Comic Review: Amazing Spider-Man #2 – Classic Superhero Drama at Its Best

 

While Amazing Spider-Man #2 might not be making headlines in the comics world, it's an issue that shows just how perfectly a classic superhero story can be told. It's a masterclass in structure, pacing, and tone—from beginning to end, you can feel that the creative team knows exactly what they're doing. And while the direction of the series won’t change the minds of those who’ve already given up on it, for fans of the current vision, it’s further proof that Spider-Man is back on track.

Peter Parker vs. Himself?

The core of this issue revolves around Peter experiencing mysterious blackouts—in both his Spider-Man and civilian life. These are revealed to be part of a scheme by the Hobgoblin and his mysterious partner, and all signs point to a familiar place: the Ravencroft Institute. That’s where a shadowy villain awaits him, and their identity is revealed in this issue.

And that reveal deserves praise—it happens quickly and doesn’t drag things out, maintaining the story’s momentum. Whether this returning villain, originally introduced in Spider-Man/Deadpool, will actually be interesting is something future issues will need to determine.

Norman Osborn – The Dark Mentor

Though Norman Osborn appears for only a few pages, his role is incredibly well-placed. In this new status quo, he’s become a kind of dark mentor for Peter—both have struggled with psychological breakdowns, making them mirror images of one another. Osborn becomes an emotional echo of what Peter is experiencing.

Shay – A Character with Potential

Shay, another character from this new creative era, is given a chance to matter. She provides Peter with access to Ravencroft and, while her role is still somewhat underdeveloped, it holds promise. Most importantly, her presence feels earned and not just plot-convenient.

Pepe Larraz – The Visual Star of the Issue

If the first issue stood out thanks to a dynamic fight with Rhino, Amazing Spider-Man #2 proves that Pepe Larraz is more than just an action artist. His panel composition is dynamic, thoughtful, and full of visual nuance. Ravencroft’s interiors look phenomenal—dark, gothic, and full of detail. Larraz is the reason this story visually soars, with several scenes that feel almost cinematic in their execution.

Emotionally Resonant Moments

One of the strongest aspects of this issue is how it conveys Peter’s emotions. He’s disoriented, torn between duty and vulnerability. These moments are illustrated with incredible sensitivity—they resonate deeply, even if you’re not a superhero yourself. Anyone who's ever had to "keep it together" while falling apart inside will recognize this feeling.

Narrative Flow and Pacing

Scene transitions are seamless, and the issue’s pacing makes it hard to put down. Every line of dialogue has a purpose—there’s no filler, and everything clicks. The contrast between action and emotional beats is beautifully balanced.

Conclusion

Amazing Spider-Man #2 is a great example of how to write and illustrate a compelling superhero comic. It may not win over every former reader, but the team of Kelly, Larraz, and Gandini delivers a well-thought-out, emotionally engaging story. If the following issues maintain this quality, we may be looking at one of the best Spider-Man runs in recent memory.

Pros:

+Excellent pacing and structure

+Dynamic and thoughtful artwork

+Strong emotional depth

+Norman Osborn’s new role is compelling

+Intriguing mystery setup

Cons:

-New villain feels underdeveloped

-Flat coloring in some facial panels

-Supporting cast still underused

My Score: 8/10


Well-written, beautifully illustrated, and emotionally resonant—this issue builds a strong foundation for what’s to come. Spider-Man is swinging high again.