THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #29
Writers: Dan Slott & Christos Gage
Penciller: Stuart Immonen
Colorist: Marte Gracia
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Rating: T
Price: $3.99
Release Date: 06/28/17
Plot: Doc Oct re-enters Spider-Man’s life but this time he’s the Superior Octopus. Just as Hydra begins taking over the United States, Octavius attempts to take over Parker Industries. Otto offers a peaceful take over but when Spidey refuses all bets are off. While Peter Parker tries to salvage his company’s reputation, he could loose it all in this arc.
Story: The main enjoyment from this issue is the exchange of dialogue between Spider-Man and Doc Oct. When Peter asserts his ownership of the company, Otto is quick to respond that Parker Industries’ success had no involvement from Peter. This is true as Otto founded the company when his mind was in Peter’s body (see Superior Spider-Man). Additionally, Otto tells Peter he manipulated the market when his mind was stuck in the Living Brain. The best part of this exchange was Peter bringing up the Webwear device. Otto’s reaction of laughter and pointing out that the device is a replica of the communicators from Spider-Verse was a joy to read. Spider-Man can do anything a spider can but being a successful CEO is not on that list.
Between Peter’s decisions from the last arc and Otto’s attack on the London office, things are not looking good for Parker Industries. A lot of Dan Slott’s work on Amazing Spider-Man involve building up to bigger story arcs. This feels like the title’s building up for the end of Parker Industries. Peter Parker being in charge of his own company was a big step for his character. Fortunately it looks like the loss of this role will have an impact instead of being a standard return to the status quo.
The only thing readers may not like about this issue is it’s advertised connection to Secret Empire. While this issue contains some references to the main Secret Empire series, it does not affect the plot in any way. The Secret Empire connection is really an excuse to bring Doc Oct back into Amazing Spider-Man after the events of Clone Conspiracy. If someone bought this issue just for Secret Empire then they would be really confused.
Art: Otto’s Superior Octopus suit looks awesome. It’s great that Doc Oct’s tentacles are back. Plus I like how the artists gave the suit a unique design. It may have been easier to put Otto in a Hydra colored Spider-Man suit but I appreciate how they went the extra mile.
This issue has some fantastic color choices for its scenes. The lighting in the confrontation between Spidey and Oct was brilliant. Even thought the panels focus on each character, the lighting allows the reader to visualize each character’s position in the room. Also, the scenes showing the destruction of P.I.’s London office are stunning. Plus they let the reader know big things are about to change for Peter Parker.
Verdict: While this issue does not move Secret Empire forward, it does allow Dan Slott to bring back Doctor Octopus. The issue also presents a nice build-up to the downfall of Parker Industries. Overall if you read Superior Spider-Man or the recent Amazing issues, then you should definitely pick this up.
Rating: 4 out of 5