Comic Review: Amazing Spider-Man #5 – Joe Kelly Closes Out His First Arc

 

“Amazing Spider-Man” has always been one of Marvel’s flagship titles and at the same time, one of its most problematic. The last few years, especially Zeb Wells’ run, left many fans disappointed. Recycled story beats, editorial interference, and the lack of meaningful progress in Peter’s life made a lot of readers simply lose interest. That’s why the arrival of Joe Kelly + Pepe Larraz brought both hope and worry. Would this be the refreshing new start, or just another wasted opportunity?

After five issues, I can say this: it’s a genuinely solid beginning. Not perfect, not groundbreaking, but one that reminds us why Spider-Man is still a character worth following.

Dynamic Action and Spectacular Artwork

First off the art. Pepe Larraz is the driving force of this story. From the very first panels, there’s a sense of constant motion. The fight with Hobgoblin in #5 is the essence of what makes superhero comics great: intense, clear, and packed with energy and detail.

Larraz isn’t just about big splash pages – he nails the smaller, intimate moments too. Peter’s expressions, his fatigue, his hesitations – everything works in sync with Kelly’s script. Gracia’s colors amplify the dynamism, especially in scenes where Hobgoblin’s eyes light up like sparks of lightning. It’s a visual spectacle that could easily pass for an event-level Marvel comic.

The Story – Simple but Effective

Narratively, #5 doesn’t reinvent the wheel. It’s an action-heavy issue with a clear focus on wrapping up the villain plot. Hobgoblin, presented as both businessman and manipulator, is ultimately taken down not just by Spider-Man’s strength, but also with help from Peter’s old friend, Brian.

This is a clever twist. Previous flashbacks suggested Brian was a toxic influence on young Peter. But Kelly flips that idea: instead of another “bad friend” trope, we get someone who steps up at a critical moment. Their teamwork against Hobgoblin mirrors their shared past, giving the fight emotional weight.

There’s also a brief but excellent exchange between Peter and Norman Osborn. Kelly writes Norman the way he should be written not as a guilt-ridden man constantly crying over his sins, but as a predator who talks about “crushing” his enemies. It’s a small but promising sign that the classic Green Goblin might return in full force.

Peter Parker’s Private Life – The Heart of the Story

The most important element of this issue, and the arc as a whole, isn’t the action but Peter’s personal relationships. The dinner scene with Aunt May is the emotional centerpiece. It perfectly sums up what Kelly wanted to achieve: showing Spider-Man not only as a fighter but as a human being, haunted by guilt, fear of pushing people away, and the need for connection.

The moment Peter calls May his mother hits especially hard. It’s rare in the comics, but it feels right because in every way that matters, she has always been his parent. Kelly captures this truth beautifully, reminding us why Spider-Man is such a timeless character: behind the mask is someone who fights not just for justice, but for the people he loves.

Kelly’s Style – Balancing Humor and Drama

Another highlight: Joe Kelly strikes the right balance between humor and drama. Spider-Man is funny again not in a forced, awkward way, but in a way that feels natural to his personality. At the same time, the flashbacks, the guilt, and the heartfelt conversations carry real emotional weight.

A Return to Form?

“Amazing Spider-Man #5” isn’t a comic that will change Marvel history. But it’s exactly what the series needed: a solid, emotional, and dynamic new beginning. Joe Kelly shows he understands Peter Parker as both hero and man, while Larraz delivers visuals that rival blockbuster filmmaking.

The big question is whether the series can maintain this level. The story was somewhat self-contained and “safe,” which raises concerns about future arcs. Still, after years of frustration, reading ASM with genuine enjoyment feels like a big win.

My Score: 8/10

Pros:

+Pepe Larraz’s spectacular art and Gracia’s vibrant colors

+Dynamic, easy-to-follow action – the Hobgoblin fight is top-notch

+Strong balance of humor and drama, true to Spider-Man’s voice

+Emotional weight in Peter’s relationship with Aunt May

+Norman Osborn written in a refreshingly classic way

+Flashbacks add meaningful personal depth

Cons:

-Hobgoblin’s scheme is a bit too simple and predictable

-Story feels “contained” and lacks larger scope for now

-Risk that Marvel editorial could derail momentum in future issues