Amazing Spider-Man #546
I’m sure this surprises no one coming from me, but as far as Spider-Man stories go, this was really, really good.
I’m not writing this as a full on review, but I had to jot down some notes regarding the main story of this issue (I’m not talking about any of the three backup tales, although the one spotlighting Aunt May was cute).
The art was top-notch. There may be some well of stock poses Steve McNiven goes to from time to time, but no more than George Perez, John Byrne, Dan Jurgens, or Jerry Ordway. Peter looked great, the women looked hawt, and Harry hasn’t looked this good since Gil Kane last drew the chap. Dexter Vines is a phenomenal inker, whose lines give the art just so much more depth. And of course, Morry Hollowell’s colors make everything shine. When the situation calls for it, that is. There are some scenes in alleys and the way they are colored, well, let’s say I’d keep my distance from the walls just out of the fear that I wouldn’t be able to wash the dirt out.
I like Dan Slott. No, actually, I love Dan Slott. He writes an.. er, amazing Spidey tale. And this is only the first part! Peter is witty, Harry is arrogant (in a good way), May cares but doesn’t want her nephew lounging around the house, and J.J.J…. Well, he’s J.J.J.
This issue explains that it’s been a few months since there have been any Spider-Man sightings. We do not know why Peter and Mary Jane split up. Yet. All we know is that she left for California after they’ve been seriously dating for years. We find out where Harry met his current squeeze, what May does at night, that the “Parker Luck” is still in full effect, and that things aren’t all sunshine and roses at the Daily Bugle.
There’s a spread that gives you the status quo and when I read it, I immediately felt that this is something that Stan would have written. Well done, Mr. Bob Gale. Having it illustrated by John Romita Jr. and Klaus Janson doesn’t hurt, either.
I’m not going to spoil anything because I think this is an issue that should be read. Judge it on its own merits. Without complaining about editors. Or tales from the past. Or delays. If you don’t think this is a real and honest-to-goodness Spider-Man story, I’d love to know why.
Highly recommended.
Writer: Dan Slott
Pencils: Steve McNiven
Inks: Dexter Vines
Colors: Morry Hollowell
Letters: Cory Petit
Editor: Stephen Wacker
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