Amazing Spider-Man #794 Review

Amazing Spider-Man #794
Written by: Dan Slott & Christos Gage
Pencils by: Stuart Immonen
Inks by: Wade von Grawbadger
Colors by: Marte Gracia
Letters by: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover by: Alex Ross
Published by: Marvel

A review by Cory Webber

Amazing Spider-Man picks up nearly one year ago after Spider-Man hurled the dangerous madman called Scorpio a full year into the future. Spidey catches up to him, and Zodiac’s had a whole year to prepare for their rematch!

In this new story arc, “Threat Level Red,” the buildup to issue #800 begins as we see what lengths Osborn is willing to go to get the upper hand on Spider-Man. But, before we can get to that part of the story, Spidey must deal with the threat of Scorpio being reunited with the Zodiac Key; a continuation of a story that was first published back in early 2016. After losing his company, Spidey is back to his down-on-his-luck roots that we know and love about him. His joke about his back being more sore from flying coach than fighting the Rhino encapsulates what we love about him: he’s better when we have pity on him. Slott has been writing Spider-Man for a decade. TEN. FREAKING. YEARS. It’s safe to say that he has this character and his cast nailed down tight. And can I just say that the relationship he has built between Spidey and Mockingbird is one of the highlights of this series. The story flows nicely as Spidey deals with Scorpio and his Zodiac Key. However, we only get a glimpse of what the “Threat Level Red” is, and it does not look good for Peter.

Now, let’s talk about the art. Stuart Immonen’s pencils are crisp and clean, and his sense of action and movement is top notch. Wade von Grawbadger’s inks give depth and detail to the pencils, especially in one panel where Spider-Man is trying to pull the Zodiac Key loose. Though, I do have to say, for me, and I mean no disrespect to Immonen and Grawbadger, but the colors are the best part. Marte Gracia’s colors are some of the best I’ve seen in a Marvel book since Rachelle Rosenberg’s wonderful work on Spider-Woman. His uses of rich blues, purples, and greens really pop in contrast to the more subdued earthy tones. I went through the book two more times just to soak them in.

Verdict:
Buy it! If you are a fan of Spider-Man, and aren’t already reading, you will want to get in now as Slott slowly builds to the end of his writing this character, and the monumental Issue #800. There are two intriguing reveals at the end of the issue: the reveal of Osborn’s scheme, and a surprise cameo. You won’t believe what Norman is willing to do to get at Spider-Man! And I’m interested to see what role the mystery person at the end will play.