ICYMI The Amazing Spider-Man #15: Starman, Waiting in the Webs

I thought Peter Parker’s time in space would get old fast. The idea of following him on a strange galactic adventure had some appeal within the context of Hellgate’s debut, but the longer a gimmick like this goes on, the more tiresome it usually gets. Yet The Amazing Spider-Man #15 once again proves those doubts wrong, delivering an issue rich in theme, energy, and character-driven sincerity that fits Peter perfectly, no matter how alien the premise might seem.

It’s hard to talk about this issue without spoiling its biggest surprises, but at its heart, it’s about deepening the bonds between Peter and his space crew. These relationships give him a genuine emotional reason to stay in this new status quo a little longer while finally explaining why he can’t return to Earth just yet. Those emotional beats, especially his dynamic with Rocket Raccoon, carry a quiet complexity that adds color and tension to the ensemble, keeping this arc grounded even as it drifts through the stars.

The action works because of that emotional foundation. It’s not just spectacle or an attempt to inject false stakes into a series that’s been running for over sixty years; it’s action that matters. Every hit and explosion pushes the team forward, shaping their relationships as more than just background to Peter’s personal growth. A new evolution of his suit—and how it mirrors the classic Venom storyline—is another clever touch in an arc that explores Spider-Man’s timeless struggle with power and responsibility in a genuinely fresh way.

As for the art, Emilio Laiso continues to take over duties from Pepe Larraz, and the book is stronger for it. Larraz is a phenomenal artist, but his inconsistency on this title has hurt its visual cohesion—something Laiso restores with confident storytelling and a style all his own. The coloring team complements his work beautifully, giving the pages a vibrant, pop-infused glow that ties the book’s cosmic tone together with real consistency.