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The Amazing Spider-Man (2022) (Collected Editions)
The Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 3: Hobgoblin
Time for Spidey to don his glad-webs, because he is off to the Hellfire Gala! But something is about to happen at the hottest party in town that sends Spider-Man and Wolverine on a dangerous mission all over creation! That’s right — the best duo in comics is back! But who are they fighting, and what (or who) are they fighting for? Then, as the momentous events of A.X.E. reverberate across the Marvel Universe, it’s time for Spider-Man to face judgment…and I think we all know which moment in Spidey’s history is going to weigh heavily on the proceedings. Prepare to have your heart broken all over again! If Peter can somehow pick himself up, he’ll have earned a nice quiet life, right? But wait, who’s that lurking in the book’s subtitle? The Hobgoblin?! Uh-oh…
COLLECTING: Amazing Spider-Man (2022) 9-14
COLLECTING: Amazing Spider-Man (2022) 9-14
144 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2023
33 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Zeb Wells
710 books72 followersZeb Wells is an American comic book writer known for his work at Marvel Comics, as well as his work on the animated TV series Robot Chicken.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 6, 2023
2.5 stars
"I needed some fresh air - been cooped up trying to crack a new biometric safe that just came out." -- Black Cat, sultry cat burglar extraordinaire
"Uh, for the greater good, right?!" -- Spider-Man, with a rhetorical question
Except for the above-quoted scene (a charmingly written segment where Spider-Man summons the chutzpah to ask out mutual longtime crush Black Cat for a dinner date) as well as a bravura action sequence involving our title character battling TWO bloodthirsty Hobgoblins in the skies over New York City, this third volume crashed and burned in the wake of its excellent predecessor. It pulls a reader in too many directions - although the villainous Hobgoblin is in the subtitle there are actually three other unconnected stories (two of which open this volume, and had me almost 'DNF'ing this thing) - which heavily contribute to a random or unfocused feeling. This was not a good sign at all.
"I needed some fresh air - been cooped up trying to crack a new biometric safe that just came out." -- Black Cat, sultry cat burglar extraordinaire
"Uh, for the greater good, right?!" -- Spider-Man, with a rhetorical question
Except for the above-quoted scene (a charmingly written segment where Spider-Man summons the chutzpah to ask out mutual longtime crush Black Cat for a dinner date) as well as a bravura action sequence involving our title character battling TWO bloodthirsty Hobgoblins in the skies over New York City, this third volume crashed and burned in the wake of its excellent predecessor. It pulls a reader in too many directions - although the villainous Hobgoblin is in the subtitle there are actually three other unconnected stories (two of which open this volume, and had me almost 'DNF'ing this thing) - which heavily contribute to a random or unfocused feeling. This was not a good sign at all.
February 16, 2023
In case you are wondering, the mystery of what Peter did six months ago has yet to be resolved, which was the initial hook of Zeb Wells and John Romita Jr’s run. However, Marvel had recently announced that they will be publishing two issues of Amazing Spider-Man that will not only deliver some big answers but will be “the most shocking issues in 50 years”. This sounds so hyperbolic, but hopefully this is a definite improvement than Nick Spencer’s not-so-Amazing run, in which he was a stickler for the long setup.
The first couple of issues that opens this volume are tie-ins to certain Marvel events. The first one takes place in the Hellfire Gala, so if you’re not well-versed in the current X-Men lore where there are too many books, some aspects of this issue will go over your head. All you need is Mary Jane has been kidnapped as the villainous Moira attempts to take over her body, and so Spidey infiltrates the gala and teams up with Wolverine to save the day. From the comedic banter between Peter and Logan, to Patrick Gleason continuing to prove he is one of the best Spider-Man artists in recent years, there is enough to enjoy this issue.
The next issue ties into A.X.E.: Judgment Day, and given the central conceit of the event, everyone on Earth is being judged. Peter is judged for twenty-hour hours by a Celestial hanging over his shoulder as he spends most of the issue connecting with the most important people in his life, including Aunt May and J.J. Jameson, whilst the late Gwen Stacy is a haunting presence that Peter only sees. Given its position as a tie-in issue – well-drawn by guest artist Nick Dragotta, who is so good at getting across emotions through the characters’ expressions – it does like a placeholder for more dramatic stories to come later. Still, it’s nice seeing Peter checking in on his friends and family, whilst having a romantic reminder on how much he misses Gwen.
The bulk of this volume covers the return of one of Spidey’s greatest villains, the Hobgoblin, a masked persona with quite the melodramatic history over the years, with multiple people donning his face. Whilst you have the mystery of the Hobgoblin is, with previous wearers Ned Leeds and Roderick Kingsley are thrown into the mix, Wells pushes several aspects of the character drama that was established previously, such as Spidey’s relationship with the Black Cat, most importantly his relationship with Norman Osborn. Considering Osborn has been trying to redeem himself in recent years, his irritable behaviour shows signs of not being trustworthy and whether he has truly escaped the Goblin curse. I’m always going to be mixed about Romita’s art-style, though the more issues he does in this run, the more he improves, especially when it comes to the action sequences where Spidey is flying with his own glider against the Hobgoblin.
The final issue is yet another tie-in that sets up the upcoming event Dark Web, in which we see Ben Reilly has been doing after the Beyond era. Taking on a new villainous persona as Chasm, the issue, Ben is in cahoots with Jean Grey’s clone Madelyne Pryor, as seen in this issue that is broken in four parts with numerous artists involved. What sounds like another Clone Saga, which is always worrisome, considering the reputation that story has had on Spider-Man comics over the years, but let’s where it goes, though you wish for Amazing Spider-Man should function more by telling its own narrative.
The first couple of issues that opens this volume are tie-ins to certain Marvel events. The first one takes place in the Hellfire Gala, so if you’re not well-versed in the current X-Men lore where there are too many books, some aspects of this issue will go over your head. All you need is Mary Jane has been kidnapped as the villainous Moira attempts to take over her body, and so Spidey infiltrates the gala and teams up with Wolverine to save the day. From the comedic banter between Peter and Logan, to Patrick Gleason continuing to prove he is one of the best Spider-Man artists in recent years, there is enough to enjoy this issue.
The next issue ties into A.X.E.: Judgment Day, and given the central conceit of the event, everyone on Earth is being judged. Peter is judged for twenty-hour hours by a Celestial hanging over his shoulder as he spends most of the issue connecting with the most important people in his life, including Aunt May and J.J. Jameson, whilst the late Gwen Stacy is a haunting presence that Peter only sees. Given its position as a tie-in issue – well-drawn by guest artist Nick Dragotta, who is so good at getting across emotions through the characters’ expressions – it does like a placeholder for more dramatic stories to come later. Still, it’s nice seeing Peter checking in on his friends and family, whilst having a romantic reminder on how much he misses Gwen.
The bulk of this volume covers the return of one of Spidey’s greatest villains, the Hobgoblin, a masked persona with quite the melodramatic history over the years, with multiple people donning his face. Whilst you have the mystery of the Hobgoblin is, with previous wearers Ned Leeds and Roderick Kingsley are thrown into the mix, Wells pushes several aspects of the character drama that was established previously, such as Spidey’s relationship with the Black Cat, most importantly his relationship with Norman Osborn. Considering Osborn has been trying to redeem himself in recent years, his irritable behaviour shows signs of not being trustworthy and whether he has truly escaped the Goblin curse. I’m always going to be mixed about Romita’s art-style, though the more issues he does in this run, the more he improves, especially when it comes to the action sequences where Spidey is flying with his own glider against the Hobgoblin.
The final issue is yet another tie-in that sets up the upcoming event Dark Web, in which we see Ben Reilly has been doing after the Beyond era. Taking on a new villainous persona as Chasm, the issue, Ben is in cahoots with Jean Grey’s clone Madelyne Pryor, as seen in this issue that is broken in four parts with numerous artists involved. What sounds like another Clone Saga, which is always worrisome, considering the reputation that story has had on Spider-Man comics over the years, but let’s where it goes, though you wish for Amazing Spider-Man should function more by telling its own narrative.
January 8, 2023
This series is getting pulled in all sorts of directions, mostly from weird fill-in issues and Crossover tie-ins.
Issue 10 is a "Judgment Day" tie-in but is actually quite nice. Parker has a spectre falling him around, judging him. The reveal is actually pretty touching.
The hobgoblin makes a return, but I'm not too familiar with that character.
Issue 10 is a "Judgment Day" tie-in but is actually quite nice. Parker has a spectre falling him around, judging him. The reveal is actually pretty touching.
The hobgoblin makes a return, but I'm not too familiar with that character.
June 27, 2023
One quite decent main plot- promising future developments- encased between 2 tie-ins and one prelude. None of them being particularly bad for that matter but never being good enough to rate the book better. Art is average at best.
Well, considering the unusual number of books I’ve been rating 2* lately I guess a regular 3* isn’t so bad after all.
Well, considering the unusual number of books I’ve been rating 2* lately I guess a regular 3* isn’t so bad after all.
January 9, 2023
Even with this series having to cater to other crossovers/events, there's STILL a strong sense of nostalgia and momentum with this series. They're taking characters and plot threads we haven't seen in ages...and weaving them into a fresh new piece. Yes, a dreaded time jump happened at some point and story advanced only to be filled in at a later date. The writing has been compelling (and busy) enough for us to stay engaged and keep turning pages...
We're working with a old 'bag of tricks (cast of characters)
Peter is working on a new Spider / Goblin hybrid suit with Norman Osborn (thanks Sin-Eater?)
Norman Osborn is a pacifist (REALLY, Sin-Eater??)
Black Cat is back to flirting and potentially dating Parker
Mary Jane ...is married with kids? (Something tells me this is a future bombshell)
Ned Leeds and Roderick Kingsley are still around (this collection gives us some new deets)
New 'tricks'
Ben / Chasm is a black hole of memories and his time with Beyond ....did stuff to him
Madelyn Pryor (THE Goblin Queen?) reigns in Limbo. (Boy, did Magik drop the ball there)
Bonus: Hallows Eve ... worst Halloween inspired character ever! She's something straight out of 'Halloween 2' with all the mask mythology. Not a fan. (Almost as 'meh' as the Beyond Corp influenced Goblin Queen')
Bonus Bonus: low key Kamala Khan cameo is what every Young Avenger hopes for
We're working with a old 'bag of tricks (cast of characters)
Peter is working on a new Spider / Goblin hybrid suit with Norman Osborn (thanks Sin-Eater?)
Norman Osborn is a pacifist (REALLY, Sin-Eater??)
Black Cat is back to flirting and potentially dating Parker
Mary Jane ...is married with kids? (Something tells me this is a future bombshell)
Ned Leeds and Roderick Kingsley are still around (this collection gives us some new deets)
New 'tricks'
Ben / Chasm is a black hole of memories and his time with Beyond ....did stuff to him
Madelyn Pryor (THE Goblin Queen?) reigns in Limbo. (Boy, did Magik drop the ball there)
Bonus: Hallows Eve ... worst Halloween inspired character ever! She's something straight out of 'Halloween 2' with all the mask mythology. Not a fan. (Almost as 'meh' as the Beyond Corp influenced Goblin Queen')
Bonus Bonus: low key Kamala Khan cameo is what every Young Avenger hopes for
June 29, 2023
So now we get into stuff I haven’t read except issue 9. Again, I haven’t read X-Men post X of Swords so since issue 9 tied into that, I had no idea what was going on. Then issue 10 ties into A.X.E. I also haven’t read that yet so that issue really didn’t do anything for me. Finally, at issue 11 we get back to Spider-Man own goings on. Some interesting stuff with Hobgoblin was going down which is leading into Dark Web. This also pushes Osborn to break his vow of not fighting and he puts on that gold goblin suit. This of course sets up his mini series and also will be a part of Dark Web. The actual Spidey stuff was pretty solid it’s just that the book got hijacked having two issues tie into other things. Oh well. Unfortunately, my Gold Goblin book is tied up in the mail, so I’ll have to wait on continuing into Dark Web until that gets here.
July 6, 2023
this shit is all over the place, but felicia is GORGEOUS.
April 27, 2023
I liked this. Fast paced, plenty of character work, a good sense of forward momentum with the plot. Chopped and changed a bit, with multiple artists and a tie-in issue for AxE: Judgement Day, but the art was cool and the stories solid so I was fine with it.
April 16, 2023
Spidey enters Volume 3 with still no answers about MJ!
Highlights:
- Peter attends the Hellfire Gala at the invite of Wolverine. He was brought to help track Moira, who oddly enough has inhabited the body of Mary Jane. Once she is safe, she still refuses to explain things to Peter, but claims it is her "responsibility".
- We are also given the Spider-Man tie-in with A.X.E., where Pete lives through a day of helping and kindness under the spirit of Gwen Stacy. When he is deemed worthy, Gwen is resurrected for about 1 minute so her and Peter can say goodbye.
- In an attempt to move on with his life, Peter asks Felicia Hardy (Black Cat) out on a date. She says she will think about it, but I can totally see that happening.
- The primary action of the Volume involves the return of Hobgoblin, who is actually two different people this time: Roderick Kingsley AND Ned Leeds! With the help of Norman Osborn, now in the Gold Goblin suit (much like Iron Man), Roderick is arrested and Ned gets away.
- The last story in the Volume sets up the next Spidey-focused crossover, Dark Web. Ben Reilly, now tainted and villainous as Chasm, teams up with Goblin Queen and his newly powered girlfriend Janine, now the villain Hallow's Eve. Goblin Queen means X-Men intervention, so I can't wait to see where this goes.
Overall, a good Volume. Looking forward to what is next.
Highlights:
- Peter attends the Hellfire Gala at the invite of Wolverine. He was brought to help track Moira, who oddly enough has inhabited the body of Mary Jane. Once she is safe, she still refuses to explain things to Peter, but claims it is her "responsibility".
- We are also given the Spider-Man tie-in with A.X.E., where Pete lives through a day of helping and kindness under the spirit of Gwen Stacy. When he is deemed worthy, Gwen is resurrected for about 1 minute so her and Peter can say goodbye.
- In an attempt to move on with his life, Peter asks Felicia Hardy (Black Cat) out on a date. She says she will think about it, but I can totally see that happening.
- The primary action of the Volume involves the return of Hobgoblin, who is actually two different people this time: Roderick Kingsley AND Ned Leeds! With the help of Norman Osborn, now in the Gold Goblin suit (much like Iron Man), Roderick is arrested and Ned gets away.
- The last story in the Volume sets up the next Spidey-focused crossover, Dark Web. Ben Reilly, now tainted and villainous as Chasm, teams up with Goblin Queen and his newly powered girlfriend Janine, now the villain Hallow's Eve. Goblin Queen means X-Men intervention, so I can't wait to see where this goes.
Overall, a good Volume. Looking forward to what is next.
January 8, 2025
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: HOBGOBLIN is the third installment of the Zeb Wells installment of the Amazing Spider-Man run. Sadly, this is where the cracks start to show. Peter Parker starts working for a brainwashed Norman Osborn and also we get Mary Jane treating Peter like crap. The fact the story wastes Ms. Marvel as an Oscorp intern is also ridiculous. I love the Hobgoblin but only when Ned Leeds actually gets to be a villain.
July 24, 2023
This trade suffers from being a collection of unconnected issues, some from Hellfire gala which Peter attends. Than the Judgement Day Event which I liked and recommended. Along with a mystery story about the Hobgoblin, which was okay.
March 10, 2023
Review for the first story in this volume, ASM 10.
TL; dr: Do you hate yourself? Then yes, buy this trade collection. Otherwise, why are you subjecting yourself to such misery? There is nothing redeemable about Zeb Wells's work on Spider-Man. This is the most cynical, nihilistic run that substitutes deliberately frustrating and confusing the reader for storytelling. It is such a terrible attempt at telling a story, major turning points in the characters' lives are told to us on recap pages but never appear on the pages. Do yourself a favor, even if you hate yourself. Stay far away. If you are truly curious, check Worldcat https://worldcat.org to see if you can get this from a library near you.
Zeb Wells’s run of ASM makes me so so so so so tired.
Not as tired as Gwen Stacy is of being yanked out of her nice cozy afterlife just to be a “gift” (I threw up in my mouth at that scene) for Peter Parker, because isn’t that the only thing women are good for? Being gifts for men? I mean, it’s not like women are humans or anything. Women don’t have dreams or desires. They’re not individuals. They don’t exist except to think about men and to make men sad/glad. At least, not in Zeb Wells’s world, apparently, as this is the second issue (after ASM 900) in which a female character is explicitly turned into a gift for Peter Parker (while last issue, MJ was just an two-dimensional object to be rescued).
The usual PSA: No. The mystery boxes still sealed. Like, did I even have to say it? We all know Wells is so creatively constipated on this front, no volume of mental enemas will allow him to unclench until the (hopefully very soon, please) end of this miserable run. Who cares you spent $3.99 an issue in the hopes of getting a cohesive, coherent overarching story, at a time when incomes are being squeezed? Not anyone who works on the writing of this title, that’s evident.
I don’t understand how anyone can read this run without mocking it, because the amount of brain cells that would need to be murdered to find this run enjoyable would bring one near death.
Here come the spoilers. But if you are at all familiar with how Gwen Stacy was used in 21st century Spider-Man comics - with the exception of J. Michael Straczynski’s run, who at least tried to give Gwen some depth and dimension but unfortunately played into the whore/Madonna sexist dichotomy - then you already know how this mawkish twee clichefest will play out.
First, basic background: there’s an event going on in other corners of the Marvel Universe that is super convoluted but basically, Tony Stark and an Eternal (y’know, the one MCU movie no one saw?) created an Eternal god to stop a superpowered people war. But, as to be expected when creating a god, the god had its own ideas of what its purpose is and things got out of hand and now the god is going around judging every human in the Marvel U to decide if the Earth should continue to exist. The god does this by taking the form of someone important to the life being judged and then goes full Nero with thumbs up or thumbs down.
In the actual event (which is a good read, much better than this drippy drek) characters like Captain America and Daredevil are given a thumbs down. Characters who are pure of heart and action. And characters who are well known for being massive arrogant screwups, like Tony Stark, or murderers, like Cyclops, were given thumbs up. Keep this in mind.
Ready?
And warning…I really am so, so tired.
So Pete, who has decided to stop shaving all of sudden - I guess we’re back to depressed Peter, I’d care except it’s physically impossible to work up an emotion other than ennui - is watching tv with Wells deciding to try his hand and failing at social satire via the newscasters when the god avatar appears in the form of Gwen Stacy. Who is still wearing the outfit she died in because I guess Old Navy doesn’t deliver to the MCU afterlife.
(Why isn’t Peter being judged by Uncle Ben, whose death is the whole raison d’etre for his superhero schtick? Who knows. Guess Ben doesn’t look good enough in a miniskirt).
So Pete glumly goes about his day with the avatar in tow. He helps Randy pick out a tux, tells an Aunt May being judged by an Uncle Ben avatar he loves her, tells J. Jonah Jameson he has always been a good man even when he was trying to hunt and hurt Spider-Man —which is an absolute lie, good people do not try to hunt and capture other human beings, what the HELL is wrong with you, Zeb Wells?!
This is shitty writing that disregards all of Jonah’s growth and absolves him for some awful behavior for which Jonah was wholly responsible.
(The writing gets worse on this front. Hard to believe, I know.)
So after some more wandering, including helping Miles take down Rocket Racer who broke bad for some reason (I’m just going to point out there is a disproportionate number of shady guys in this run who are Black and brown, from Tombstone to the debt collector to Kareem to Paul), Peter goes to sleep, as does the reader. He wakes up, Gwen avatar still there. Like, Cap literally got 30 seconds, Cyclops got five minutes, but no, Peter gets over 24 hours of being judged. Whatevs. I guess Wells has to pad the pages because why use the space to actually advance the overall story.
Peter gets called to work by Norman. The Gwen avatar goes to work with him - and Peter freaks out and yells at Norman to leave even though Norman owns the company and is the big boss, this is not how to get an “exceeds expectations” rating and a raise above cost of living at your next performance review, Pete, just saying - while a poorly written Kamala Khan is being judged by an avatar who looks like Captain Marvel. Kamala was already judged in a far more true to character and active scene, but why expect Marvel, which boasts of its interconnected universe, to actually demand its writers coordinate on events?
The Gwen avatar is not happy Peter yelled at Norman - oh fine, it’s probably upset he’s working for Norman, you’re not the only one, Gwen avatar - and flies off. Peter chases after the avatar and tells it to wait, as if he’s the one doing the judging and not the avatar, and why was the avatar leaving anyway?!??! The avatar is supposed to be there to judge him! So go ahead and judge! But no, the avatar has to instead play coy like it’s an actual stereotypical playing hard to get maiden. GAH this issue is irksome.
Peter then decides he owes the avatar an explanation and says a while ago he lost someone he loved and he wanted to do everything he could he could to get her back, but no one agreed with his tactics and the only person who would help is Norman - which begs the question just how fucking stupid was the thing Peter wanted to do if only Norman Osborn would help him?!?! This is probably a mystery box reference to whatever happened with Mary Jane but Wells is making Peter sound irrational and dangerous, which does not bode well for those who think Wells is leading up to a MJ and Peter reconciliation because from Peter’s description, Wells is implying a relationship with MJ is toxic for Peter and makes him do rash, terrible things. Which contradicts sixty years of continuity but Wells gonna Wells, which is to say misogynists gonna misogyny.
Whatever Peter did didn’t work out the way he wanted but at least Norman helped him, so now Peter feels that it is his responsibility to make sure Norman doesn’t break bad again - because he loves Gwen.
What the whatity what? Norman was the only one to help him do something so stupid/dangerous no one else would help - so Peter feels he must stop Norman from doing something bad because of GWEN? Maybe don’t ask Norman to do stupid/dangerous and by implication, y’know, BAD things, Pete, if you are so concerned about the memory of the dead girlfriend Norman murdered in the first place!
Plus, Peter thinking it’s his responsibility to stop Norman from choosing a life of evil again? That, my friends, is truly toxic. No human being is responsible for the actions of another. It’s called free will, Wells, look it up. Peter is not responsible for Norman’s actions. Only Norman is. This is a really really problematic belief for Peter to have; he’s denying Norman agency (of course, Wells has taken MJ’s agency away so this isn’t new for him) and it’s putting Peter in a place no mentally healthy person should put themselves in.
Peter is setting himself up to be Norman’s conscience but he can’t be. Also, this isn’t what Peter’s responsibility means. Peter’s responsibility means Peter does something when he sees something. He shows up. He contributes. He doesn’t ignore or dismiss situations where he can make a difference.
But it is mentally unhealthy for any human to assume responsibility for the potential actions of a fully grown adult in mentis compos. That’s grade-A asshole controlling at best, psychotically irrational and damaging at worst.
But does the Gwen avatar care that Peter thinks it is his place to deny Norman free will, which means Peter really, really needs a therapist?
No.
In fact, the avatar is gosh darn super impressed. It declares Peter has a heart so pure, he’s blind to how pure it is and its purity is beyond the minds of mere mortals to conceive - because apparently the avatar has a really whack sense of what mental stability looks like.
And because Peter is so pure:
The avatar literally gives Peter Gwen Stacy as a gift.
Lit-er-a-lly.
Gives another human as a gift.
A HUMAN BEING.
AS A GIFT.
Even explicitly states it: “And so receive my gift!”
And boom, there’s the “real” Gwen Stacy, plucked out of heaven just so the avatar can see Peter’s heart “open” or some such shit, the entire scene is about Peter and his feelings, who cares how Gwen feels being taken out of the afterlife and brought to life just to be shunted back to death after Peter gets his gift? She’s just an object, it’s not like women are people who might have feelings and ideas about whether they would like to be alive or dead. Gwen and Peter get to make big puppy dog at each other and say they miss each other and then, boom, Gwen's dead again because when you're nothing but a gift who cares if maybe you'd like to stay alive? Or wish you hadn't been disturbed in the first place? Who the fuck cares about what Gwen might want? Not the middle aged men who run and write for Marvel, that's for damn sure.
Peter's reaction: Well, that was a day.
Eyes cannot be rolled enough at how shitty this issue is. How utterly devoid of anything resembling an authentic emotion. It's pure nostalgia wanking with some super problematic messages and I feel bad for those who allowed Wells to wank them because it's so blatantly manipulative and insincere. Get some critical acumen, people.
The end page is Norman freaking out because he saw Peter talk to the “real” Gwen, and then we see an angry Gwen avatar about to judge him. Because why should Norman be judged by Harry, y'know, the son he tortured his entire life and sold his soul to the devil? No, let it be the girl-shaped nostalgia machine.
Art is by Nick Dragotta who probably shouldn’t put this on his CV. Is every fill-in artist contractually obligated to make Peter look like a potato or to not show his face so they don't show up JRJR? Because Nick, you are so talented. But this? Yikes.
The Hobgoblin story is a nothing burger, and completely pointless unless you like watching Peter Parker roll over and declare he's going to die until someone comes along to save his damsel self, namely Norman Osborn because Norman is Pete's sugar daddy now. Yes, even after spending ten minutes with a Gwen shaped present yanked out her afterlife to be his present.
That's how absolutely bankrupt this run is.
TL; dr: Do you hate yourself? Then yes, buy this trade collection. Otherwise, why are you subjecting yourself to such misery? There is nothing redeemable about Zeb Wells's work on Spider-Man. This is the most cynical, nihilistic run that substitutes deliberately frustrating and confusing the reader for storytelling. It is such a terrible attempt at telling a story, major turning points in the characters' lives are told to us on recap pages but never appear on the pages. Do yourself a favor, even if you hate yourself. Stay far away. If you are truly curious, check Worldcat https://worldcat.org to see if you can get this from a library near you.
Zeb Wells’s run of ASM makes me so so so so so tired.
Not as tired as Gwen Stacy is of being yanked out of her nice cozy afterlife just to be a “gift” (I threw up in my mouth at that scene) for Peter Parker, because isn’t that the only thing women are good for? Being gifts for men? I mean, it’s not like women are humans or anything. Women don’t have dreams or desires. They’re not individuals. They don’t exist except to think about men and to make men sad/glad. At least, not in Zeb Wells’s world, apparently, as this is the second issue (after ASM 900) in which a female character is explicitly turned into a gift for Peter Parker (while last issue, MJ was just an two-dimensional object to be rescued).
The usual PSA: No. The mystery boxes still sealed. Like, did I even have to say it? We all know Wells is so creatively constipated on this front, no volume of mental enemas will allow him to unclench until the (hopefully very soon, please) end of this miserable run. Who cares you spent $3.99 an issue in the hopes of getting a cohesive, coherent overarching story, at a time when incomes are being squeezed? Not anyone who works on the writing of this title, that’s evident.
I don’t understand how anyone can read this run without mocking it, because the amount of brain cells that would need to be murdered to find this run enjoyable would bring one near death.
Here come the spoilers. But if you are at all familiar with how Gwen Stacy was used in 21st century Spider-Man comics - with the exception of J. Michael Straczynski’s run, who at least tried to give Gwen some depth and dimension but unfortunately played into the whore/Madonna sexist dichotomy - then you already know how this mawkish twee clichefest will play out.
First, basic background: there’s an event going on in other corners of the Marvel Universe that is super convoluted but basically, Tony Stark and an Eternal (y’know, the one MCU movie no one saw?) created an Eternal god to stop a superpowered people war. But, as to be expected when creating a god, the god had its own ideas of what its purpose is and things got out of hand and now the god is going around judging every human in the Marvel U to decide if the Earth should continue to exist. The god does this by taking the form of someone important to the life being judged and then goes full Nero with thumbs up or thumbs down.
In the actual event (which is a good read, much better than this drippy drek) characters like Captain America and Daredevil are given a thumbs down. Characters who are pure of heart and action. And characters who are well known for being massive arrogant screwups, like Tony Stark, or murderers, like Cyclops, were given thumbs up. Keep this in mind.
Ready?
And warning…I really am so, so tired.
So Pete, who has decided to stop shaving all of sudden - I guess we’re back to depressed Peter, I’d care except it’s physically impossible to work up an emotion other than ennui - is watching tv with Wells deciding to try his hand and failing at social satire via the newscasters when the god avatar appears in the form of Gwen Stacy. Who is still wearing the outfit she died in because I guess Old Navy doesn’t deliver to the MCU afterlife.
(Why isn’t Peter being judged by Uncle Ben, whose death is the whole raison d’etre for his superhero schtick? Who knows. Guess Ben doesn’t look good enough in a miniskirt).
So Pete glumly goes about his day with the avatar in tow. He helps Randy pick out a tux, tells an Aunt May being judged by an Uncle Ben avatar he loves her, tells J. Jonah Jameson he has always been a good man even when he was trying to hunt and hurt Spider-Man —which is an absolute lie, good people do not try to hunt and capture other human beings, what the HELL is wrong with you, Zeb Wells?!
This is shitty writing that disregards all of Jonah’s growth and absolves him for some awful behavior for which Jonah was wholly responsible.
(The writing gets worse on this front. Hard to believe, I know.)
So after some more wandering, including helping Miles take down Rocket Racer who broke bad for some reason (I’m just going to point out there is a disproportionate number of shady guys in this run who are Black and brown, from Tombstone to the debt collector to Kareem to Paul), Peter goes to sleep, as does the reader. He wakes up, Gwen avatar still there. Like, Cap literally got 30 seconds, Cyclops got five minutes, but no, Peter gets over 24 hours of being judged. Whatevs. I guess Wells has to pad the pages because why use the space to actually advance the overall story.
Peter gets called to work by Norman. The Gwen avatar goes to work with him - and Peter freaks out and yells at Norman to leave even though Norman owns the company and is the big boss, this is not how to get an “exceeds expectations” rating and a raise above cost of living at your next performance review, Pete, just saying - while a poorly written Kamala Khan is being judged by an avatar who looks like Captain Marvel. Kamala was already judged in a far more true to character and active scene, but why expect Marvel, which boasts of its interconnected universe, to actually demand its writers coordinate on events?
The Gwen avatar is not happy Peter yelled at Norman - oh fine, it’s probably upset he’s working for Norman, you’re not the only one, Gwen avatar - and flies off. Peter chases after the avatar and tells it to wait, as if he’s the one doing the judging and not the avatar, and why was the avatar leaving anyway?!??! The avatar is supposed to be there to judge him! So go ahead and judge! But no, the avatar has to instead play coy like it’s an actual stereotypical playing hard to get maiden. GAH this issue is irksome.
Peter then decides he owes the avatar an explanation and says a while ago he lost someone he loved and he wanted to do everything he could he could to get her back, but no one agreed with his tactics and the only person who would help is Norman - which begs the question just how fucking stupid was the thing Peter wanted to do if only Norman Osborn would help him?!?! This is probably a mystery box reference to whatever happened with Mary Jane but Wells is making Peter sound irrational and dangerous, which does not bode well for those who think Wells is leading up to a MJ and Peter reconciliation because from Peter’s description, Wells is implying a relationship with MJ is toxic for Peter and makes him do rash, terrible things. Which contradicts sixty years of continuity but Wells gonna Wells, which is to say misogynists gonna misogyny.
Whatever Peter did didn’t work out the way he wanted but at least Norman helped him, so now Peter feels that it is his responsibility to make sure Norman doesn’t break bad again - because he loves Gwen.
What the whatity what? Norman was the only one to help him do something so stupid/dangerous no one else would help - so Peter feels he must stop Norman from doing something bad because of GWEN? Maybe don’t ask Norman to do stupid/dangerous and by implication, y’know, BAD things, Pete, if you are so concerned about the memory of the dead girlfriend Norman murdered in the first place!
Plus, Peter thinking it’s his responsibility to stop Norman from choosing a life of evil again? That, my friends, is truly toxic. No human being is responsible for the actions of another. It’s called free will, Wells, look it up. Peter is not responsible for Norman’s actions. Only Norman is. This is a really really problematic belief for Peter to have; he’s denying Norman agency (of course, Wells has taken MJ’s agency away so this isn’t new for him) and it’s putting Peter in a place no mentally healthy person should put themselves in.
Peter is setting himself up to be Norman’s conscience but he can’t be. Also, this isn’t what Peter’s responsibility means. Peter’s responsibility means Peter does something when he sees something. He shows up. He contributes. He doesn’t ignore or dismiss situations where he can make a difference.
But it is mentally unhealthy for any human to assume responsibility for the potential actions of a fully grown adult in mentis compos. That’s grade-A asshole controlling at best, psychotically irrational and damaging at worst.
But does the Gwen avatar care that Peter thinks it is his place to deny Norman free will, which means Peter really, really needs a therapist?
No.
In fact, the avatar is gosh darn super impressed. It declares Peter has a heart so pure, he’s blind to how pure it is and its purity is beyond the minds of mere mortals to conceive - because apparently the avatar has a really whack sense of what mental stability looks like.
And because Peter is so pure:
The avatar literally gives Peter Gwen Stacy as a gift.
Lit-er-a-lly.
Gives another human as a gift.
A HUMAN BEING.
AS A GIFT.
Even explicitly states it: “And so receive my gift!”
And boom, there’s the “real” Gwen Stacy, plucked out of heaven just so the avatar can see Peter’s heart “open” or some such shit, the entire scene is about Peter and his feelings, who cares how Gwen feels being taken out of the afterlife and brought to life just to be shunted back to death after Peter gets his gift? She’s just an object, it’s not like women are people who might have feelings and ideas about whether they would like to be alive or dead. Gwen and Peter get to make big puppy dog at each other and say they miss each other and then, boom, Gwen's dead again because when you're nothing but a gift who cares if maybe you'd like to stay alive? Or wish you hadn't been disturbed in the first place? Who the fuck cares about what Gwen might want? Not the middle aged men who run and write for Marvel, that's for damn sure.
Peter's reaction: Well, that was a day.
Eyes cannot be rolled enough at how shitty this issue is. How utterly devoid of anything resembling an authentic emotion. It's pure nostalgia wanking with some super problematic messages and I feel bad for those who allowed Wells to wank them because it's so blatantly manipulative and insincere. Get some critical acumen, people.
The end page is Norman freaking out because he saw Peter talk to the “real” Gwen, and then we see an angry Gwen avatar about to judge him. Because why should Norman be judged by Harry, y'know, the son he tortured his entire life and sold his soul to the devil? No, let it be the girl-shaped nostalgia machine.
Art is by Nick Dragotta who probably shouldn’t put this on his CV. Is every fill-in artist contractually obligated to make Peter look like a potato or to not show his face so they don't show up JRJR? Because Nick, you are so talented. But this? Yikes.
The Hobgoblin story is a nothing burger, and completely pointless unless you like watching Peter Parker roll over and declare he's going to die until someone comes along to save his damsel self, namely Norman Osborn because Norman is Pete's sugar daddy now. Yes, even after spending ten minutes with a Gwen shaped present yanked out her afterlife to be his present.
That's how absolutely bankrupt this run is.
March 4, 2025
This is the third of the Zeb Wells written books I've read and so far it has not been a good read. I have one more to go through and if that one isn't any good I will probably stop reading them.
February 19, 2023
This current run of Spider-man continues to be pretty terrible. It feels very directionless and this particular volume is so tonally off. The AXE tie in is surprisingly strong and sentimental but from then on it’s down hill. I’m not the biggest fan of comics having multiple artists per issue but there are several artists working within the same issue here and it’s just bad.
2/5
2/5
May 26, 2023
Hobgoblin rides again - but with both Ned Leeds and Roderick Kingsley around, which one is Hobby this time? Also: crossovers galore and the prelude to Dark Web!
Amazing Spider-Man, Volume 3: Hobgoblin is half a good book. You can tell the good parts because they’re drawn by John Romita Jr - not just because of the quality of JRJR’s art but because these issues read like a proper story rather than snippets of a larger one, and because the Hobgoblin story is actually interesting too.
The opening chapter is an X-Men crossover. MJ’s been taken hostage by Moira MacTaggert for some reason so Spidey goes to the Hellfire Gala, whatever that is, and fights Moira with Wolverine in a Parisian cathedral. Then there’s a tie-in to AXE: Judgement Day (their worst fragrance yet) where a Celestial is judging everyone on Earth - or else! - so everyone’s pretending to be nicey-nice. All these crossovers did was remind me why I’m not reading most of the garbage Marvel is putting out at the moment.
I’ve never been a huge Hobgoblin fan but Zeb Wells writes a solid mystery around the character which feels, like everything else he’s done in the series so far, exciting and tense to read. It’s compelling, dark, and satisfying in itself but also hints at a larger storyline not just in Dark Web but with Norman Osborn later on. Great stuff - loved it.
The book closes out with a Dark Web prelude that’s segmented into the four seasons for no reason, each drawn by a different artist - Michael Dowling (meh), Kyle Hotz (grand), Terry Dodson (usually good but really rushed-looking here), Ryan Stegman (meh) - and featuring Ben Reilly and Some Girl as they flit between Limbo and Earth somehow.
It’s a really muddled issue where I had no idea what was happening or why - I’m guessing Ben’s got his own series and Wells is referencing things that character’s been up to in that? And Madelyne Pryor too as well - the name rings a faint bell but I can’t remember what she did before or why she’s in Limbo now. If all of this was meant to whet my appetite for Dark Web, it didn’t - all I got was puzzlement, but I trust Wells to pull off the main event successfully.
It’s a shame Wells, like every other writer at Marvel/DC when they hit upon a good run, is forced to include arbitrary crossovers to pointlessly interrupt the flow of their series - such is the tedious cost of doing business at these places. Still, when he’s allowed to actually write his Spider-Man story, he delivers, and the Hobgoblin episode was bonzer fun and worth reading the book for that alone. Into the Dark Web we go next and hopefully it’s more accessible/understandable than the glimpse of it we got here!
Amazing Spider-Man, Volume 3: Hobgoblin is half a good book. You can tell the good parts because they’re drawn by John Romita Jr - not just because of the quality of JRJR’s art but because these issues read like a proper story rather than snippets of a larger one, and because the Hobgoblin story is actually interesting too.
The opening chapter is an X-Men crossover. MJ’s been taken hostage by Moira MacTaggert for some reason so Spidey goes to the Hellfire Gala, whatever that is, and fights Moira with Wolverine in a Parisian cathedral. Then there’s a tie-in to AXE: Judgement Day (their worst fragrance yet) where a Celestial is judging everyone on Earth - or else! - so everyone’s pretending to be nicey-nice. All these crossovers did was remind me why I’m not reading most of the garbage Marvel is putting out at the moment.
I’ve never been a huge Hobgoblin fan but Zeb Wells writes a solid mystery around the character which feels, like everything else he’s done in the series so far, exciting and tense to read. It’s compelling, dark, and satisfying in itself but also hints at a larger storyline not just in Dark Web but with Norman Osborn later on. Great stuff - loved it.
The book closes out with a Dark Web prelude that’s segmented into the four seasons for no reason, each drawn by a different artist - Michael Dowling (meh), Kyle Hotz (grand), Terry Dodson (usually good but really rushed-looking here), Ryan Stegman (meh) - and featuring Ben Reilly and Some Girl as they flit between Limbo and Earth somehow.
It’s a really muddled issue where I had no idea what was happening or why - I’m guessing Ben’s got his own series and Wells is referencing things that character’s been up to in that? And Madelyne Pryor too as well - the name rings a faint bell but I can’t remember what she did before or why she’s in Limbo now. If all of this was meant to whet my appetite for Dark Web, it didn’t - all I got was puzzlement, but I trust Wells to pull off the main event successfully.
It’s a shame Wells, like every other writer at Marvel/DC when they hit upon a good run, is forced to include arbitrary crossovers to pointlessly interrupt the flow of their series - such is the tedious cost of doing business at these places. Still, when he’s allowed to actually write his Spider-Man story, he delivers, and the Hobgoblin episode was bonzer fun and worth reading the book for that alone. Into the Dark Web we go next and hopefully it’s more accessible/understandable than the glimpse of it we got here!
March 12, 2023
This is my favorite volume of the series by Wells easily, he writes it so well here and truly ties into both the big events of Hellfire gala and whats going on with Moira taking over MJ and how he rescues her, it feels compressed and could have used more issues but its fast and then the next issue tying to Judgement day with Peter being haunted by Gwen (you have to read the event to get the idea, its not bad, but not the worst) and she acts like a plot to show Peter reconnecting with all his loved ones and apologizing to the people he may have done wrong with/to and his new mission statement which was kinda nice and really makes you appreciate Spider-man as a character.
Then there is the big story with Hobgoblin which I absolutely loved, it ties into some old arcs for him and you have to know the history of these characters to like the story and if you do, you will love it, its a love letter to those stories but also does well to establish new status quo for Ben and Roderick both and I love that and kinda is intriguing, challenging, action-packed, emotional in some areas and kind of tests Norman too which actually is the best part and as a reader your questions of has he been really redeemed is answered and I love the change in status quo.
Its all well and then setting up stuff for Dark web showing what Ben and Janine are upto, the mysterious new ally and a status quo change for Janine and the design is sorta lame, maybe some will like her power but it felt bad lol. Then again.
SO yeah a good collection which ties into events of marvel at the time and maybe a let down for some and the next arc which is a nostalgia trip but could be weird if you don't know their history and a story that leads into the next one aka Dark web which the less said about it is better.
So do read it once, it makes for a nice evening read and as for the art, its not the best but well..!
Then there is the big story with Hobgoblin which I absolutely loved, it ties into some old arcs for him and you have to know the history of these characters to like the story and if you do, you will love it, its a love letter to those stories but also does well to establish new status quo for Ben and Roderick both and I love that and kinda is intriguing, challenging, action-packed, emotional in some areas and kind of tests Norman too which actually is the best part and as a reader your questions of has he been really redeemed is answered and I love the change in status quo.
Its all well and then setting up stuff for Dark web showing what Ben and Janine are upto, the mysterious new ally and a status quo change for Janine and the design is sorta lame, maybe some will like her power but it felt bad lol. Then again.
SO yeah a good collection which ties into events of marvel at the time and maybe a let down for some and the next arc which is a nostalgia trip but could be weird if you don't know their history and a story that leads into the next one aka Dark web which the less said about it is better.
So do read it once, it makes for a nice evening read and as for the art, its not the best but well..!
March 5, 2023
Better than the last volume, but the series is constantly interrupted by an event. The reader never really gets to settle into this new life that's been established. Maybe that's by design, constantly keeping you on your toes, but I think it's too soon to be doing that. Wells needs to be able to establish where Peter's life is after the mystery that got us here.
The first issue is an X-Men tie-in and there is no summary at all about the event itself or the current situation, which finds Peter and MJ at the Hellfire Gala for some reason. It also gives away a major plot point in the X-Men about Moira so the story spoiled that for me as well. It has a few funny moments but otherwise is forgettable.
Next is an AXE tie-in, which they do give a little bit of a text intro, but the whole issue is basically seeing what people would do when they think the world is going to end soon. Sort of heartfelt, but meh.
The rest of the volume is mostly about the Hobgoblin, unfortunately revisiting the convoluted origin of a character. Wells tries to embrace it and give some explanation while advancing it forward a bit, but part of me would rather they just move on to something else and not dredge up past mistakes. All of this goes on while we get a peek at Norman Osborn as we try to figure out what's up with him. Overall, I'd say this arc is "classic" Spider-Man as he tries to balance fighting villains, a complicated love life, and not meeting the expectations of friends, with mostly JRJR art.
Lastly is an update on just where Ben Reilly is and seems to be a setup for another event, Dark Web. yawn.
The first issue is an X-Men tie-in and there is no summary at all about the event itself or the current situation, which finds Peter and MJ at the Hellfire Gala for some reason. It also gives away a major plot point in the X-Men about Moira so the story spoiled that for me as well. It has a few funny moments but otherwise is forgettable.
Next is an AXE tie-in, which they do give a little bit of a text intro, but the whole issue is basically seeing what people would do when they think the world is going to end soon. Sort of heartfelt, but meh.
The rest of the volume is mostly about the Hobgoblin, unfortunately revisiting the convoluted origin of a character. Wells tries to embrace it and give some explanation while advancing it forward a bit, but part of me would rather they just move on to something else and not dredge up past mistakes. All of this goes on while we get a peek at Norman Osborn as we try to figure out what's up with him. Overall, I'd say this arc is "classic" Spider-Man as he tries to balance fighting villains, a complicated love life, and not meeting the expectations of friends, with mostly JRJR art.
Lastly is an update on just where Ben Reilly is and seems to be a setup for another event, Dark Web. yawn.
October 8, 2023
I am enjoying Wells run here, for several reasons. Most of all, the art by John Romita Jr., forty years + in to his work on the character so associated with his father, the late, great John Romita Sr.. Here is the return of Hobgoblin, who JR JR had much to do with in 1980s.
The crossover with Judgement Day (miniseries event) works because of charming art by Nick Dragotta. The story is better than expected, in 50-60 years of continuity full of clones, ghosts, and returns from death; just say it worked for me.
Pat Gleason turns in more great art, in his story, too. The book ends with four stories by four artists (Michael Dowling - a good find; Kyle Hotz; Terry Dodson; and Ryan Stegman) all accomplished, setting up the Dark Web event/set of miniseries. Though I get tired of evil clones, it's done well. Color art is also worthy by a team of color artists: notably darker in the four short stories by different art teams. The four short stories are actually more interesting than the Dark Web #1 issue/chapter I read the other day.
Wells is doing different variations on the 60+ years of Spider-Man storytelling, and I like the collaborations described. I'm especially interested in what he's doing with the supporting cast.
Thanks to my public library for the loan of the trade paperback, and my local comics shop for individual issues.
The crossover with Judgement Day (miniseries event) works because of charming art by Nick Dragotta. The story is better than expected, in 50-60 years of continuity full of clones, ghosts, and returns from death; just say it worked for me.
Pat Gleason turns in more great art, in his story, too. The book ends with four stories by four artists (Michael Dowling - a good find; Kyle Hotz; Terry Dodson; and Ryan Stegman) all accomplished, setting up the Dark Web event/set of miniseries. Though I get tired of evil clones, it's done well. Color art is also worthy by a team of color artists: notably darker in the four short stories by different art teams. The four short stories are actually more interesting than the Dark Web #1 issue/chapter I read the other day.
Wells is doing different variations on the 60+ years of Spider-Man storytelling, and I like the collaborations described. I'm especially interested in what he's doing with the supporting cast.
Thanks to my public library for the loan of the trade paperback, and my local comics shop for individual issues.
February 3, 2023
Okay, we're really swinging now (pun entirely intended). After a dodgy first volume, this series finally feels like Spider-Man again. The suitably confusing history of the Hobgoblin is front and centre, with a few good twists and turns that draw on that long continuity and Spider/Goblin rivalry, as well as propelling Norman Osborn towards his own mini-series.
We also get a Hellfire Gala tie-in to launch the volume, which is a fun little team-up for Spidey and Wolverine, as well as being almost necessary reading for those of you following the Krakoa saga. This is followed by an AXE tie-in, which somehow manages to find new and interesting things to say about the Peter/Gwen Stacy relationship as well as the Norman/Gwen one too (not the gross baby-making one). And then the volume ends with issue 14, a super-sized extravaganza that sets the stage for Dark Web by filling in what's been going on with Ben Reilly and Janine Godbe over the last few months.
The artwork's never looked better as well. We have Romita Jr. on the Hobgoblin issues, while Patrick Gleason returns to pencils for the Hellfire Gala story and Nick Dragotta on the AXE issue - Dragotta's never been a favourite of mine, but he does some really good work here. The Dark Web prologue is a jam session including pages from Ryan Stegman, Terry Dodson, Kyle Hotz, and Michael Dowling.
I was dubious about this run on Amazing Spider-Man, but I'm definitely coming around on it after these last two volumes.
We also get a Hellfire Gala tie-in to launch the volume, which is a fun little team-up for Spidey and Wolverine, as well as being almost necessary reading for those of you following the Krakoa saga. This is followed by an AXE tie-in, which somehow manages to find new and interesting things to say about the Peter/Gwen Stacy relationship as well as the Norman/Gwen one too (not the gross baby-making one). And then the volume ends with issue 14, a super-sized extravaganza that sets the stage for Dark Web by filling in what's been going on with Ben Reilly and Janine Godbe over the last few months.
The artwork's never looked better as well. We have Romita Jr. on the Hobgoblin issues, while Patrick Gleason returns to pencils for the Hellfire Gala story and Nick Dragotta on the AXE issue - Dragotta's never been a favourite of mine, but he does some really good work here. The Dark Web prologue is a jam session including pages from Ryan Stegman, Terry Dodson, Kyle Hotz, and Michael Dowling.
I was dubious about this run on Amazing Spider-Man, but I'm definitely coming around on it after these last two volumes.
December 30, 2024
Parece que esta etapa queda marcada para mal con los diferentes cruces o eventos. Arrancamos con Spidey implicado con los mutis de Krakoa al punto de acabar asistiendo a la Hellfire Gala para tan solo ser arrastrado en una conjura terrible de sus luchas internas que ha implicado la seguridad de MJ. Y directamente después también tenemos a Peter (y al resto del mundo) lidiando con otras repercusiones de las actividades mutantes que implican un enfrentamiento contra los Eternos y Vengadores que ha derivado en que un Celestial esté juzgando a la humanidad... ¿El juicio de Peter?... Por supuesto que será su mayor pérdida y fracaso como héroe... Este número creo que podría haber sido más trascendental, pero parece una mera excusa para seguir jugando a la bomba de relojería con Norman.
Sí que después tenemos algo más terrenal y clásico de Spiderman con un nuevo retorno del Duende. Esto se lleva a un suspense hueco de la identidad del villano al tener a un par de sospechosos clásicos de vestirse con la máscara de goma y capa. Pero lo que más importa es seguir viendo a Spiderman habituarse a su nuevo traje y gadgets o a Norman en su nuevo enfoque heroico. Desde luego esto podría haber sido una gran trama en la herencia pre dosmil con el personaje del Duende... Pero vaya lo que se viene con eso de Dark Web...
Sí que después tenemos algo más terrenal y clásico de Spiderman con un nuevo retorno del Duende. Esto se lleva a un suspense hueco de la identidad del villano al tener a un par de sospechosos clásicos de vestirse con la máscara de goma y capa. Pero lo que más importa es seguir viendo a Spiderman habituarse a su nuevo traje y gadgets o a Norman en su nuevo enfoque heroico. Desde luego esto podría haber sido una gran trama en la herencia pre dosmil con el personaje del Duende... Pero vaya lo que se viene con eso de Dark Web...
February 17, 2023
This paperback collects issues 9 through 14 of Spidey’s main title and when it’s by Wells and JRJR, this book literally sings. While Romita Jr.’s faces are still kind of awkward and the proportions of head to body are sometimes a bit off kilter, his superhero figure-work and dynamic storytelling is up there with his dad’s best work and even approaches Kirby. And Scott Hanna is the perfect inker for him, too. Unfortunately, only three issues of this collection—in other words, half—are by Wells and JRJR; the remaining issues are part of two Marvel Events (are they really “events” when they happen every freakin’ month?), one featuring the ramifications of “A.X.E.” (I think that’s some giant Avengers/X-Men/Eternals crossover) and one setting up a Spidey-oriented event called “Dark Web.” And both of those things are fairly awful, even though they’re written by Wells. Also the Dark Web storyline features Ben Reilly (I could never buy into the infamous “Clone Saga” and all the garbage that came with it) and a supernatural villain, which I hate for Spidey. He’s best when he’s more grounded in reality … or as real as a twenty-something normal guy with powers given to him by a radioactive spider can be. Read this one for the three Hobgoblin issues, the namesake of this volume.
June 7, 2023
Judgment Day gave us a couple of deep cut moments reflecting on the deep regrets in Peter’s corner of the universe. Gwen as his judge was pretty spot-on.
I gotta say, this Peter-and-Norman team up really has me intrigued. It’s not like it’s not gonna go in the shitter someday, but that it’s playing out this straight so far is definitely a twist I wouldn’t have seen coming.
And for a character whose life is defined by how much misery the writers can heap on his Atlas-like shoulders, the mystery of what he did to deserve this wave of isolation is keeping me engaged. Wells is dropping tiny hints and showing us full-force aftermath, and dragging it out so we don’t get the easy payoff. Bravo for even trying to pull this off.
But seriously, what I’m the unholy ADHD storytelling impulses is up with Ben and Maddie and Janine showing up out of nowhere? Suddenly there’s a slimey costume and goopy demons and “clone” nonsense like it got airdropped in from something out of a Spawn comic. I sincerely hope Dark Web will stay contained in this comic and not require reading ten others to make sense of it.
I guess this is book is the perfect example of what you get when a major player in the Robot Chicken verse writes a comic in the middle of his run.
I gotta say, this Peter-and-Norman team up really has me intrigued. It’s not like it’s not gonna go in the shitter someday, but that it’s playing out this straight so far is definitely a twist I wouldn’t have seen coming.
And for a character whose life is defined by how much misery the writers can heap on his Atlas-like shoulders, the mystery of what he did to deserve this wave of isolation is keeping me engaged. Wells is dropping tiny hints and showing us full-force aftermath, and dragging it out so we don’t get the easy payoff. Bravo for even trying to pull this off.
But seriously, what I’m the unholy ADHD storytelling impulses is up with Ben and Maddie and Janine showing up out of nowhere? Suddenly there’s a slimey costume and goopy demons and “clone” nonsense like it got airdropped in from something out of a Spawn comic. I sincerely hope Dark Web will stay contained in this comic and not require reading ten others to make sense of it.
I guess this is book is the perfect example of what you get when a major player in the Robot Chicken verse writes a comic in the middle of his run.
May 28, 2023
This could be a really good series if Marvel would just leave it alone instead of constantly interrupting it with events. The first issue is part of the 2022 Hellfire Gala over in the X-Men comics. If you aren't reading those, good luck trying to figure out what's happening here because it's not explained well at all. Then we can an A.X.E.: Judgement Day tie in issue where Pete goes around being nice to everyone because Gwen Stacy is watching him but only he can see her. I thought Nick Dragotta's art was weird here. Then the meat of this arc, a 3 part Hobgoblin story. There's a new Hobgoblin running around. Is it Ned Leeds? Is it Rodrick Kingsley? Is it someone new? The last issue is a leadin to the next event, Dark Web. It's about what Ben Reilly and Janine Godbe have been up to since Amazing Spider-Man: Beyond with Madelaine Pryor from the X-Men along to tempt them into something darker. I get the appeal of teaming up Marvel's clones. I feel like they should get Mr. Sinister and the Jackal involved in this somehow too. We'll see if that happens.
July 24, 2023
Definitely, the best volume of Wells' troubled run so far.
The first two issues are crossovers, to the X-Men Gala and AvX respectively, and so they're just little piece of stories, but Wells uses them to do some great character work. (The big problem with Wells' run so far is that it's constantly hobbled by Marvel requirements, such as crossovers and anniversary issues; this is the first time he's really used those requirements to his benefit.)
We then get a long arc on Hobgoblin which feels like classic Spider-Man with modern sensitivities. Wells even manages to turn the horrible mish-mash that was made of Hobgoblin's original identity in the '90s into something that works.
And then in the final issue we get the start of the character assassination of Ben Reilly in an issue that belonged in the Dark Web collection and would have made that better. Here it's just a big: who cares (and the less said about the Spider-elements of that crossover, the better).
Overall, though, a strong volume! Maybe we'll get more of this after the next intrusive crossover!
The first two issues are crossovers, to the X-Men Gala and AvX respectively, and so they're just little piece of stories, but Wells uses them to do some great character work. (The big problem with Wells' run so far is that it's constantly hobbled by Marvel requirements, such as crossovers and anniversary issues; this is the first time he's really used those requirements to his benefit.)
We then get a long arc on Hobgoblin which feels like classic Spider-Man with modern sensitivities. Wells even manages to turn the horrible mish-mash that was made of Hobgoblin's original identity in the '90s into something that works.
And then in the final issue we get the start of the character assassination of Ben Reilly in an issue that belonged in the Dark Web collection and would have made that better. Here it's just a big: who cares (and the less said about the Spider-elements of that crossover, the better).
Overall, though, a strong volume! Maybe we'll get more of this after the next intrusive crossover!
November 30, 2024
The main Hobgoblin story is fine, furthering the relationship between Peter Parker and Norman Osborn. But shouldn't we have gotten more clues about Peter's "missing time" by now? Such a slow burn.
There are also three stories in this collection that are basically tie-ins to some X-Men related stuff that I'm not familiar with or caught up on. The middle one (in which Peter is being judged by a Celestial in the form of Gwen Stacy) at least has a good premise for a standalone, but what Moira MacTaggert was doing with MJ or Madelyne Pryor with Ben Reilly is anyone's guess (I find these clone characters to be frustrating anyway). The latter story seems to be setup for a bigger Spider/X crossover, so this may be the end of my read of the Wells run for the time being.
As for the artwork, I'm not the biggest Romita Jr fan, but he again does serviceable actions scenes. We also get the odd choice of East of West's Nick Dragotta doing a tie-in story. I could maybe get used to Dragotta doing a conventional superhero title after a while, but one issue is a bit jarring.
There are also three stories in this collection that are basically tie-ins to some X-Men related stuff that I'm not familiar with or caught up on. The middle one (in which Peter is being judged by a Celestial in the form of Gwen Stacy) at least has a good premise for a standalone, but what Moira MacTaggert was doing with MJ or Madelyne Pryor with Ben Reilly is anyone's guess (I find these clone characters to be frustrating anyway). The latter story seems to be setup for a bigger Spider/X crossover, so this may be the end of my read of the Wells run for the time being.
As for the artwork, I'm not the biggest Romita Jr fan, but he again does serviceable actions scenes. We also get the odd choice of East of West's Nick Dragotta doing a tie-in story. I could maybe get used to Dragotta doing a conventional superhero title after a while, but one issue is a bit jarring.
July 4, 2025
starts with a tie in to hellfire Gala which i didn't care for. Moura has a robotic device around Mary Jane's neck. MJ is helping Wolverine track Moira. Peter helps save her. gives us more curiosity to this mystery of the time jump.
another tie in, axe judgement day this time. this was good. a representation of Gwen follows Peter around and other characters have other representations following them, judging them individually and collectively. it was touching.
then there is a hobgoblin story. Ned and Betty have a baby. Winston. Ned has been dressing up as hobgoblin at home. Norman has been meeting with Roderick Kingsley. Peter snd intern Kamala khan are working on something together. Ned is doing a story on Kingsley and Norman but has had his mind infected by the hobgoblin lives device making Ned think he was/is hobgoblin.
art by Gleason was probably the best here, but had a lot of ramos in it which I'm not a fan of. dragotta's art was fine for axe tie in, same with romita junior for ongoing.
another tie in, axe judgement day this time. this was good. a representation of Gwen follows Peter around and other characters have other representations following them, judging them individually and collectively. it was touching.
then there is a hobgoblin story. Ned and Betty have a baby. Winston. Ned has been dressing up as hobgoblin at home. Norman has been meeting with Roderick Kingsley. Peter snd intern Kamala khan are working on something together. Ned is doing a story on Kingsley and Norman but has had his mind infected by the hobgoblin lives device making Ned think he was/is hobgoblin.
art by Gleason was probably the best here, but had a lot of ramos in it which I'm not a fan of. dragotta's art was fine for axe tie in, same with romita junior for ongoing.
May 6, 2024
2.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️✨
I felt it tied too closely into other events and really should be standing on its own. The Hellfire Gala issue was of no consequence and I gained absolutely nothing from it which surprised me seeing as I do really enjoy the X-Men. The next issue, tying into Judgement Day, also felt unnecessary but was at the very least somewhat sweet in a way. I liked Peter’s interaction with Gwen’s.. ghost? I don’t know what it was. That panel of Ben and May was adorable though. I actually enjoyed the Hobgoblin plotline but once again was left sort of confused by it all, it was very inconsequential and I’m not sure what purpose it serves to the overall plot. MAN I want regular Goblin back, those new issues can’t come soon enough. Finally this volume wraps up with a bit of a prelude to Dark Web. It’s weird and feels weird and I just did not like it. That’s it. Thanks Wells.
I felt it tied too closely into other events and really should be standing on its own. The Hellfire Gala issue was of no consequence and I gained absolutely nothing from it which surprised me seeing as I do really enjoy the X-Men. The next issue, tying into Judgement Day, also felt unnecessary but was at the very least somewhat sweet in a way. I liked Peter’s interaction with Gwen’s.. ghost? I don’t know what it was. That panel of Ben and May was adorable though. I actually enjoyed the Hobgoblin plotline but once again was left sort of confused by it all, it was very inconsequential and I’m not sure what purpose it serves to the overall plot. MAN I want regular Goblin back, those new issues can’t come soon enough. Finally this volume wraps up with a bit of a prelude to Dark Web. It’s weird and feels weird and I just did not like it. That’s it. Thanks Wells.
May 10, 2023
Not bad, and definitely better than the latter half of Spencer's run so far.
The Judgment Day tie-in is actually pretty well done, at least up until the judgment. Based on the judgments given to other characters, the Progenitor should be judging people based on their own personal standards, and by that logic, Peter should never (or at least, this Peter) live up to them, and should have been deemed unworthy.
Aside from that, I do like how Norman seems to earnestly be working towards change, but who knows how long that's gonna last.
The prelude to 'Dark Web' did not inspire much hope from me, but I'll hold off until I read through that event.
65/100
The Judgment Day tie-in is actually pretty well done, at least up until the judgment. Based on the judgments given to other characters, the Progenitor should be judging people based on their own personal standards, and by that logic, Peter should never (or at least, this Peter) live up to them, and should have been deemed unworthy.
Aside from that, I do like how Norman seems to earnestly be working towards change, but who knows how long that's gonna last.
The prelude to 'Dark Web' did not inspire much hope from me, but I'll hold off until I read through that event.
65/100
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2023
This does seem to be getting a bit better, but having the story jump through all the hoops of various "events" is not helping things. First, there's a tie-in to the latest X-Men Hellfire Gala. Then, it's a standalone issue tying into the A.X.E. event. And then, after a fairly competent three-issue story about the return of the Hobgoblin, we're back to setting up the next event, Dark Web. It's almost as if the company doesn't fully trust Zeb Wells to just tell his own story? The artwork is quite variable, with Nick Dragotta's being easily the strangest (not necessarily the worst, but kind of weird). Hopefully, this run will continue to develop in a positive direction.
July 11, 2023
Collects Amazing Spider-Man (2022) issues #9-14
I thought I was reading this whole collection for the first time today, but it turns out that I read Issue #9 about six months ago, and didn't even remember it as I was re-reading it. That issue tied in with the X-Men Hellfire Gala event, and then Issue #10 tied into the "A.X.E." event.
Issue #11 marks the beginning of a new chapter for stories about the villain, Hobgoblin. I enjoyed these issues.
The collection wraps up with a focus on the new (and not improved) Ben Reilly. I hate that they made him a villain, even though I can see that it will be easy to redeem him again. Hallows' Eve debuts in Issue #14.
I thought I was reading this whole collection for the first time today, but it turns out that I read Issue #9 about six months ago, and didn't even remember it as I was re-reading it. That issue tied in with the X-Men Hellfire Gala event, and then Issue #10 tied into the "A.X.E." event.
Issue #11 marks the beginning of a new chapter for stories about the villain, Hobgoblin. I enjoyed these issues.
The collection wraps up with a focus on the new (and not improved) Ben Reilly. I hate that they made him a villain, even though I can see that it will be easy to redeem him again. Hallows' Eve debuts in Issue #14.
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