by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor

For the last year, fans have been wondering what amazing events could have caused the rift between Peter Parker and his amazing supporting cast…The non-linear storytelling continues in The Amazing Spider-Man #23, as writer Zeb Wells’ twisted web unravels a bit further and readers finally learn more about the shocking events teased throughout the relaunched series. 

Creative Team
Writer: Zeb Wells
Penciler: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Scott Hanna
Colorist: Marcio Menyz
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramanga

This latest issue takes us back to the beginning…well…the beginning of the 2022 relaunch where Peter is found in the middle of an explosion. We finally get more context to this setting and the sacrifice made to get him there. In an effort to save Peter’s life and stop the evil mathematician Benjamin Rabin (a.k.a. Emissary) from merging with a Mayan God, MJ stayed behind in a dystopian version of New York. Spidey quickly realizes the gravity of the situation and seeks out help from friends and family. Due to the severity of the explosions and lack of context for Peter’s actions, the supporting cast are cautiously concerned about the Wall-Crawler. Racing against time to get back to MJ, Peter puts everything at risk and pushes away those he cares about most. When Parker luck hits hard, Peter turns to the one man he can never truly trust…Norman Osborn. 

I will admit, this current run been a mixed bag for me, as the end of the “Beyond” arc felt like it was return to a happier time for Peter and MJ. The fact that we finally got to a place of enjoyment for these two being together felt…amazing, but the progress was seemingly tossed away with the Amazing title relaunch. The other challenge that I have had is how stretched out this plot has been. Sure, we have had teases here and there, but the dramatic change to the status quo has felt pretty stretched in order to get to these recent issues.

That being said, issues 22 & 23 have felt original and engaging, providing readers with surprising answers to the mysteries that have been plaguing our hero. We know that the big moments are yet to come, leading up to greater revelations in issue 25, but we can see the bigger picture coming together. 

Rating:
ComicsOnline gives The Amazing Spider-Man #23 – 4/5 great moments with Captain America.

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