Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 2) #35 (476) Review

Amazing Spider-Man #35
PLOT: The final showdown between Spidey and Morlun. Based on his analysis of Morlun’s blood from last issue and the knowledge that the spider that bit him was exposed to radiation Peter takes a desperate chance in order to find a way to defeat Morlun. Once he has the upper hand Spidey is confronted by the dilemma of what to do with Morlun. If he spares him he will definitely kill again. However how can Peter bring himself to simply execute someone? Before he can decide Morlun’s assistant, Dex, takes it out of Spidey’s hands. Afterwards Spidey goes to tell Ezekiel’s people that he’s been killed and finds the place deserted. He also finds evidence that Ezekiel survived. A fact we’re shown immediately thereafter along with an indication that Ezekiel has had a change of heart concerning to what end he uses his powers. Back at home an exhausted Peter sheds his uniform and falls into a deep sleep. So deep that an unexpected visitor stumbles upon his uniform.
LIKES: You name it, I like it. Finally Spidey uses his intelligence and scientific skills to defeat a foe. The narration is strong throughout and the explanation of Peter’s gambit seems reasonable. There’s a real emotional cleansing and release for both the reader and Peter when Spidey finally gets the upper hand. Spidey’s little talk with God is a classic moment.
DISLIKES: Only thing to find fault is that the uniform on Peter’s floor at the end is in tatters however the one he’s wore throughout the issue was completely intact.
RATING: 5 out of 5 webheads. JMS delivers the goods big time here fulfilling the high expectations we all had for his taking on this book. There are very few story arcs where the last two issues are stronger than the first few but this is one.