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“Spider-Man” #1

By | September 19th, 2019
Posted in Reviews | % Comments

Author JJ Abrams is joined by his son Henry Abrams for a brand new “Spider-Man” mini-series. Will the title push the boundaries as far as some of Abrams previous works? Master artist Sara Pichelli is bringing a full set of interiors on a rare occasion that makes “Spider-Man” #1 feel truly special. The series is even introducing an all-new villain named Cadaverous. Will Peter be able to survive the new take the writing duo introduce for the character? Do all of the surprises lying within “Spider-Man” #1 serve Peter Parker’s development as a hero?

Written by J. J. Abrams and Henry Abrams
Penciled by Sara Pichelli
Inked by Elisabetta D’Amico
Colored by Dave Stewart
Lettered by VC’s Joe Caramagna

WHO IS CADAVEROUS?!
The most shocking and incredible comic of 2019 is here as J.J. ABRAMS (STAR WARS, STAR TREK, SUPER 8) and his son HENRY ABRAMS are joined by superstar artist SARA PICHELLI (MILES MORALES, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY) team up for SPIDER-MAN! What do they have planned for Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson?! Who is Cadaverous?! The Modern Master of Mystery Makes His Marvel this September!

Spider-Man immediately thrusts Mary Jane in the limelight in a manner few comics have taken the chance to execute. Unfortunately, this issue almost serves to downplay Jane’s characterization of the whole comic book story almost immediately. Despite some of the lush, organic art from Pichelli, the odd writing in the issue can come off as contrived. Instead of easing their way into a traditional Spider-Man narrative, the Abrams family use the course of the issue to develop a new hero. Introducing a new character and using the idea as a metaphor for Henry and JJ’s relationship is endearing.

Seeing the way the JJ and Henry use Mary Jane as a cheap plot point in the issue to propel the narrative sets the issue off on the wrong foot. About halfway through the issue the concept behind the story begins. When the narrative starts to reveal the status quo behind “Spider-Man” #1, the issue feels focused and tells a more interesting story. The relationship between the two series protagonists becomes stronger and more clear as the script progresses.

Pichelli’s art is able to make some of the worst scenes in the issue feel intentional and honest. Moments where Ben is doing nothing look poignant and beautiful thanks to the extreme focus of Pichelli’s detailed pencils. Pichelli is able to capture incredibly precise detail while having extremely detailed pencils. There is no ambiguity in some of the huge expressions the characters are experiencing. The arrangement of Pichelli’s scenes serves to have the strongest effect on the story. Pichelli arranges each scene in an interesting manner and focuses on the most visually appealing details that are present on the page.

“Spider-Man” #1 is always beautiful and visually approachable but some of the scripting choices are impossible to look past. JJ and Henry take some big chances with the physicality of Parker that doesn’t serve to enhance the story. The edgiest elements of “Spider-Man” #1 are the focal points holding the script back. When the story focuses squarely on what’s next for the two protagonists, the issue as a whole becomes a lot more interesting to read. With a less talented artist devoted to visualizing the narrative, some of these moments could have made readers actively cringe. While I wish there was more focus on the writing itself instead of the plot, the issue’s sparse visual direction cannot be understated. Dave Stewart is an artistic master of the medium who makes the color palette look varied and specific to this one particular issue.

Peter is thrust into a very specific new role that should serve to inform his role as a character in the series. While I personally applaud some of the sheer audacity in this narrative, the editorial at Marvel should have been able to hone this script into something more interesting that felt essential to Peter as a hero. “Spider-Man” #1 is an issue brimming with good ideas that doesn’t know how to use them to tell a complete interesting story. JJ and Henry had a really ambitious script for the story and I get the feeling it needed more time to develop. The dialogue between the duo of heroes can be sparse and isn’t able to say anything profound about this dramatic moment in their relationship. The story is interesting in how it creates a brand new adventure and role for Spider-Man that few pieces of media have discovered prior. The problem with the story lies in the details of how characters like Mary Jane were covered. Jane is a fascinating character but this issue boils her down to the most obvious plot elements.

“Spider-Man” #1 almost feels like it is telling a narrative that doesn’t have a cohesive plot element. Towards the end of the story, JJ and Henry do a good job setting the foundation for a relationship between the two protagonists. Artist Sara Pichelli is one of the very best artists at Marvel and the detailed line work and characterization illustrate why. If you are a massive Sara Pichelli fan this issue holds some nice surprises.

Final Verdict: 5.9 – “Spider-Man” #1 is a different take on Peter Parker’s life that doesn’t capitalize what makes the property great.


Alexander Jones

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