how to breathe new life into a classic without losing touch of what makes the originals great.

Black Women Anime — But Why Tho (9) BWT Recommends

10 Black Women in Anime That Made Me Feel Seen

By LaNeysha Campbell11/11/2023Updated:12/03/2024

Black women are some of anime’s most iconic characters, and that has a big impact on Black anime fans. Here are some of our favorites.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here