Comic Review: Amazing Spider-Man #9

 

The new issue of “Amazing Spider-Man” begins a fresh story arc, but from the very first pages it’s painfully clear we’re dealing with something derivative. Unfortunately, instead of an exciting new chapter in Peter Parker’s adventures, what we get is another round of recycled ideas and not in the best form.

Peter or Not Peter?

The biggest problem with this issue is how blatantly obvious the central mystery is. “Peter Parker” acts completely out of character speaking and behaving in ways that don’t fit the hero we’ve known for decades. It’s clear that the writers are trying to build tension around whether this is really Peter or someone else (all signs point to Ben Reilly/Chasm). The problem is that this “mystery” is presented so clumsily that it’s hard to believe anyone would fall for it. Instead of intrigue, we’re left with irritation and déjà vu.

Repetition and Empty Pages

Kelly’s script suffers from his usual problems: too many pages are wasted on things that could have been conveyed in half the space. The story drags endlessly while also feeling like a retread of earlier arcs — from “Superior Spider-Man” to Spencer’s run to “Beyond.” What should feel like an exciting turning point is just another tired round of “what did Peter do and why is he acting differently again?”

To make matters worse, editorial oversight seems sloppy. For example, Randy says Peter “never ghosts friends,” which directly contradicts major plot points from the previous run. It’s a small detail, but one that undermines the continuity of the whole narrative.

Villains: The Good and the Bad

A few elements fare better. Tombstone as New York’s new “crime kingpin” still works well, and it’s nice that his status carried over beyond Zeb Wells’ run. Shocker is also presented more seriously than usual though his new costume design is baffling. The added wires and battery pack look grotesque and unnecessary, complicating a character who has always worked best in his simple, classic form.

Unfortunately, the rest of the villains fall flat, and the Aftershocks concept feels like a rehash. We’ve already had “derivative versions” of Goblin and Vulture in Dan Slott’s run do we really need it again? It’s yet another example of a lack of fresh ideas.

MJ, Venom, and Emotion

Mary Jane’s Venom storyline could be compelling, but here it loses steam. Her conversation with Peter (or “Peter”) should carry emotional weight disappointment, anger, the need for distance but because of the uncertainty around his identity and the messy writing, it’s hard to invest. Instead of drama, we get a flat, cold exchange that underlines how directionless the story feels.

Visual Side

Thankfully, the art helps salvage parts of the issue. Michael Dowling’s work is solid fluid lines, vibrant colors, and dynamic layouts bring energy to a story that sorely lacks it. It’s a huge improvement compared to John Romita Jr.’s often stiff and divisive style. Still, even the best art can’t mask the script’s weaknesses.

Conclusion

“Amazing Spider-Man #9” is, sadly, more evidence that the series is stuck in tired patterns. Instead of bold new storytelling, we get a bland remix of familiar tropes, padded with pages of filler and undermined by editorial missteps. There are glimpses of good ideas here (Tombstone, a more serious Shocker, solid art), but the issue as a whole is frustrating and forgettable.

Score: 4/10

Pros:

+Tombstone as the new crime kingpin works very well

+Shocker finally treated as a serious threat

+Solid, dynamic art from Michael Dowling

+A few interesting moments in MJ and “Peter’s” dialogue

Cons:

-The “mystery” around Peter’s identity is too obvious and banal

-Story drags on, wasting space

-Recycles plots from past runs (Superior, Beyond, Spencer)

-Editorial slip-ups undermine continuity

-Shocker’s new design is awful

-Aftershocks are a generic, recycled concept

-MJ as Venom — narratively wasted opportunity