Joe Kelly’s run of The Amazing Spider-Man has been different from Zeb Wells’. For the most part, Zeb’s run stayed focused on Peter Parker and how his life affected the people around him. That same idea is how Joe Kelly’s series started. However, after Spider-Man is beaten so badly that he remains too scared to return to Earth, the theme shifted.
Since Hellgate's beating (this happens in Amazing Spider-Man No. 7 and 8), the issues have bounced back and forth between the supporting cast in Peter’s life on Earth and his adventures in space. And it’s been, pardon the pun, amazing.
When comic books alternate between two stories, it can be annoying, especially when one is better than the other. In this case, it’s the opposite. Both tales are equally good, but for different reasons. For example, Peter Parker in Space with Rocket is full of action, fun-looking aliens, quips, and some romance. Meanwhile, the stories back home do have fantastic fights, but the issues have more introspective moments. That's where issue No. 16 comes into play
The Amazing Spider-Man No. 16 creative team
- Writer: Joe Kelly
- Artist: John Romita Jr.
- Colors: Marte Gracia
This issue begins with Aunt May, Tombstone, J. Jonah Jameson, and Norman Osborn talking about Peter/Spidey in different ways. The one common theme is that they’re worried. Considering two of those people were vicious enemies of the Wall-Crawler, it was cool to see what they thought about him.
Tombstone, while still a villain, talked about how his issues with fake-Spidey stem from him being unlike the guy he knows. He's been too uncaring and ruthless, and has been sending guys to the hospital. It worried him because Tombstone may be a monster, but he and Spidey have an understanding of sorts. Once Lonnie realized the truth, he breathed a sigh of relief. That was a moment that should come back into play when Peter returns.
"How often did you survive letting Spider-Man ruin your life over and over again? I fight back anger that I must leave someone in pain to face a fool in a costume, repeating my favorite mantra...What would Peter do?"
Norman (who’s now running around as Spider-Man) admits that he isn’t wearing the costume to uphold his friend’s vision. He’s doing it because he needs to for himself. It makes him feel good to help people. Watching him navigate a world he's not used to has been incredible. Not only is Norman becoming a better person, but Joe Kelly has also made him a more interesting character.
While the two villains go through it, Aunt May seems to be struggling with her nephew being distant. Her new boyfriend (Ricardo) and J. Jonah Jameson talk around Aunt May until she puts them in their places. She reminds them that she knows Peter better than anyone. My favorite part was her saying, “Both of you think I’m being naive or weak…but I’m not a doormat. I’m not a fool. I’m a mother.”
It’s a well-known fact that comic book fans and Marvel Comics characters look at Aunt May as Peter’s mother. Nevertheless, reading her say she’s a mother is special. Yes, she’s said this multiple times over the decades of content, but it never gets old. And, the best part is a reminder to readers that, while she’s upset with her nephew, she’ll still make him wheat cakes the next day.
"Sometimes, that means suffering with my child...at a distance...until he's ready to share his burden.""Aunt" May Parker
Joe Kelly’s run is just beginning, and it’s been more than a story about Peter and MJ. It shows why Kelly’s been a comic book legend for decades. And, with a Spider-Man crossover coming, imagine what he’s going to do with Hela as the Queen in Black.
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