REVIEW: Amazing Spider-Man #1

Wepa! From the ashes of chaos (and like, eight different deaths), our boy Peter Parker swings back into action with a brand-new #1! But hold up—it ain’t all thwips and giggles. The man is jobless, the city’s still wildin’, and Norman Osborn is walking around like he found Jesus. It’s weird. But that’s Spider-Man, right?

Joe Kelly’s got the pen, and the dude ain’t playin’. He drops us into Pete’s life like a fly on the wall in a bodega—awkward, a lil’ messy, and full of surprises. Add the power duo Pepe Larraz and John Romita Jr. tag-teaming the art? Yeah, this issue hits harder than a dropkick from Rhino. Let’s dive into this beautiful, web-covered madness.

Joe Kelly is straight up cooking here. He brings back the Peter we love: down on his luck, duckin’ responsibility, but still throwin’ down with heart. The story kicks off with Pete gettin’ a new gig—finally, right?—but then BAM! Rhino’s on a tear like he didn’t take his meds. Pete’s like, “Welp, there goes the 401k,” and runs off to do his Spidey thing.

But yo, plot twist! Rhino ain’t just rampaging for kicks—something deeper’s goin’ on. And our boy Spidey? He starts feeling… off. Like he’s been bit by anxiety instead of a spider. Kelly’s got layers here, like a Dominican pastelón. And just when you think you’re cozy? BOOM. A new villain steps in and shakes the whole block.

Can we please get a law passed that Pepe Larraz always draws Spider-Man? His panels move smoother than a salsa dancer at a summer block party. That Rhino splash page? Whew. It’s so raw it made my eyeballs do pushups. John Romita Jr. takes over when the story flips to Norman Osborn, and bro, it’s classic. Shady press conferences, mystery attacks, that slow-burn tension like you know the Goblin ain’t really gone. JRJR draws every line like it’s got beef with your childhood trauma.

And shout out to the full dream team:

Marte Gracia & Marcio Menyz — slappin’ color like a DJ with perfect beat drops
Scott Hanna — inkin’ like he’s tattooing a legend
Joe Caramagna — lettin’ them letters flow like NYC traffic (but in a good way)

Real Talk: What’s Actually Happening?

Peter’s Struggles = Still Real AF:
New job, same Parker luck. But it’s relatable. Dude just wants healthcare and a break.

Norman Osborn, Mr. Clean?:
Don’t buy it. You don’t just scrub off decades of Goblin grime.

Villains Acting Up?:
Something fishy is goin’ down in the streets of NYC. And Spidey’s caught in the middle like a pizza rat in a bodega fight.

That Ending Tho?!:
Last few pages hit you like your ex showin’ up at your wedding. Unexpected. Wild. And lowkey exciting.

Should You Cop This Issue? Ummm, YEA! This issue is like a mixtape of classic Spidey vibes with some new fire beats. The humor is on point, the emotion is real, and the mystery? Oh it’s cookin’. Whether you’re an OG Spidey fan or just slidin’ into the fandom fresh, this one’s a must-have!

SCORE:
4/5

Writer: Joe Kelly
Artist: Pepe Larraz, John Romita Jr.
Colors: Marte Gracia & Marcio Menyz
Inks: Scott Hanna
Lettering: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Author Profile

Al Mega: I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!