Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #12
Recap
When an assassin begins endangering civilians to get a shot at Spidey, Pete has to reach out to the police for an assist in tracking down the bastard to put him away for good. But when Pete figures who put out the hit, he realizes he may need to call in some truly fantastic back-up!
Review
Yet again, Tom Taylor proves just how well he understands characters and Peter in particular is a character that Taylor seemed destined for. And once again, pairing Taylor’s dynamic writing with dynamic artists, this time Pere Perez, Jay Leisten, and Rochelle Rosenberg on colors, proves an absolute winning combination. This book moves when it needs to but manages to pause time when necessary. No subplot is abandoned in this series as we continue the saga of May’s battle against cancer but the more surprising hit subthread is Spidey’s relationship with the Sebbens family. With backup from Detective Shari Sebbens, treatment for May provided by Doctor Richard Sebbens, and scene-stealing humor from their daughter, Jordie, the reader is reminded that even though the character work tends to steal the show, the focus of this book is on the “Neighborhood” element to Spidey’s persona. These three characters are charming, yes, but they also help to forge tangible links to the community Pete lives in and protects, a focus often lost as we see our hero gallivanting across the universe.
Taylor’s Spider-Man is a Spider-Man that feels authentic. As the assassin uses Peter’s empathy against him, Pete finds ways to harness that “weakness” and put it to his advantage. It becomes a driving force. Empathy, optimism, and of course, witty banter are crucial elements to Peter’s characterization but it feels rare to find all three working in perfect concert as they do in the pages of Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.
Final Thoughts
Once again, with Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #12 (Taylor, Perez, Leisten, Rosenberg, Lanham), the book exceeds all expectations and delivers a pitch perfect Spider-Man story.
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #12: Step Into My Parlor
- Writing - 10/1010/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 10/1010/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10