AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: RENEW YOUR VOWS #5
Writer: Gerry Conway
Penciller: Nathan Stockman
Colorist: Jesus Aburtov
Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Cover Artists: Ryan Stegman & Tamra Bonvillain
Rating: T
Price: $3.99
Release Date: 03/22/17
Plot: It’s family fun night for the Parkers. Unfortunately this family fun night includes foiling a robbery by Sandman. Meanwhile, Normie Osborn plots Spider-Man’s downfall and gathers more information on Spiderling.
Story: This issue proves that you can have a Spider-Man comic with a fun super-family dynamic. The way this story sets up a family fun night and uses it as a segway into a bank robbery is entertaining. Unlike the last few issues, this one focuses a little more on the family theme than the super heroics. Reading this issue felt like reading an issue of Fantastic Four or watching The Incredibles.
Another element I enjoyed with this issue was Gerry Conway’s dialogue. Conway allows the characters lines to come off as fun and natural when speaking. The way Conway writes Peter Parker in this issue feels the perfect balance between responsible and funny. Also it’s not just Peter, the conversation between two of Sandman’s henchmen is pretty enjoyable.
Another thing I found interesting is the inclusion of Normie Osborn. Since this title takes place in a world where Peter and MJ are still married, Harry and Norman Osborn are still dead. Now Harry’s 10-year old son runs Oscorp and has an obsession with Spider heroes (like his father and grandfather). However Normie seems more interested with Annie’s alter ego, Spiderling, than Spider-Man. While Normie is scheming to take down Spider-Man, I doubt his plan includes a Green Goblin suit. Although I could be wrong as we only get a taste of this long-term arc.
Art: The artwork for this issue is solid. There are a number of double page spreads but they work perfectly for the story. These types of layouts are perfect for showing two different scenes taking place simultaneously and giving our characters an amazing and heroic entrance. Another thing I enjoyed was how Nathan Stockman captured the perfect facial expressions for the characters. My favorite example was Peter and MJ sharing that look saying “I’m gonna do this because I love my kid”. This look in the Spider-parents reminded me of my dad whenever I needed an adult to ride a roller coaster. Plus the suit designs for Annie and MJ still look unique and amazing.
Verdict: If you’re a Spider-Man fan and have not read this title, then this is the perfect jumping on point for you. This one-shot story manages to capture this title’s themes of family and super heroics while giving the reader a taste of a long term arc. Overall Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows is definitely a buy.
Star Rating: 5 out of 5