Amazing Spider-Man #801
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Marcos Martin
Colorist: Muntsa Vicente
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel
Review by Cory Webber
Amazing-Spider-Man #801 is a love letter to ol’ webhead by the longest-tenured Spidey writer. And it is heartfelt, poignant, and sweet. Slott has written this character for 180 issues. That’s a lot more than most comic series run for, let alone by just one writer. Most of all, it’s atypical in this day and age where writers stick around for a couple arcs, especially for the Big Two. But that is what Dan Slott has done. Love him or hate him, but he has taken this character for one hell of a ride.
Amazing Spider-Man #801 starts by briefly retelling his origin story. At first, I was a little concerned because this move seems redundant at this point. However, it serves as a nice setup for a very emotional ending.
The story follows Kenneth Kincaid, Jr, a man who has a life-changing encounter with Spider-Man during his early career as a superhero. The effect of this run-in is profound for him, and the ultimate payoff is a succinct, touching display of what makes Spider-Man so special.
Slott has been writing Spidey for 10 years, longer than any other writer. As a result, he is able to nail the landing in this one-shot, farewell issue.
Now, let’s talk about the art. Marcos Martin, of Private Eye and Barrier fame, reunites with Slott, and Vicente. Martin’s Spider-Man is one of the best. His work is reminiscent of Ditko’s original iteration of Spidey. Also, his sense of motion and perspective is flawless. Coupled with Vicente’s colors, his art really stands out. It has such a classic feel to it that it’s a no-brainer that Slott personally requested him for his swan song issue.
Verdict: Buy it.
Amazing Spider-Man #801 is a must-read for any fan of Spidey. Also, if you’re looking for who Spidey is, and what he means as a superhero, then this issue fully encapsulates all of that in such a touching, meaningful way.
