AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #556 ADVANCE REVIEW

[Blake Petit]

Review by: Blake M. Petit Blake@comixtreme.com
Quick Rating: Fair
Title: The Last Nameless Day
Rating: A

In a massive snowstorm, Spidey faces a demon.

Writer: Zeb Wells
Pencils: Chris Bachalo
Inks: Tim Townsend
Colors: Chris Bachalo & Studio F’s Antonio Fabela
Letters: Cory Petit
Editor: Stephen Wacker
Cover Art: Chris Bachalo
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Okay, I was mistaken – it wasn’t generic ninjas Spidey fought last week, it was generic Mayan demons. There, that’s out of the way.

This issue, having dropped off the baddies, Spidey is trying to get home through the snow and winds up facing a much bigger demon. Meanwhile, his new friend at the police department makes an interesting discovery.

This issue isn’t bad – the stuff at the beginning with Jonah Jameson is quite good, in fact. The problem is, it’s pretty generic. Spidey and a demon. Spidey and a homeless guy. Spidey faces the elements. There’s really nothing in this book you haven’t seen a hundred times before. I’m still waiting for the brilliant storylines people keep telling me make “Brand New Day” worthwhile. It’s certainly not evident in this arc.

Bachalo’s artwork is pretty good – his cover is especially evocative and eye-catching, the sort of thing that will really pop out at you from the newsstand.

It’s a decent enough book, but after everything Spidey has been through lately, “decent” isn’t good enough.

Rating:


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[Ben Lehnsherr]

The sheer simplicity of that cover is awesome. I remember Cassaday doing an Astonishing X-Men cover like this a little while back. I commend Bachalo's restraint here, it really works. Sometimes less is more, people.

[Ryan Read]

Shocking that the covers are now convey the actually story of the issue. Instead of: "Insert movie poster pose here."

[Ben Lehnsherr]

But anyways....Um, Blake. Reading some of your reviews today makes me wonder. Do you need a hug, dude?

[DocDoom]

Originally Posted by Blake Petit

I’m still waiting for the brilliant storylines people keep telling me make “Brand New Day” worthwhile.

Could these storylines suffer from high expectations/hype?

[Jason Kanno]

Its also Zeb Wells writing this part, not Dan Slott.

[DjeD]

I looove this cover. Bachalo is just awesome.

[Blake Petit]

Originally Posted by Ben Lehnsherr

But anyways....Um, Blake. Reading some of your reviews today makes me wonder. Do you need a hug, dude?

Nope. Just better comics.

[PinchyWearO]

Originally Posted by Blake Petit

I’m still waiting for the brilliant storylines people keep telling me make “Brand New Day” worthwhile. It’s certainly not evident in this arc.

Still waiting? Didn't you just jump on the title a week ago?

[WhereIsTony]

Originally Posted by PinchyWearO

Still waiting? Didn't you just jump on the title a week ago?

[Downfall]

Originally Posted by Jason Kanno

Its also Zeb Wells writing this part, not Dan Slott.

Or Mark Guggenheim. Just wait, it'll get better.

[Gabriel Diaz]

Least you weren't there for FREAK or MENACE.... nothing solved, let downs galour

[gregorv]

Originally Posted by Gabriel Diaz

Least you weren't there for FREAK or MENACE.... nothing solved, let downs galour

well...I agree that Freak was extremely bland...but I liked Menace and the mistery surrounding him...

[Gabriel Diaz]

Originally Posted by gregorv

well...I agree that Freak was extremely bland...but I liked Menace and the mistery surrounding him...

possibly BUT I could have done without the lame mystery of Jackpot.

[ReggieWhiteJr]

I haven't had a chance to read all of this one yet but I really like that cover. Simple, yet effective. I also heard that there are some web-shooter problems again, which is sure to upset some folks. Here's hoping the villain for this arc isn't also a mystery villain.