The Amazing Spider-Man “No Turning Back” Comic Review
Thursday, June 28th, 2012Yesterday, we talked about the greatness of Spider-Man and what makes him the greatest superhero in the world. We talked about his ups and downs and that no matter what he will always try.
Basically, an ideal role model and hero.
So, with the release of his movie next week I decided we needed to talk about some of his greatest exploits. I recommended some good, in general reading that most anyone would be able to pick up and enjoy.
Now, what if you wanted to start reading Spider-Man the way he’s intended to? What if you wanted to pick up the comics in their magical, original format? Would now be a great time to start? And what I find out is….yes. It’s a pretty great time to be a Spider-Man fan. So, I grabbed the newest issue of The Amazing Spider-Man, issue #688 and am going to talk about it here.
"No Turning Back" for The Lizard
Comic Matters Reviews: Amazing Spider-Man
Issue to Pick Up: #688
What’s it About?
Spider-Man has just been through a trying time. Faced most recently with an almost world-ending plot by Doctor Octopus, Peter Parker is just trying to get back to a regular, normal life.
Now for those that know Spider-Man lore, they figure that means going back to being a photographer. Well, it’s been some time since Peter Parker to pictures for a living. Lately, things have been on the rise in his personal life. He’s living high now in a nice, new apartment. His Aunt May got re-married (to the dad of his former boss, J. Jonah Jameson). And, he’s got a swanky new job at Horizon Labs, discovering new and great ways to enhance our world.
With that, our newest adventure drops us into a battle between The Lizard and Spider-Man in the sewers of New York. You may recognize The Lizard. He’s the big green dude that Spider-Man is fighting in all of the television ads. Spoilers!
Anyway, recent developments with The Lizard have turned him, literally, into a monster. All ties to his humanity are cut off. So much so that he even murdered his own son.
Darkness approaches as the crew of Horizon Labs and Spider-Man attempt to recapture him and cure him. Question is: Is there anyone left to cure?
Author: Dan Slott
Dan Slott has been writing Spider-Man for close to 4 years now. His handle on Peter Parker’s voice and, most importantly, his humor really shine here. He makes every thought and quip stand out.
Unfortunately, in a story as dark as this one, humor is something in short sample.
When it comes to such larger than life characters such as this (Or Batman and Superman, for example), it’s easy for the reader to develop a personality in their minds. You already have a vision in your own head of what Batman sounds like or what Superman would say. It’s incredibly easy to fill in the character’s voice with what you believe they would say; fortunately Dan Slott must be reading my mind because he writes a classic Peter Parker and a funny Spider-Man.
His knack for building up a story is also grand, as many of his stories can escalate quickly. Slott’s story, Spider-Island, led to Spider-Man saving the city and having the Empire State Building lit up in his honor.
Sound familiar?
Courtesy of Dan Slott, "Welcome to Spider Island"
Artist: Giuseppe Camuncoli
Camuncoli is an artist that I have been paying attention to for the last year or so. His style is different and less clean cut than the stereotypical comic book artist. However, it’s that style that makes him such a perfect choice for this story.
When it comes to designing The Lizard, it needs to evoke a ferocity and viciousness that no other villain can. I’m not sure what this humanoid Lizard is going to look like in the movie, but I doubt it contains the dinosaur-like qualities of Camuncoli.
As for his Spider-Man? He looks agile and light without appearing to skinny or lanky. It’s a good fit.
His style may unnerve some not expecting it, but once you get a feel for the tone of the story, it will all make perfection.
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Why should you Grab it Now?
One of the movie events of the summer is coming out next week and I guarantee you are going to want more!
Nothing better than watching Spidey go toe-to-toe with a gruesome, awful villain.
Who should be Reading it?
A fan of Spider-Man, any age about 10. Unfortunately, when dealing with the animalistic side of humanity, things can get dark. The main questions of the story (Why is The Lizard a priority? What has happened to his human side?) cannot possibly be answered in a happy way.
Basically, the young youngsters need to stay away from this one. Any fan of Spidey, though, will find a thrill. Plus, if they liked the movie, this is one to roll with.
The Amazing Spider-Man comes out next Tuesday, July 3.
If you’re looking for a greater challenge, swing by Heroes and Villains Comic Store all day. They’re having a Trivia Contest where they’re giving away hats, comics and movie tickets. My advice: answer the question, see the movie then read this comic. First come, first serve. Good luck.
In addition to writing for the column “Comic Matters” for the Tucson Citizen website, Bobby Acosta is also a 5th Grade Elementary school teacher, frequenter of local comic book shop Heroes & Villains, and explorer of the importance of comics. He recommends each and every comic he writes about. Contact him at comicmatters@gmail.com
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