Amazing Spider-Man #75
- WRITER
- Zeb Wells
- Artist
- Patrick Gleason
- Letterer
- VC's Joe Caramagna
- Cover Artist
- Alejandro Sanchez, Arthur Adams
- Publisher
- Marvel Comics
- Price
- 5.99
- Release Date
- 2021-10-06
- Colorist
- Marcio Menyz
Amazing Spider-Man #75 offers a dynamic first chapter to the newest Spidey storyline, "Beyond." Not content with choosing between style and substance, Amazing Spider-Man #75 delivers both in spades. With each narrative beat, the issue creates a range of amazing emotions. While the "Beyond" opening act isn't flawless, it more than makes up for its blemishes by delivering a delightfully authentic Spider-Man story.
Written by Zeb Wells, drawn by Patrick Gleason, and colored by Marcio Menyz, Amazing Spider-Man #75 buzzes with potential. While the issue's confidence is palpable, its pages never feel over-eager. With the shocking reintroduction of Ben Reilly into Peter's life and the tragedies from the Kindred Saga weighing on Peter Parker, ASM #75 takes an honest look at the hero's state of mind. The issue also includes two additional Spidey stories that complete the book's underdog tone -- "Love and Monsters" from Kelly Thompson, Travel Foreman, and Jim Campbell, and "Kafka" from Zeb Wells, Ivan Fiorelli, and Edgar Delgado
Behind all the brilliance of the artwork and the action, writer Zeb Wells clearly understands what makes a clone story interesting. In just one issue, the juxtaposition between Peter Parker and Ben Reilly is clear and engaging, but without being unnecessarily flashy. Indeed, the lack of frills is perhaps one of the issue's identifiable strengths. Amazing Spider-Man #75 thrives in its quieter moments, allowing lots of space for all of the minor details of the comic to shine. ASM #75 is a gripping issue despite foregoing a ton of action. Wells routinely brings Spidey's humanity front and center as any good Spidey issue should.
Visually, Amazing Spider-Man #75 is astounding. Artist Patrick Gleason hits gold with an artistic style that adapts not only to its subject matter but is well-aware of striking the right tone. When the tension rises, Gleason's lines grow more pronounced and erratic, coursing with energy. In slower-paced moments, Gleason's makes Spidey's world soften and pairs incredibly well with colorist Menyz. Menyz and Gleason's partnership leads to some staggeringly beautiful panels throughout the story's conversational moments. That being said, ASM #75's action is just as stirring with an almost volatile look.
Amazing Spider-Man #75 lays a solid foundation of material for the "Beyond" arc to soar. The reintroduction of Ben Reilly into Peter's life was impressively handled by the whole creative team, who made the moment a genuine and significant one. While Peter and MJ don't get much time together in this issue, the comparison to Ben and Janine is well-drawn and offers yet another interesting angle for future issues to tackle.
Amazing Spider-Man #75 is recommended to any and all comic fans looking for an excellent new superhero comic to get into. Spidey, and in particular Peter, shine in the first chapter of the "Beyond" storyline. While no one can say what the future holds for the rest of "Beyond," the groundwork is exceptionally laid for something special to unfold.