The Amazing Spider-Man #560

In Amazing Spider-Man #560, Peter Parker continues his work as a paparazzo, a new villain compresses a fame-seeker to death, and J. Jonah Jameson isn't allowed to drink coffee. Which I'm pretty sure would be a good way to kill the average hipster.

The Obligatory Warning: two murders and an autopsy. Not good for younger kids.

Writer Dan Slott, who wrote the initial story arc of the Brand New Day run, shows considerable improvement in this issue. His last work with the series was static and humdrum, but this current storyline is lively and challenging. Slott manages to remain true to Peter Parker's character, high quality quips and all, while gently prodding the reader's impressions of journalistic responsibility. There's even an interesting new villain, Paper Doll, who can go two-dimensional and blend, chameleon-like, into different backgrounds. Admittedly, this is kind of like that evil lizard character from that one episode of Secret Squirrel, but who the hell watches Secret Squirrel, anyways.

Artist Marcos Martin is a welcome addition, too. His thin lines and expressive faces are a good fit for both Spider-Man's character and Dan Slott's witty writing. His style looks like a strange blend of John Romita, Jr., and Goran Parlov, but it works.  Colorist Javier Rodriguez also gets a nod for his evocative depiction of a pop art exhibit. Spot on.

Worth the money? For the first time since Brand New Day started, yes.