Review: The Amazing Spider-Man #46

One of the greatest strengths of modern comics lies in elevating super villains that we would otherwise not know. This does not happen enough, as too often we instead we get the next big return of a villain we“ve seen constantly. Too often other media focus on only a few of each superhero“s rogues gallery. Comics allow us to see villains that we otherwise would never be able to experience.Â

In this Sins Rising arc writer Nick Spencer nicely portrays Sin-Eater in a new light. Sin-Eater has been set loose from hell and is coming after criminals. However this method of destruction is different than others. Here Sin-Eater is apparently erasing villainous personalities and replacing them as remorseful innocents.Â

The issue begins with a group of villains attacking an energy source at Empire State University. The Lethal Legion strikes and Spiderman soon arrives to stop them. Unfortunately Sin-Eater is tracking Spiderman”˜s movements and attacking the very villains he tries to stop.Â

Sin-Eater takes down the villains appearing to kill them. Worst so is the public cheering him on and appearing to treat him as a more benign version of The Punisher.Â

Nora Winters goes to visit Ravenscroft and sees the Sun-Eaters timid victims. The former villains are alive but are all model citizens. Nora also runs into Norman Osborn who is now running Ravenscroft. It truly is the insane running the asylum.Â

Nora interviews Count Nefaria who has been affected by Sin-Eaters powers and is feeling great remorse. The issue ends with Nora finding herself in a precarious situation as Sin-Eater is in her car and a shot goes off.

This issue is very grounded. There is a general lack of humor and the classic Nick Spencer charm is a bit missed here. That being said Spider-Man is in an ominous and interesting situation. The ethics of wiping out villainous tendencies and replacing them with remorse is worth exploration. The art throughout is extremely well done, action packed and showcases Spider-Man and a number of less known villains in very interesting sequences.The Sin-Eater“s power set is also extremely well portrayed, although his costume leaves much to be desired.Â

Overall this is a solid issue with a great artwork and an interesting story. It will be interesting to see what the final results of the Sun-Eater“s powers are on the various supervillains. It is nice seeing a villain that is less used to be elevated within the mythos. The hope is that we can get a better visual dynamic to the character as the arc continues.Â

Writing 4 of 5 stars
Pencils: 4.2 of 5 stars
Inks: 4.6 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.5 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.3 of 5 stars

Writer: Nick Spencer
Pencils: Marcelo Ferreira
Inks: Roberto Poggi
Colors: David Curiel
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.