MARCO SPEAKS SPIDEY: Spine-Tingling Spider-Man (2023) #3 REVIEW

Advanced Happy New Year, everybody! Honestly, I was planning on taking a little break over the holidays, and I told myself that the next comic I’d buy, read, and review is a 2024 kind of thing. But I just finished playing Playstation 5’s Spider-Man 2 a couple of days ago, largely due to having some free time away from work, and I am currently on an amazing, spectacular, sensational, friendly neighborhood high right now. So, I dug up the latest issue of Marvel’s scariest Spidey tale yet and decided to share with you some Christmas spirit. And I do not regret it one bit, as this dark, grim and haunting series has become one of my favorites for the entire year, actually.

OFFICIAL MARVEL COMICS DESCRIPTION:

Published:

December 20, 2023

Writer:

Saladin Ahmed

Penciler:

Juan Ferreyra

Cover Artist:

Juan Ferreyra

Spider-Man gets stuck in the most horrifying haunted house with some of the most important people in his life. It has to be Mysterio’s doing, right? When Spidey finds Quentin Beck, that’s what he thinks. But what if it’s NOT?!

PROS:

The strong horror element is just spot-on with this book, thanks to the expertly written script and very disturbing visuals. From the monster versions of Peter Parker’s loved ones, to seeing them crash and fall to their demise, to witnessing Mysterio brutally imprisoned, to Peter Parker being hunted down by psychos, all culminating in the big reveal showing readers who the big baddie behind it all really is… this title is undeniably a scary, terrifying take on Spider-Man. The creative team is not pulling any punches with this one, and it’s obvious that the Marvel folks are having so much fun with this one. You can see the joy that is put into a work of art when the creatives behind it are given their proper freedom to paint the canvas as they see fit.
Being on a Spider-Man 2 high, as mentioned earlier, I was delighted to see Mysterio as part of the supporting cast. I felt bad for him, seeing the way he was being kept, used, and manipulated. Heck, even Peter Parker felt bad for the guy, eventually freeing him, and working together to escape the nightmare world. It was entertaining seeing Mysterio get more spotlight in this one, and it was even more intriguing guessing and learning about who was pulling the strings all along. It’s admittedly pretty awesome seeing enemies like Mysterio and Spidercide go against their natures and decide to help out Peter Parker, despite how much they hate the guy. Sure, they probably feel it’s also in their best interests to get the heck out of there, but nevertheless, this comic proves that there is still hope for the villains.
I appreciate how we’re being treated to a Peter Parker who may not have his powers, but is using his intelligence, detective skills, and ferocious killer instinct instead to survive this disaster of a situation he now finds himself in. At the end of the day, the hero inside us all is all about the heart, and not necessarily how strong we are. It’s a refreshing take on Spider-Man, and it gives justice to Peter Parker, the man. Nice bite, too.
That big reveal in the end, though… HOT DAMN.

CONS:

Coming from PS5’s Spider-Man 2, I was half-expecting to see Kraven pop up during this issue’s hunting scene. It never happened, but I think I’ve been spoiled enough already, as is.

FINAL GRADE: A

This was the perfect way to end the year on a high note. The narrative, the pacing, the artwork, and just the overall vibe of this comic book series combine for a masterpiece and masterclass in spooky storytelling. Unfortunately, it will be a very short ride, as I believe the comic will be ending in the next issue. But I am enjoying it while it lasts, and I encourage everybody to give this title a shot before the year officially ends. Happy New Year, once again, and I hope you all enjoy the parties, the festivities, the celebrations and most importantly, the bonding with family and friends. I am looking forward to reading and writing about more Spider-Man comics next year, as it promises to be another big one for the Spidey family.