REVIEW: ‘Amazing Spider-Man,’ Issue #900

Amazing Spider-Man #900, published by Marvel Comics, comes just in time for the web-slinger’s 60th anniversary. In the spirit of previous Spider-Man anniversary issues, it features a super-sized story from the current writer and other stories celebrating everything folks love about Spidey. And this may be one of the most interesting anniversaries yet, as it features a threat connected to Peter Parker’s past. The main storyline is written by Zeb Wells and penciled by Ed McGuinness. McGuinness also provides inks with Mark Morales, Wade von Grawbadger, and Cliff Rathburn. Colors are provided by Marcio Menyz with Dijjo Lima and Erick Arciniega. Finally, VC’s Joe Caramagna provides lettering.

It’s Peter Parker’s birthday, with friends, family, and ex-girlfriends coming together to celebrate. However, they’re kidnapped by a mysterious being who wants to know the answer to a single question: “Who is Spider-Man?” Spidey embarks on a quest to find his missing friends but soon learns that the kidnapper has an ace up his sleeve: the Super-Adaptoid! And even worse, the power-absorbing robot has all the powers of the Sinister Six — and their deadly drive to kill the wall-crawler!

I freely admit that I’ve been iffy on Wells’ Spider-Man run so far. While it’s nice to see foes like Tombstone take the spotlight, the underlying mystery feels a little half-cooked. However, when it comes to this story, he’s firing on all cylinders. Throughout the 70-page story, a single question is repeated: “Who is Spider-Man?” It’s not just referring to his secret identity. It’s referring to why he puts on the webs, why he throws himself into danger, and why he’ll protect everyone, whether they’re friends or foes. There are also some genuinely hilarious moments, including Spidey forming an unexpected bond.

McGuinness takes over for current Spider-Man artist John Romita Jr., delivering splash page after splash page. From Spidey stopping a runaway truck with nothing but his webs and sheer strength to battling the Super-Adaptoid with some unexpected help. The Super-Adaptoid is a terrifying force, sporting the combined aesthetics and powers of the Sinister Six. Doc Ock’s tentacles jut out of its back, its hands transform into sand and lightning, and it can sprout the Vulture’s wings to fly. The army of inkers and colorists add texture, along with a heaping helping of bold visuals, to the process. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Caramagna’s lettering — the sound effects vary in shape and size, but they will definitely capture readers’ attention.

In true anniversary form, the issue comes with a trio of backup stories. “Better Late Than Never” is written by Daniel Kibblesmith, illustrated by David Lopez, and colored by Nathan Fairbairn. “Spidey Meets Jimmy” is written by Jeff Loveness, illustrated by Todd Nauck, and colored by Rachelle Rosenberg. Finally, “Save The Date” is written by Dan Slott, illustrated by Marcos Martin & colored by Munsta Vicente. These stories are the definition of “mileage may vary.” “Better Late Than Never” is a fun romp that features Spidey trying to return some library books, while “Save The Date” packs the essence of Peter Parker into a single two-page story (and a gorgeous one at that, thanks to Martin & Vicente). But “Spidey Meets Jimmy” will probably only click with Jimmy Kimmel fans, and although Kimmel has expressed his love for Spidey, I’m not a Kimmel guy myself.

Amazing Spider-Man #900 doubles as an action-packed adventure and an introspective look into what makes Peter Parker a great character. Wells and McGuiness delivered some great work here, and the end of the book teases them coming together to work on future Spidey stories. As far as anniversary stories go, this one’s worth a read.

Amazing Spider-Man #900 is available now wherever comics both digitally and physically.