Comic Review: Amazing Spider-Man #1 (2025) – Is Peter Parker Back in Form?

 

A new chapter in Spidey’s life has begun – and, to the surprise of many, it’s not nearly as bad as expected. In fact, it's surprisingly good. After the rough years behind us, trusting another ASM relaunch isn’t easy, but this debut issue gives us hope. I believe ASM #1 (2025) is a solid, heartfelt start that doesn’t try to revolutionize everything – and maybe that’s exactly what we needed.

Art That Bursts with Life

Let’s start with the most immediate standout: the art. Pepe Larraz and Marte Gracia deliver a visual feast that’s impossible to ignore. Larraz’s style, familiar from House of X, returns in full force – expressive faces, fluid panel-to-panel storytelling, and action scenes full of energy. The coloring is particularly noteworthy – vibrant, but never overwhelming, making it a pleasant and accessible read. In a time when so many comics feel over-processed or overly saturated, this is a refreshing change.

A Story That’s Simple, but Full of Soul

On the story side – Joe Kelly clearly understands Peter Parker. He balances classic Spidey humor with a modern emotional tone. The issue’s opening – transitioning from a media montage into Peter’s conversation with Aunt May – is smooth, and the dialogue between them feels natural and warm. This isn’t a world-shaking event, but rather a “day in the life of Spider-Man” – exactly what a #1 issue should deliver.

Rhino makes an appearance too, and not just as a generic villain – the scene in his apartment is surprisingly heartfelt, showing that Spidey is more than just fists – he’s empathy and understanding. The backup story featuring Norman Osborn also deserves credit – short but impactful, offering a version of Norman that feels conflicted, layered, and intriguing.

Dialogue and Characterization – Mostly a Win

Peter feels very “Peter” here – maybe even too much. At times, his self-awareness reads more like a punchline than a personality trait, but that said, you can tell this is Peter Parker. He’s not a hollow stand-in or a caricature. He’s witty, kind, slightly over-cheery – but hey, it’s only the first issue, and the author clearly has a grip on who Peter is.

City Vibes and Supporting Cast

While the supporting cast could use some development (shout-out to anyone still mourning the ESU era), the city feels alive, especially in the Harlem sequences and action scenes. Hobgoblin’s appearance? A thrilling promise. Joe Kelly has laid some very intriguing groundwork for upcoming arcs.

There are even small emotional hooks – like Aunt May’s possible Mary Jane reference – that manage to stir hope. Editorial interference is still a concern, but this issue has a soul and rhythm, something that’s been sorely missed in recent years.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a revolution. It doesn’t need to be. Amazing Spider-Man #1 (2025) does exactly what a first issue should: it sets the stage, establishes the status quo, and gives us a compelling reason to keep reading.

If this is the direction the series is heading, then – finally – we can look to the future with cautious optimism. Peter Parker is back. Maybe not 100%, maybe still a little battered, but… he’s back.

Final Score: 8/10 – A solid start with heart.

Will it become a classic? Not yet. But it shows promise that it might.