Comic Review: Amazing Spider-Man #3 – The Beauty of Chaos and the Weight of Memories

 

I didn’t see this coming. After the disappointing Eight Deaths of Spider-Man and despite Pepe Larraz being on art, I was quite skeptical going into this new Amazing Spider-Man run. Thankfully – and with relief – I can say I was wrong. This series keeps getting better with each issue, and the third one is, without exaggeration, one of the most interesting and beautifully illustrated issues in the modern Spidey era.

Pepe Larraz – A Visual Powerhouse

Let’s not beat around the bush – Amazing Spider-Man #3 is a visual masterpiece. I knew Pepe Larraz was good, but I wasn’t prepared for this level of quality. The dynamic paneling, expressive characters, motion, and action choreography are top-tier, but what truly sets Larraz apart is his ability to capture characters' emotions and transform them into pure narrative energy. This is a comic you can enjoy purely for the artwork.

Peter Parker in a New Light

In this issue, we see a new side of Peter – the investigator. “Detective Spider-Man” works surprisingly well and adds depth and freshness to the story. But that’s not all. Through flashbacks, we see a young Peter who was far from the perfect little boy we remember. Rebellious, at times rude, even to May and Ben – it might be shocking, but... it’s surprisingly believable. The whole time we’re left wondering: how much of Peter’s memories are real, and how much are distorted by the drugs he's been given?

Itsy Bitsy – Controversial and Chaotic

The biggest hiccup in this issue is undoubtedly Itsy Bitsy. Her presence – while visually striking – is narratively mixed. The bridge scene everyone’s talking about is at least weird, and her flirty dialogue with Peter borders on uncomfortable. Especially considering her backstory and the old idea that she was the “daughter” of Peter and Deadpool. Joe Kelly once again toys with the line between provocation and awkwardness – unfortunately, far too often brushing up against uncomfortable family-related undertones that have cropped up in his stories before.

Norman Osborn and Supporting Cast

Norman Osborn once again plays an intriguing role, serving as Peter’s dark mentor. Their dynamic works even better here than in the previous run. It’s a shame Shay, Nehring, and Aunt May are sidelined this issue, but hopefully, it’s only temporary.

Narrative Flow – Finally Balanced

The first issue of this series felt chaotic – quick scene jumps, a rushed feel, and reader disorientation. It could be chalked up to Peter’s drugged state, but it still felt frustrating. The second issue fixed much of that, and the third... well, it all comes together. Every scene has space to breathe. Transitions are smooth, and the pacing is just right.

Hobgoblin on the Horizon

The issue ends with a promising cliffhanger featuring Hobgoblin – and he looks fantastic. His return in this new context could be a great counterpoint to Peter’s current mental and emotional state. Can’t wait to see where it goes.

Conclusion – A Great Comic With Minor Flaws

Amazing Spider-Man #3 is an incredibly successful issue – emotionally engaging, beautifully drawn, and well-written. Despite the controversy around Itsy Bitsy, the issue holds up in nearly every way. The action scenes, humor, psychological tension, and myth-building all work.

Pros:

+Stunning art from Larraz

+Well-paced story with breathing room

+An interesting, imperfect portrayal of young Peter

+Strong dynamic between Peter and Norman

+Exciting Hobgoblin teaser

Cons:

-The Itsy Bitsy bridge scene is weird and unnecessarily provocative

-Her dialogue may alienate older readers

-Some side characters are underused

My Score: 8.5/10

One of the best Amazing Spider-Man issues in years. If the upcoming issues keep this level, we may be witnessing the beginning of a great new era for Spidey.