Comic Review: The Amazing Spider-Man #12

January 13, 2026

 

After the very solid issue #11, The Amazing Spider-Man #12 keeps the momentum going and proves that the current direction of the series has real substance. This is clearly a “development” issue, focused mainly on Earth and on Norman Osborn in the role of Spider-Man, but the way the story is paced, structured, and written makes it an engaging and satisfying read. It’s not a groundbreaking or spectacular chapter like Peter’s cosmic storyline, but it is strong, character-driven, and emotionally effective.

Opening with JJJ, Conspiracies, and Hellgate

The issue opens with a seemingly lighthearted scene: J. Jonah Jameson hosting his podcast and interviewing the conspiracy theorist we met at the very beginning of the run, during Hellgate’s debut. The exchange is mostly comedic, full of classic Jonah energy, but beneath the humor there’s clearly something more going on.

Mentions of cosmic radiation and strange energies don’t feel like throwaway jokes. Instead, they come across as intentional breadcrumbs meant to help readers eventually piece together how Hellgate managed to send Spider-Man into space. It’s a small but clever example of long-term storytelling.

Norman Osborn as Spider-Man – The Core of the Issue

The heart of the issue follows Norman Osborn as he swings through the city in Spider-Man’s suit, attempting to live up to what Peter Parker represents. This is where ASM #12 truly shines.

Joe Kelly gives us a deep dive into Norman’s inner monologue, as he compares his former double life as the Green Goblin to his current role as Spider-Man. To his own surprise, being a hero turns out to be harder—not because of the fights, but because of:

  • the constant selflessness required

  • the public’s ingratitude toward heroes

  • the frustration of seeing villains escape justice through wealth, power, or influence

Norman begins to understand just how heavy the burden of Peter Parker’s life really was—and how effortlessly Peter seemed to carry it.

Norman’s Trauma and Childhood

These reflections naturally lead into glimpses of Norman’s abusive childhood and the emotional scars that shaped him. The story never tries to excuse his past crimes, but it does present his attempt at redemption as something genuinely difficult and psychologically grounded.

Goblin vs. Goblin – Norman and Kingsley

Roderick Kingsley (Hobgoblin) makes a brief appearance, and while the confrontation is short, it serves an important purpose. It reinforces continuity and hints at a potential Goblin-versus-Goblin rivalry in the future.

Kelly deserves credit for not treating Hobgoblin as a disposable villain-of-the-week. Keeping Kingsley in play makes the world feel interconnected and meaningful.

The Spider-Family Confronts the Impostor

The issue’s climax features Norman being confronted by members of the Spider-family:
Miles Morales, Silk, Araña, Spider-Boy, and Ghost-Spider.

This scene is handled exactly the right way. Instead of a lazy misunderstanding leading to instant violence, the Spiders immediately know this isn’t Peter. Peter is one of them—he’s their guy—and he would never act like this. An impostor wearing his face doesn’t get to ruin his name.

The Fight and Ed McGuinness’ Art

A fight does break out (the cover made that inevitable), and Ed McGuinness absolutely delivers. His art captures intense, kinetic action while retaining a fun, slightly cartoony feel that suits Spider-Man perfectly.

Despite being outnumbered, Norman proves why he’s always been one of Spider-Man’s most dangerous enemies. One line in particular hits hard:

“Though outnumbered, my opponents don’t realize I’ve been fighting Spiders my whole life.”

It’s a chilling reminder of his experience and ruthlessness—even in his “redeemed” state.

Gwen Stacy as the Turning Point

The arrival of Ghost-Spider becomes the emotional turning point of the fight. Seeing Gwen—any Gwen—triggers a flood of memories in Norman, forcing him to realize that he’s attacking children. This moment of clarity makes him stop and genuinely question whether he’s capable of being good, the way Peter believed he could be.

Just as importantly, the other heroes let him speak once he stands down. It’s a small but powerful moment that reinforces their heroism.

Ben Reilly and Supporting Threads

Ben Reilly appears briefly in scenes centered on his new “normal” life and tech job. For now, these moments feel like setup for future consequences, especially if Ben continues to mishandle his relationships at work.

The issue ends on another strong cliffhanger, with multiple plot threads opened and closed efficiently, keeping the momentum intact.

Final Thoughts

The Amazing Spider-Man #12 is a very strong character-focused issue that deepens Norman Osborn while showing the real cost of Peter Parker’s absence. While it lacks the cosmic spectacle of the previous issue, the Earth-based storyline clearly gains confidence, cohesion, and emotional weight.

It’s not perfect—some dialogue could be sharper, and a few threads feel underdeveloped—but it’s compelling, well-paced, and genuinely engaging. Most importantly, it makes you want to read the next issue.

Pros:

  • Excellent characterization of Norman Osborn

  • Strong, smartly written Spider-family confrontation

  • Effective introspection and thematic depth

  • Fantastic artwork by Ed McGuinness

  • Clear narrative momentum

Cons:

  • Ben Reilly remains underused

  • A few awkward or overly on-the-nose dialogue moments

  • No cosmic Peter content may disappoint some readers

  • More setup than payoff

Final Score: 7 / 10





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