Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 2) #32 (473) Review

Amazing Spider-Man #32
PLOT: Ezekiel tells Peter some about the ancient origin of their spider powers along with the terrible threat posed by Morlun. Peter declines Ezekiel’s offer of a hiding place and, as Spider-Man, is lured into a showdown with Morlun.
LIKES: JMS offers an interesting reflection on Peter’s sense of responsibility especially when compared to Ezekiel’s regret at not using his powers for anything other than his own financial gain. The explanation of Peter and the other’s with spider-powers being part of some kind of prehistoric link between man and other species is an interesting twist. However it still not clear how this lead to Peter obtaining his powers and to what purpose it may serve. The point about Spidey attracting so many villains with powers and identities based on a variety of animals sequence is insightful and offers JR, Jr. the chance to apply his chops to other heroes and baddies and he doesn’t disappoint. JMS also injects enough humorous dialogue to counter balance long stretches of borderline mumbo jumbo about totalistic powers, cellular needs, checks and balances and the like.
DISLIKES: The explanation of the missing link between man and other species is only a partial explanation. Why are there so many others with spider powers as shown last issue? What is the purpose of keeping this link alive? The more JMS elaborates the more questions he raises. Ezekial says he used his powers to amass his fortune. How? Other than the fact that Peter plies his super hero trade in public why can’t Morlun sense and track down Ezekiel and the others with spider power. JMS also may be pushing it a bit by insisting that Morlun is the greatest threat Peter ever faced. Like we haven’t heard that one before.
RATING:  out of 5 web-heads Although falling short of the hype the good still outweighs the bad here.