Amazing Spider-Man #17: Space Man, No More

While I have enjoyed the galactic adventure Peter Parker has embarked upon in recent issues, I have admittedly been wary of the unanswered questions lingering since the web-head’s defeat at the hands of Hellgate. The science-fiction tone of these stories has offered a refreshing change of pace for the character, yet the true strength of this status quo lies in the intimacy of its character work. Joe Kelly’s positioning of Peter’s fears and moral struggles throughout this arc has been exceptional, bolstered by a charming yet morally complex cast of companions. The return of Hellgate and the layers of “epic lore” surrounding him present a potential disruption to this focus, but The Amazing Spider-Man #17 demonstrates that Kelly has no intention of phoning in his work.

This issue centers on introducing both Peter and the reader to the greater cosmic beings who orchestrated his initial encounter with Hellgate. The overarching cosmic threat that motivated their interference recedes into the background, allowing Peter’s developing relationship with Rae to take precedence as he confronts the authority these beings exert over their subjects—Rae included. The central fight sequence, which highlights Peter’s unwavering drive to raise those around him, becomes the thematic engine of the narrative. It propels him to confront his recent failures and achieve the power he has been seeking. This is not a matter of physical strength, but rather of mental fortitude and the willingness to reopen himself to relationships and responsibilities he has kept at a distance in recent years.

Although his connection with Raelith serves as the catalyst for this shift, it is the broader network of relationships formed among the entire crew that ultimately enriches this theme. The grand action and melodrama of the issue are interwoven with a warm, endearing subplot following Rocket, Nail, and the rest of the group as they attempt to repair their ship. Its resolution provides a fitting emotional complement to the main narrative, and it elicited a genuine smile from me as the issue drew to a close. A strong cliffhanger further elevates the conclusion, and the potential convergence of these developments with the ongoing conflicts back on Earth has me anticipating the next installments more eagerly than I have in quite some time.

Pepe Larraz remains outstanding in the art department. Though it feels almost redundant to praise his work at this point, each issue reflects a continued refinement of his craft. His soft yet dynamic linework, enhanced by thoughtful and atmospheric coloring, gives the issue a distinctive aesthetic that blends classical superhero sensibilities with the sweeping surreality demanded by its science-fiction setting.