Amazing Spider-Man Creators: Writer- Zeb Wells, Penciler- John Romita Jr., Inker- Scott Hanna, Colorist- Marcio Menyz, Letterer- VC’s Joe Caramagna

Story:

Glenn:

Gang War kicks off properly with a bang! As various groups of criminals fight in the streets, Spidey has gathered a group of heroes including another Spider-Man (MIles), She-Hulk, Daredevil (Elektra) and Spider-Woman (Jessica). They don’t stick together longs because this is an event shaped thingy and they all have their own books to get to.

The only two that stick together is THIS title’s hero and She-Hulk which is a pairing I always enjoy. While they take down some of the Meanwhile Tombstone wakes up and there’s a great exchange between him and Robbie before the former heads off to reclaim his position.

There’s a lot in here and it’s all pretty damn good. This is pure action with enough great character moments to not seem dry. This really reminds me of the great street level stuff that Mackie would do on his Spider-Man in the 90’s that he was very good at. The same artist there also being here helps but none the less. I think this is a strong start and I’m hoping this story can continue to pack the punches.

Steve:

I completely agree with Glenn on this one. This issue was full of action, which sometimes bores me- not here, and great banter between our heroes. The Spider-Man and She-Hulk team up was pure joy. It was like watching old friends who enjoy a good ribbing.

What really stood out in this issue was the love of a parent and a child. Robbie helplessly hovers over his child as he struggles to stay alive, and Tombstone has to defer to his daughter to not lose her love and respect. You can see how much he cares for her, letting her do her own thing on her terms. Wells did a fantastic job of making us like Lonnie!?!?!?! I seriously was rooting for him and can’t wait for the awkward team up with Spider-Man. Not sure how that is possible, but he did it.

Every issue we get a little bit of White Rabbit. What a wonderful character with lots of potential. I’m calling for it now- a White Rabbit mini series by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner!!! Can’t miss!!!

Art:

Glenn:

I still maintain that John Romita JR is doing his best work in years on this book right now. I think a lot of that is to do with him being inked by Scott Hanna who I think pairs with him best but I also think giving him a breather between stories to really give him time to do his best work is also helping. He’s drawn the majority of the characters here before and is no stranger than drawing the action or the more character driven moments while knocking it out of the park in relation to both.

JRJR is one of my personal faves and I still think in terms of sequential storytelling, there’s likely few better working today. Like I said before, Jr’s drawing street level criminals at odds gives me happy memories of the adjectives Spider-Man book from yonder years.

Steve:

While I respect Glenn’s view on John Romita Jr, I disagree. JRJr’s facial work is subpar. His cheek bones are wonky and expressions off. For Spider-man his style is too angular and sharp. I think Spider-Man should be more fluid and gangly. I do respect JRJr’s layouts and movement. His pacing and story telling is good; it’s just not pretty to look at.

Glenn: 4 Webshooters A lot better. Not a complete turnaround,  we need a lot more of this and far less of Rek-Rap, good guy who is turning evil Norman and killing Kamala to get there and I’m not holding my breath in that regards but….its a start.

Steve: 4 Webshooters I am really loving this story. My only hold back is the art.

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