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Amazing Spider-Man #9
- Writer:
- Zeb Wells
- Artist:
- Patrick Gleason
- Letterer:
- VC's Joe Caramagna
- Cover Artist:
- John Romita Jr., Scott Hanna, Marcio Menyz
- Publisher:
- Marvel
- Price:
- $3.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-09-14
- Colorist:
- Marcio Menyz
Once again, Peter Parker and Mary Jane's relationship has reached an impasse, which leaves the two on less than talking terms. Writer Zeb Wells has wasted no time with his Spider-Man run, first getting a down-on-his-luck Peter into a humbling beatdown from Tombstone and then following it up with a deadly encounter with the Vulture. This time, the X-Men's Hellfire Gala becomes the backdrop of his latest misadventure as the heroes find themselves in a bind with Moira MacTaggert mind-controlling the body of Mary Jane Watson. Amazing Spider-Man #9, with artwork from Patrick Gleason, colors by Marcio Menyz, and letters from VC's Joe Caramagna, gets to the bottom of MacTaggert's nefarious plans and reunites Spider-Man and Wolverine.
Amazing Spider-Man #9 presents beautiful scenes from the Hellfire Gala, where several superheroes and dignitaries have assembled. Spider-Man tries to mingle with the crowd, holding awkward conversations with each one until he realizes that something is wrong with Mary Jane. But by then, it is too late. Before Peter makes any brash decisions, Wolverine stops him and sends Greycrow to spy from the shadows. They formulate a plan to save Mary Jane from Moira, and the action ensues.
Amazing Spider-Man #9 opens with Spidey narrating the events of the fateful day from the start. From the beginning, Zeb Wells makes sure that the interactions are uncomfortable and the air is suffocating enough to cause uneasiness, despite the Webhead's honest attempt to break the ice. The only person to behave cordially around Spider-Man is Wolverine, who gives him a helping hand for old times' sake. Together, they jump from brawl to brawl, shifting the pace into the sixth gear and transitioning from one action-packed scene to another, leaving behind a trail of unconscious bodies. But there are also solemn moments, which reflect the inner feelings of the characters and their undeniable chemistry.
For the first time in the series, John Romita Jr.'s contribution remains limited to the cover art as Patrick Gleason returns to the title for more web-slinging fun. He immediately gets to work with his intricately dynamic line work and moves between styles to craft a journey from the fun and frolic of a gala to a bone-crunching battle. Menyz's beautiful colors illuminate the action. With popping colors and excellent placement of the various sound effects from letterer Joe Caramagna, this issue lets the visuals set the rhythm of the tale and leave a gripping impression.
Amazing Spider-Man #9 is a well-laid-out tale that bridges the gaps between storylines without retconning any previously established events. The X-Men: Hellfire Gala #1 tie-in makes for a thrilling crossover issue that gives Logan and Peter's friendship some well-deserved time in the spotlight. With Moira's fate now a part of the A.X.E.: Judgment Day plot, the book ends in a fairly generic way. But the lingering tension between Peter and Mary Jane once again acts as a provocative catalyst for the series, making life miserable for the former lovers and leaving readers frustrated about their future. For all its constructive storytelling, Amazing Spider-Man #9 feels like a stopgap for more down-on-his-luck Spider-Man stories on the horizon.