Amazing Spider-Man #698 Review


The beginning of the end is here, but is it really the start of a worthwhile finish?  Read on to find out.

The official description from Marvel:

DYING WISH PRELUDE

• The end of Spider-Man’s world begins when Doctor Octopus discovers who Peter Parker really is.

• (Fifty years goes by much…too…fast.)

There are going to be a lot of preconceived notions and emotions filling many fanboy hearts as they peal back the cover page and peruse this little voyage.  What we have here is an issue that offers a megaton twist that’s sure to rock the Marvel Universe as the proverbial road leads us ever so closer to the end of Amazing Spider-Man.

I don’t want to spoil what Dan Slott has done, so for this review I’m going to focus on the bells and whistles of this story.  The series writer has done an exceptional job building up his narrative strength in order to usher in a surprise finish that will leave many fans with their jaws wide open.  No matter what your reaction to that final page rest assured that this release is nothing short of a sturdy outing.  We see our hero doing his thing and following a rather stereotypical point for point game plan that starts to move things along right before the cliffhanger occurs.  The dialogue at times is not as consistent as it should be, but at this point that’s just nitpicking and looking for something to be wrong in an otherwise excellent comic book.

Richard Elson offers up some brilliant artwork with some sturdy visual sensibilities.  His pencil strokes inform a brilliantly realized presentation that relies heavily on classic tropes to evoke and remind the audience of simpler days as this title begins to start its farewell arc.  I have no complaints about the work done here, it absolutely fits the script as each panel simply elevates the narrative quality.

Regardless of how the revelation in the end makes you feel the implications of what has apparently been in the works for quite some time should make any fan want to at least tip their hat to the man behind this.  And for that reason Dan Slott and this issue easily earn a recommendation.

4/5

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