REVIEW: ‘Amazing Spider-Man,’ Issue #93

Amazing Spider-Man #93 is written by Zeb Wells, illustrated by Patrick Gleason, colored by Bryan Valenza, and lettered by VC’s Joe Caramagna. It’s published by Marvel Comics. Hellbent on getting his memories back, Ben Reilly has torn through the halls of the Beyond Corporation in pursuit of its CEO Maxine Danger. The one person who may be able to help him is Peter Parker – but the question remains: Does Ben want his help? And as Beyond HQ collapses, which Spider-Man will be left standing?

This issue marks the end of the Beyond Saga, and also reunites the creative team of Wells and Gleason, who helped kick off the saga with Amazing Spider-Man #75. Gleason’s art will potentially be the major draw here; the entirety of the issue is a knock-down, drag-out fight between Peter and Ben. One page features the two Spider-Man rushing at each other, with an anime-style speed blur in the background. Caramagna also draws their words growing bigger and bolder, breaking out of their bubbles as if to represent the rage growing in both Peter and Ben. “Don’t act like you want to help me!” Ben shouts, to which Peter retorts angrily, in all red letters: “ALL I’VE EVER WANTED IS TO HELP YOU!” More pages feature the two tumbling down a flight of stairs, and bursts of red mists every time a punch or kick finds its mark. Valenza, stepping in for colorist Marcio Meynz, makes both Spider-Men’s red and blue suits stand out in a kaleidoscope of shifting colors as Beyond HQ self-destructs.

While the art is wonderful, the story may divide some Spider-fans, especially when it comes to Ben. Wells takes a bit of a leap with Ben’s motivations; yes, he’s angry and rightfully so that Beyond messed with his memories, but fighting Peter? As Peter pointed out, his whole life he’s attempted to help Ben. He even considers Ben the brother he never had. Ben also winds up undergoing a shocking transformation that could play into future Spider-Man stories. Again, the reception will probably be hit or miss, but it gives Gleason and Valenza the chance to design a new costume for him and it looks great.

The issue also contains two backup stories, both written by Wells. “Days” is illustrated by Sara Pichelli and colored by Carlos Lopez. “Weeks” is penciled by Mark Bagley, inked by Tim Townsend, and colored by Lopez. Both stories showcase Peter healing from his physical and mental wounds and taking a huge step in his relationship with girlfriend Mary Jane Watson before a mysterious being shows up. This provides a cap on the Beyond Saga while also leaving the door open for Amazing Spider-Man #1 in two weeks. it’s also a great way to loop two legendary Spider-Man artists into this final issue.

Amazing Spider-Man #93 wraps up the Beyond Saga while teasing the future of both Peter Parker and Ben Reilly. With Wells slated to team up with legendary Spider-Man artist John Romita Jr. in April, I hope he has a good story in mind for Spidey’s 60th anniversary. The web-slinger deserves nothing less than the best.

Amazing Spider-Man #93 is available wherever comics are sold.