A tribute to the comic book battles of the late ’80s and early ’90s, “The Amazing Spider-Man: New Ways to Die,†is quite possibly the best new reason to read the series and is a quiet reminder that the near 50-year-old web head still has plenty of web cartridges up his sleeves.
Collecting issues 568-573 of Amazing Spider-Man, “New Ways to Die†gives veteran web-heads everything they want by providing a story that is faithful to the lore of the series, yet challenges the mythos enough to remain hip and fresh. Introducing a few new characters, as well as tinkering with some of the characteristics of long-time villains and allies of Forest Hills’ favorite superhero, “New Ways to Die†is imaginative and clever and never has to beg to keep your attention.
After what many would call the miserably failed story-arc “Brand New Day,†writer Dan Slott has penned a deep and engaging storyline that is more than capable of bringing dissatisfied readers back into the fold.
This could be no more evident that the passage Eddie Brock goes down through the course of the book. Some long-time fans and extreme fan boys may not like what eventually becomes of him, but at the very least, it’s an intriguing premise that Slott should be applauded for coming up with. Through this development, Marvel has opened the door for this character to be reborn in a sense and played with for years to come, another reason why this book is a more than worthwhile read. The same thing goes for Slott’s portrayal of Norman Osborn, as he manages to combine a Frank Miller-esque Kingpin character with the smart and brooding nature that has always been associated with the character. The end result is a worthy villain that you may even end up liking.
Well, only if you have a thing for bad guys with tons of money and a lack of tact.
Away from the story, the art of John Romita Jr. alone makes this book a special one. Seeing all of the one-page spreads and splash pages will take many comic book fans back to the old days of “Amazing Spider-Man,” when JRJR was cementing his spot in the industry. The way the trade begins allows hardcore fans to instantly be drawn to it as Romita channels his oldest work and possibly even the work of his dad. As the book goes on however, it’s obvious why the guy is considered a legend by anyone that knows anything about comics.
This legend doesn’t call this one in either, as the plethora of fight scenes in this trade are brilliantly done, duplicating the fun, but action-packed scene Slott has set up. The facial expressions on Norman Osborn’s face are often priceless as well, making him everything from cocky to menacing. The same thing can be said for Harry Osborn, whose ever-conflicted situation is brought out more by great artwork that exposes his desperation and inability to stand up for himself.
The writing alone would be a good enough reason to pick up this trade, but the art clarifies it.
If it wasn’t obvious already, “New Ways to Die†is a blast from start to finish.
Combining the stellar writing of Slott and the work of an artistic genius, “New Ways to Die†is a star-studded entry into the Spider-Man legend that in spite of its nostalgic feel, is one of the best new Spidey trades to hit comic book stores in quite some time.
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