Written by: Dan Slott
Illustrated by: Humberto RamosBIG TIME BEGINS! Big changes are happening for the Amazing Spider-Man: Bigger threats, bigger guest-stars, and a big opportunity that could turn Peter Parker’s life around! Which cast members are staying and who’s saying goodbye? Find out as we’re introduced to new characters and reintroduced to a number of Spidey villains as they make the triumphant return to the book! Plus: New developments for Mayor J. Jonah Jameson, the staff at Front Line, and The Sinister Six! The next chapter in Spider-Man history starts here! Guest starring THE AVENGERS and THE FANTASTIC FOUR in a giant-sized, 39 page lead feature! PLUS! An All-New Adventure featuring the All-New SPIDER-GIRL! PAUL TOBIN & CLAYTON HENRY bring a tale of action & intrigue, and make a strong argument for why you can sometimes send a Spider-GIRL to do a Spider-MAN’s job…
New release schedule, new team, and new starting point for new readers! After one hundred and one issues of Brand New Day, Spidey is moving on… Big Time! I could write solicits, couldn’t I? Follow the cut, true believers, and find out what I thought of the first issue of the new direction Dan Slott is taking Spider-Man.
This issue surpassed all my expectations in every field but one (we’ll get to that one later). Slott was one of my favorite writers on the Brand New Day team because of his ability to channel a classic Spider-Man vibe in his stories. Something about his lack of Bendis-level decompression mixed with certain comic narrative devices — like a heavy-yet-not-overbearing use of thought bubbles — reminds me of a modernized Stan Lee. You can tell that Slott loves writing Spider-Man; his excitement seeps out of the page and gets all over your favorite shirt, but it’s cool, because even though it will take a few cycles of wash to get that stain out, because at least you got it from something cool.
Where was I? Oh. Right.
The amount of story packed into this issue is astounding, even if the page count was extended. Let’s see if I can give you a brief spoiler-free synopsis: Spider-Man saves New York from Dr. Octopus with the Avengers, the Daily Bugle makes a triumphant return, a new (presumed) villain is introduced, Peter tries to find a new place to live, Peter gets a new job as a scientist (as it should be), and we get a teaser as to who Spidey will be tangling with in upcoming issues. All that in approximately 39 story pages, and not a bit of it seemed rushed. If that isn’t a testament to Slott’s storytelling ability, then I don’t know what is.
One of the challenges that a writer faces when heading a new creative direction is making that first issue accessible. This is always a problem for Spider-Man in particular, as the large supporting cast has always been an integral part of the franchise for years. Not only do Spider-Man’s fellow superheroes often play an important role in his stories, but he has an equally large assortment of civilian friends as Peter Parker. Most writers that jumped on the book at such a point, such as JMS, would do the smart thing and reintroduce these supporting characters slowly, so as to not disorient a new reader. Slott does not. I’m only slightly exaggerating when I say half of the supporting cast from the entire Brand New Day era appears in this issue, as well a few new characters. Somehow, though, there is nothing awkward or jarring about this. There’s just enough expository writing to explain everything, but not enough to slow it down and hamper the story. Bravo, Mr. Slott. Bravo.
As I said at the beginning, though, there is one thing about this issue that I do not care for, and that is Humberto Ramos. I cannot stand the man’s artistic style, to the point where I will often refuse to buy anything with his art in it, no matter who is writing, and I know I’m not the only one. The writing in this issue was so enjoyable that I tried to enjoy Ramos’ art, but I really couldn’t find anything redeeming about it. I suppose he meets his deadlines. In the end, this should be an 8.5 comic, but Ramos brings it down a few notches. However, my original thought of not buying this is because of Ramos was proven completely absurd, considering it cost $3.99 for this 50-some page comic. Don’t forget about the enjoyable Spider-Girl co-feature in the back!
Final Verdict: 7.5 – Buy it!
