Amazing Spider-Man #44: Good NightMARE

Amazing Spider-Man #44 is, so far, one of author Nick Spencer’s most unusual issues. For one thing, I’m not sure if during the main storyline, one of the characters is even awake or not. It’s a flashback issue, to when, we’re not quite sure, but it calls back to an adventure that Overdrive has that’s really cool and really confusing. Spencer gave this Z list character not only an interesting story but one of the better villain stories so far this year that I’ve read. Normally, I’m not a fan of “supervillain turned really cool dude” stories, but this one makes sense, is entertaining, and is filled with surprises. Don’t worry, Spidey’s along for the ride (pun very intended) and while he might not play the starring role in this issue, he’s showcased when it’s most important and the story ends up focusing on him. What’s missing is funny Spider-Man. The story is darker in tone, and Spencer’s run has been getting darker as time has gone on, and I miss the spirit of hope that you normally get when reading this book. There is actually zero of that this issue. Once in a while, I can take, but I don’t know if I can go back to the J.M. DeMatteis stories where everything was so serious in tone and dark, grim, and gritty. What I’ve always loved about Spider-Man Is that he’s the anti-Batman when it comes to mood.

The mood of the art actually mirrors the mood of the story. Artists Kim Jacinto with Bruno Oliveira are very good at conveying dark and ominous atmosphere and character. The editors of this book couldn’t have chosen better artists.