When you think of Spider-Man creators, you automatically go Stan lee and Steve Ditko, the OG for ol’ web head. As the years went by, others took up the mantle, nay, the great power and responsibility of chronicling Peter Parker’s adventures. Of those, from the modern era, writer Dan Slott and artist Mark Bagley stand out as high points for many a Spider-Man fan. This book then sets to pair these two giants, together for the first time. But can you go back, is there a way home after all?
Morlun is back! With him comes the threat of the end of the Spier-verse! How is this going to affect Peter, the Chosen one, his enormous sense of responsibility and his cast of many including Spider- Gwen, Miles, Jessica et al?
Dan Slott is back on Spidey after spending time with Marvel’s first family. It’s as if nothing has changed; this then could be a problem. Slott is a talented writer, as such he shouldn’t need to rely on rehashed story elements. Slott tries to throw ins a few curve balls, one of which is so obvious it hurts and a couple that both surprise and pack a punch, especially who get unwoven. The dialogue works well enough, though with action the main thrust of the book, there is little in the way of character development. Additionally, a throwaway line seems to relegate a key aspect to one character in particular.
I have said this before; I am not a huge Mark Bagley fan in the slightest. I remember his first Spier-Man work, in the Evolutionary War annual. This book features all the traits and stylings that I dislike. With that said, I cannot fault Bagley’s efforts, production quality and sheer energy for the project. This is reflected in a number of fight scenes, where pacy and movement are required. Body poses fill the small panels which always bugs me, different camera angles may help with showing just aspects of body lines which could move the focus slightly. Bagley is helped by strong inks from John Dell who helps the figures pop from the detailed background. Colors are supplied by Edgar Delgado who delivers a bright scheme that surprised me considering the darkness inherent in the storyline. This is the END of the Spider-verse after all! Missing from the cover is VC’s Joe Carmagna who provides the letters to the expected high standard,
This book is a mixed bag for me, not of content but of intent. Point one, with all the multiverse shenanigans going on it is refreshing to see someone try to take a step backward. Point two, Spider-Man is always more entertaining for me when Peter is the focal point not Spider-Man. this is probably why I am enjoying the majority fo the Wells / Romita JR. Amazing Spider-Man run. I am sure that with all the fans that Slott and Bagley have, this book will become a huge hit.
Writing- 3 Stars
Art – 3 Stars
Colors – 3.5 Stars
Overall – 3 Stars
Written by; Dan Slott
Art by; Mark Bagley
Inks by; John Dell
Colors by; Edgar Delgado
Letters by; VC’s Joe Caramagna
Published by; Marvel Worldwide Inc.