Well… The oversized first issue really does take the character of Peter Parker/ Spider-Man to new heights, with Parker Industries now operating on a global scale, with first headquarters in San Fransisco, Shanghai and London. The wise-cracking, quick witted and uncompromising Spider-Man is still alive and well and equipped with some serious tech upgrades such as multiple varying web cartridges (micro-coiled metal and web-foam anyone?). The comic does well to remind us that the current Peter Parker is different, the days of money struggles and snapping pics for the Bugle are over. Yet, the story also touches upon what makes Peter Parker Spider-Man, as Parker Industries unveils a new charity ‘The Uncle Ben Foundation,’ a nice touch by Slott, as in the increasingly complex world of Marvel, it’s always good to keep some decade old characters grounded in their origins.
The actual story is very good, yet a bit predictable at times. Spider-Man and Mockingjay chase after Zodiac thugs who have just robbed Parker Industries, taking the companies secure servers but are apprehended after a high speed pursuit in the new ‘Spider-Mobile.’ Back at HQ, we are introduced to various members of Parker Industries as Peter prepares for a press conference. One journalist poses the question that compares Peter to ‘a poor man’s Tony Stark,’ which is bound to be a question on the reader’s minds. How many heroes do we need to run multi-million dollar conglomerates? But Parker Industries is different, with their focus being on helping people, not trying to make the Fortune 500. In San Francisco, Peter attends the wedding of Max Modell, after ruining his company during his Doc Ock brain swap phase, Parker presents him with a university as a wedding gift where Modell will carry out the running of P.I’s west coast division. But what’s a wedding without some drama, as Zodiac returns for Peter, this time wanting his personal device that runs his company. So not to unveil his identity, Hobe Brown attacks Zodiac in full Spidey get up but they make off with the encrypted device. Will Parker get his device back before Zodiac cracks the code… stay tuned! The comic has plenty more twists and turns that I don’t want to ruin, including the return of a classic Spider-Man villain.
Slott’s first issue is a great balance of set up and action, with the seeds planted for further adventures. The artwork by Giuseppe Camuncoli is vibrant and detailed and Alex Ross’s cover has a real old school vibe. This is definitely a series to keep your eye on; it could end up being the most interesting Spidey comic in years.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1
Dan Slott (writer) Giuseppe Camuncoli (art)
Alex Ross (cover) Alex Ross, Humberto Ramos,
Mike Del Mundo, Ryan Sook, Giuseppe Camuncoli,
J. Scott Campbell, Mark Bagley (variants)
ON SALE: 10/07/15 PRICE: $5.99
THE WORLD’S GREATEST SUPER HERO! Spider-Man has gone global! Parker Industries is more successful than ever, with offices in New York, Shanghai, London and San Francisco and Peter Parker is racking up the frequent flyer miles with his “bodyguard” Spider-Man in tow, of course. But success breeds enemies and a reinvigorated Zodiac have also widened their scope to threaten the whole world. Join Dan Slott and Giuseppe Camuncoli as they take Spider-Man to the next level! This huge first issue also includes stories featuring Silk, Spidey 2099, Spider-Woman and much more!