(Writer) Nick Spencer
(Artist) Federico Vicentini
(Colorist) Marcio Menyz
(Letterer) VC’s Joe Caramagna
(Editor) Nick Lowe
(EIC) C.B. Cebulski
Date Released 4/21/2021
Issue Number #64/865
Price Tag: $3.99
For a different perspective:
Alford’s Notes and Ryan’s Reads
Story Time: Norman is rushing to Kindred to find that Baron Mordo is preforming a hex on him to get him to talk. Fisk and Osborn debate about who has the bigger ego. Meanwhile Tombstone and Robertson come to blows in the now trashed apartment where Peter, Randy, and Fred live. Spider-Man interrupts the two blaming himself for this mess, because that’s kinda his thing. We see a flashback on Fred getting knocked out and *Peter quickly changing into his new suit. Madame Masque gets the upper hand on Spidey and she, with her new partner Crime Master, escapes with consolation prizes Randy and Janice. Robbie and Tombstone work together to save their kids by interrogating the supervillain Mirage. Crime Master and Madame Masque spill the beans to Randy and Janice on why they were kidnapped, Spidey goes to get help from Fred, only to find that Fred has decided that he’s going in alone. Doc Ock is in a graveyard looking for a lead in the gap of his memories, where a Kindred-pede takes control of the villain.
The Breakdown:
- Finding Results
- Friendnemies
- The Real Plan
- Going In Alone
- Doctor’s Call
- Nitpicks
- Grade
Finding Results: Kindred for the last few issues have been given everyone the “silent treatment”. Mordo prefers him to “SPEAK” now, or scream, which ever Kindred prefers. I like how Spencer is playing this and it’s very interesting to look at. While Dr. Strange is confronting Mephisto about Peter Parker’s Soul, Baron Mordo is confronting Kindred about the power he processes to bring back Fisk’s wife. Although bringing back Vanessa is the ultimate goal to achieve the Tablet of Death, you can bet that Mordo will find out who Kindred is and why he’s so fixated on Spider-Man. That in turn will intertwine with what Dr. Strange is doing over at Mephisto’s Casino. This of course will connect with OMD and have the two magical arch enemies got toe to toe with each other. Not sure if this will cross over with the Dr. Strange books, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it does. I know the Kindred thing is being played out a bit too long and I know I have addressed that to you Crawlspacers in the past. Like I said. Enjoy this ride. We are getting what we exactly wanted. Spencer is actually giving it to us with Marvel’s approval (it seems). Peter and Mary Jane are back together. It’s cemented in stone that Mary Jane is completely and utterly in love with Peter and Peter NEEDS, WANTS, and LOVES Mary Jane in his life. After 60 plus issues, Nick Spencer has delivered that fact. He IS addressing OMD. He just needs to make it as interesting and entertaining AS POSSIBLE. How it needs to “make sense”. How it needs to feel that we’ve been rewarded for our patience. No need to hold on, Crawlspacers. We are already at the point. Now, it’s time to enjoy the ride.
Friendnemies: The enemy of my enemy is my friend. When rivals that come together to form a bond that leads to a common goal. Although Robbie and Tombstone completely hate each other, they’ll put their differences aside to rescue their kids. Spencer knows that, he also knows that when this is all over, how humorous and entertaining it will be when the fathers talk to their kids. You are already seeing it now while they are trying to find them! I really like what our very own George Berryman has stated in the podcast reviews. “I want Janice to come out and say that’s she’s pregnant.” To say that right in front of their fathers, I’m pretty sure Robbie, Tombstone, and Randy would faint and hit the floor! He’s playing these two as the good cop and bad cop. I’m sure you can guess which is which.
The Real Plan: Crime Master and Madame Masque are orchestrating the whole “miscommunication” in order to be on top. Ever since Kingpin became Mayor he’s kept the underground crime on a tight leash. The Mob bosses have there own little territories that they are content with, however some of them want more. There’s no Turf War. No Power Grabs. Since Kingpin wants structure and order within those territory, there’s not much room for growth for these Mob Kings or Queens. Fisk took “the fun” out of it. Crime Master and Madame Masque are using this as an opportunity to better their career and give the charade that they were just doing the job they were given to do. They actually don’t want Kingpin’s get out of jail card, they actually want to be the one’s that can give out the get out of jail cards. A method to their madness per say, but I don’t think this is another Spencer subplot. This will end once King’s Ransom arc concludes.
You still gotta love how Spencer is writing Randy and Janice. It’s hysterical and sweet at the same time. You know these two being together is a bad idea, yet you find yourself rooting for them to come to each other’s arms in the end. The Sinister Syndicate is bound to show up and save them, well at least Janice. However, the team did find Randy cute when they Facebook stalked them! Maybe they will do Janice a favor and help him out too.
Going in Alone: Fred has become Spider-Man. What he’s feeling is exactly what Peter feels EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. You always imagined what if someone else felt the same guilt and acted on pure responsibility that Peter goes through as Spider-Man. Spencer delivers that answer. Instead Fred is feeling guilt and acting on pure stupidity. He’s playing right into Fisk’s hands and doesn’t know it. Not saying Spidey hasn’t done that, however when Spidey does it, he KNOWS what needs to be done and thinks of a plan to execute and there are times when his emotions get the best of him. If they do, he is faced the consequences for his actions. Fred KNOWS what needs to be done and fires his boot rockets to go flying in full force, consequences be damned! Spencer shines when it comes to Fred Meyers and you can best bet that it’ll be an enjoyable read.
Doctor’s Call: Doc Ock is back?! Why is he in a graveyard? What’s he looking for?! Memories. Let me catch you up. Way back in Superior Spider-Man (Vol2) #11, Otto make a deal with Mephisto in order defeat the Spider-Man of Earth-44145. This deal restored a version of Otto’s original body as Doctor Octopus prior to any damage it took and gained the original mindset of Doctor Octopus with no memory of Spider-Man’s identity or the time he spent occupying Peter Parker’s body. So now, Otto’s looking for answers since he can’t remember that period of time when he took over Peter’s body. It’s all coming back full circle.
Since Mephisto is already talking to Dr. Strange about OMD in ASM #60 and we at the Crawlspace have already assumed that Kindred is linked to OMD/BND somehow. It’s pretty much confirmed. I’m theorizing that Kindred is using all of Mephisto’s deals (old and new) to use, in order to destroy Peter Parker. That means taking control and using Doc Ock. Oh Spencer, you cleaver little continuity crafting artist! Given what we’ve seen, we can only assume that Doc Ock did some research and went looking for his old body. Kindred saw this as an opportunity to create something Sinister for Spider-Man. Something like…a Sinister War?!
Least that’s what Marvel is promoting in the Amazing run for July. So now Kindred has control of Ock, and my guess is he’ll be forming a new Sinister Six, so who will the rest of team be? Here’s what we know.
Vulture: Still in play as we saw from AMJ #6. Has his own team, The Savage Six
Mysterio: Not really, he’s busy making that movie with MJ. However, Kindred does have a control over him.
Kraven: Dead. His **“Flour no more” son isn’t though.
Electro: The new one is with her girlfriends over at the Sinister Syndicate.
Sandman: Given the events in Spectacular Spider-Man, he keeps to himself.
So Spencer will definitely put his own little spin on it. Not sure how the Sinister Syndicate will think of this, but a battle between the two evil teams is something that will be welcomed under Spencer’s pen. Let’s also remember that Vulture has his Savage Six. Oh man…the possibilities are endless and Spencer will make that VERY entertaining, no doubt in my mind. A Sinister War is coming and if it involves all three of these teams(supposedly). Oh, and I like to point out that it’s SO REWARDING not to hear Dr. Octopus say “DOLT!”. His speech pattern reminds me of the David Michelinie era where Doc Ock sounds smart instead of an uber Dr. Who fanboy that thinks he knows better.
Nitpicks:
- When Spidey says he lives a few blocks down from where Peter lives. In front of a mob boss and and journalist. I mean seriously…ANYTHING but that. What wrong with “I was swinging around in neighborhood.” You basically gave your home address to the two people you DON’T want to give your home address to.
- Unstable Molecules in Spidey’s new suit that helped him with the quick change. Looks a lot like Nano-Tech from the Unlimited Spider-Man cartoon. Did some research and this is what I found. I am now scientist. So I wouldn’t know.
Grade: Giving this an A. The writing is great, the art is goon enough. A little fast paced, but not too shabby and really looking forward to what is coming up in future issues. Remember Crawlspacers, ENJOY THE RIDE!
** “Flour No More” Thanks to Javi for that tidbit on our Podcast Review Show. Flour of course is the running gag here on the Crawlspace in reference of CLONES.
UPDATE!!!
After an hour when this review was published. Marvel made this announcement on twitter.
https://twitter.com/SpiderMan/status/1384952262146015236
To which I responded
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I’ve commented it a couple of times on the recent podcasts, but I want an upcoming issue where Randy and Janice host a family dinner with Robbie and Tombstone forced to attend and “be nice”. The idea of Robbie and Tombstone sharing a meal together and having to make polite small talk (because they each promised their child that they would) just makes me smile.
I love every time Fred talks/writes to Spidey/Peter and assumes he can’t understand responsibility, losing someone, etc.
You know, it’s weird. I liked Superior Spider-man by Gage a lot, but I was somehow convinced that the change back in his original body was some clone thing again… So your explanation prompted me to re-read those last issues and I indeed forgot all about the deal with Mephisto! Probably I was so let down by how fast he wrapped up the series with what is clearly a deus ex machina, that my brain refused to retain it.
It’s actually written very well, besides the pace, even if it’s clear they axed the series because of poor sellings; and that’s sad, since I really liked where it was going.
Anyway, back to Amazing, I too think Otto was searching for his own body from the time he died with the mind of Peter in it, but after having read Superior again, I find it a bit weak as a reason. I mean, yeah, he said the memories of his time in Peter’s body were fazed, but he spoke as he knew what happened. He shouldn’t have any real need to investigate, beside maybe finding out again who Spider-man is.
Having said that, it’s quite clever from Spencer to tie his deal with Mephisto in all this mess. I like it.
Stuart Green : You know, I read Mark’s reviews and found 3 misspelling and typos in there and yet I’M the one that gets those type of comments. 😀 The scientist part was funny, you laughed!
I bet Mysterio will play a part in in, but will be a loose canon. Movie stuff with MJ and all.
Please let that be the cake to correct OMD for Spencer. All signs seem to point to it.
@Chi-Town Spidey – Nice review. I also noticed you misspelled “clever” as “cleaver”, but then again, who am I to judge? I’m not scientist like you are. 😉 It’s nice to see Doctor Octopus actually got a nice, long break after “The Superior Spider-Man” before making his inevitable return. The character was so overused under Dan Slott’s run and I hope we get Doc Ock restored to his A-list classic villain glory under Nick Spencer’s run.
I think it’s pretty surprising that Marvel actually gave away who Doctor Octopus’ mystery teammate of the Sinister Six was, and I won’t spoil it here for those who haven’t seen the “Sinister War” art in the solicitations. But judging by the character’s return in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, I certainly don’t mind who the character turned out to be, as it was someone I wanted Marvel to resurrect anyway. My main question now is, what happens with the character’s return? Is Kindred responsible, like he did with Mysterio? Does Doctor Octopus actually resurrect the character? What does this mean for the character’s successor? Also, it undoes another lame, unnecessary character death to further restore the pre-“One More Day” status quo and returns one of Spidey’s greatest villains back to his rogues gallery, so that’s icing on the cake for me.
I am also curious if Mysterio ends up playing some kind of a role in “Sinister War”, especially since most of his old teammates will be fighting with the Vulture’s Savage Six. Time will tell.
Also, I am anxiously awaiting for the inevitable undoing of “One More Day”. This has to be the endgame for what Spencer’s doing, right? Right? … Please, Marvel?
Epiphany: My mom always told me that when I was born I was about the size of a bag of flour. Now I’m a bit concerned.
Gabriel: It’s a definite possibility. They all seem to line up, don’t they?
Sthenurus: Thanks and good! A lot of what I like about Spencer’s run is he’s making Peter accountable for his actions. More intune with the character than the previous writer was.
David: If Carlie turns out to be the sixth member. I’m for that, then count on Overdrive to come and save her. Ruining Kindred’s plans in hopes that will split Pete and MJ apart. MJ’s with Peter and is being 110% supportive of him, there has been a lot of character growth in her which I am loving btw. Mysterio feels like he’s “done his part” in Kindred’s plan, however that may change. MJ made Beck feel special, so despite him hating Spider-Man, he accepts her decission to be with Peter and will do anything to keep our favorite redhead safe. Thanks once again and I hope you are doing well too!
Mark: 3 has always been my lucky number. Worked out for me this time. I didn’t actually read the run, however when Doc Ock showed up at the end of this issue, I got curious and Marvel made me read that particular issue and a few after it to get clarification.
@Sthenurus — You were exactly who I had in mind! 🙂 I’m right there with you, buddy.
@Chi-Town – Ah – Superior Spider-Man (Vol2) #11 – Thanks! I read that run, but maybe I didn’t finish it like I thought I did. Oh well, now I know where to go to find that story! And congrats on beating me to the review…by three stinking minutes… 🙁
Nice review!
A real belter of a review Chi, we’re all having fun with this run and we don’t need to doubt any of our more beloved character motivations other than the ones we’re meant to be highly suspect of and who you expect to be suspect of, the likes of Fisk and even the ‘well-intentioned’ (yeah right) Norman.
Janice is very cute, I hope reform is on the cards for her someday. I’d love a mini-series focusing on her and Randy’s ongoing star-crossed quarrels and escapades.
That said, I really do feel like this issue treaded water slightly, and the big post-credits sequence aside, not much of note happened. The cover lied in that we didn’t get too big a battle, or an update on Gog with MJ, not even the lifeline tablet appeared. Very weird.
I guess we now have some idea of what Kindred’s centipedes can do to their victims, Carlie is undoubtedly now under Kindred’s control…perhaps she will turn out to be the ‘sixth’ member of Kindred and Otto’s Sinister Six? I had thought Mary Jane might become a ‘reluctant’ member due to her connections with Mysterio, and her own history taking on the Savage Six, but Carlie fits just as much and she already is a puppet of Kindred.
It’s also make for a great meta-commentary, in that Peter would have to face the very embodiment of the Brand New Day status quo in this battle
Great review, and I hope you’re well.
Great review! I too am enjoying this arc, although I think an A might be a little too much. B+ to me!
@Evan: I’m one of these people! And honestly I’ve NEVER seen a run being so quickly and thoroughly retcon. Horizon lab, Norman as carnage, May’s marriage, Flash’s death, superior Otto, psychopath Ben Reilly… All of it and more was just swept under the rug at the first occasion. Even the clone saga didn’t get that treatment!
Spencer remebers me of the best parts of the 70’s to spidey, he can do silly and can do serious, a rare thing with modern marvel writers.
About what you wrote in ” I’m theorizing that Kindred is using all of Mephisto’s deals (old and new) to use, in order to destroy Peter Parker. ” I’m in shock, if you think about it, the numbers of pacts with Mephisto grown in Spencer run, there was Otto, there was Miles, maybe it was because of that.
Evan: Thanks man! It was a typo, however I do find that funny so I’m going to keep it in there! I am now comedian! Ba da bum!
If he feels a little unsettled by it? Well, I was unsettled by his post about Mary Jane on Twitter. As were a lot of fans who lashed out on him for that tweet. Maybe he knows now how it feels.
@Chi-Town — I have to say — this is my favorite review you’ve written so far. Your nanotech panel at the end made me laugh because, while I think you meant to write “I am not a scientist,” you actually wrote “I am now scientist.” I took this as a joke until the sentence after suggested it was just a typo. But either way, it made me laugh. I wish my typos made cents.
(See how I did that?)
Wonderful review! Still confused about Doc Ock, though — I wonder how Dan Slott feels about having his Superior Spider-man “wiped.” I know that some are celebrating the return of Flash Thompson as the death knell to Dan Slott’s continuity, but now we have this, and I had no idea about it.