Amazing Spider-Man #801
Writer: Dan Slott
Penciller: Marcos Martin
Colorist: Muntsa Vicente
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Price: $3.99
Release Date: 6/20/18
Rating: T
Plot: In his first night as a crime fighter, Spider-Man saved the life of Kenneth Kincaid Jr. If not for Spider-Man that night could’ve become the worst night of Kenneth’s life. Many years later, Kenneth gets the opportunity to return the favor.
Story: One thing I enjoyed about this story was the flashback in the beginning. It gives us an origin for the “Courtesy of your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” notes. This classic element was never really explored and it was assumed Spidey did this just to receive credit for his work. However this issue shows that Spider-Man added the note because someone thought he was webbing the criminal up to eat him (like a real spider). This is a great way to show that Spider-Man is more about saving lives than scaring bad guys.
One of the most notable aspects of Dan Slott’s Amazing Spider-Man run is his dialogue. Slott always finds the proper voice for his characters in each scenario. Best example is when Spider-Man runs into Kenneth again. Kenneth thanks for saving him, but when Spidey can’t remember his name, Kenneth understands because he saves a lot of people. As Spidey gets ready to swing away, he asks Kenneth what he did to change his life and Kenneth casually responds that Spidey helped him quit smoking. This interaction was great because it doesn’t have Kenneth go all fanboy but instead lets him thank someone who helped him years ago.
Since this is Dan Slott’s final Amazing Spider-Man issue, it’s odd that the story doesn’t follow Spidey, but it completely works. Using Kenneth’s speech to his niece, Dan Slott’s words remind the reader what sets Spider-Man apart from other heroes. While the Avengers save the world from global threats, Spider-Man saves anyone in danger every day. So while Spider-Man doesn’t save the actual world, he does save someone’s individual world.
Art: This issue’s artwork is, in one word, amazing. First off the splash shot of Spider-Man crashing through the convenience store window is a direct homage to Amazing Fantasy #15. Also the montage of Kenneth’s life after his encounter with Spider-Man showed how it changed him for the better. Plus the splash page that accompanies Kenneth’s speech is the perfect companion. It helps provide an excellent visual for Kenneth’s words about why Spider-Man is one of the best Marvel heroes.
Verdict: Amazing Spider-Man #801 is a perfect ending to an amazing run. One thing I’ve loved about Dan Slott’s run is how he understands what makes Spider-Man awesome and this issue is a perfect example. Also this was nice change of pace given the last action packed arc (see Red Goblin). Overall, this issue was a great way for Dan Slott to end his memorable Amazing Spider-Man run.
Rating: 5 out of 5