Amazing Spider-Man #551
Marvel Comics
Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Artist: Salvador Larroca
Colors: Stephane Peru

Amazing Spider-Man #551, Guggenheim’s final issue of this arc, the action finally speeds up, Jackpot warms to Spider-Man, and Menace claims his first victim.

While this issue is a definite improvement over the last five, it’s still a disappointment. The art is better, the one-liners are a little less lifeless, and this would probably be an acceptably average storyline…if not for the fact that Marvel Comics has been advertising this commonplace series as brand spanking new.

There’s nothing particularly unique about this story, where Menace (who looks--and flies--like the Green Goblin) abducts a New York Councilwoman, and Spider-Man’s rescue attempt goes awry and ends in an accidental death. It’s basically the death of Gwen Stacy, slightly tweaked, sans the emotional impact. This could be any story from the 60s or 70s, and as much as I liked those Spider-Man issues, I’d prefer something new to a rehash, especially if the powers that be at Marvel Comics are going to bash me over the head with that BRAND NEW DAY on the cover of every issue.

Salvador Larroca’s art finally looks like he isn’t dozing off at the drawing board, but there are still missed opportunities. The midair battles that could have incorporated impressive cityscapes instead opt for close-up views that rob the reader of perspective. Plus, the climactic moment (where the Councilwoman is inadvertently murdered) has decent layouts, but things inside the panels feel dry.

Worth the money? Nope.