Marvel Comics
The Amazing Spider-Man #549
By Geoff Hoppe
February 7, 2008 - 17:07

Marvel Comics
Writer(s): Marc Guggenheim
Penciller(s): Salvador Larroca
Colourist(s): Jason Keith



spider_man_549.jpg
Yes, it was that chick from Alex Mack who, in the great film Ten Things I Hate About You, queried whether it was possible for one not to be overwhelmed, or under whelmed, but simply “whelmed.” She would have known the answer for certain if she’d read this month’s issue of Spider-Man.

It’s not that Amazing Spider-Man #549 is bad…it’s just completely unimpressive. There are several exciting things-- a last-minute rescue, a foiled mugging, an escape from a subway train-- but Guggenheim and Larroca somehow make these adventures as provocative as an unfurnished room.

#549 follows Spidey, freshly brain-wiped from the events of “One More Day,” trying to help ex-wife turned superhero Mary Jane (now dubbed “Jackpot”) apprehend a criminal. Said goon may know the location of Menace, a yet unrevealed new villain who both heroes are after. One failed arrest attempt and a batting-cage interlude later, Spidey bumps into Jackpot again, but not before an ominous shadow appears. You have to buy the next issue to see who the ominous shadow is. How’s that for underwhelmed?

Writer Marc Guggenheim’s Spidey one-liners aren’t good, but aren’t bad either. The same goes for Salvador Larroca’s art, which has attractive moments, but uninspired layouts. What else did you expect from a totally whelming experience?

Worth the money? Only if you want to experience “whelmed.” It feels squishy.

 



Related Articles:
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Spider-Man Reign
How Sony Can Continue Tom Holland Spider-Man – Brand New Day
Generations: Miles Morales Spider-Man & Peter Parker Spider-Man #1 comics review
Bluefin Announces Samurai Spider-Man
Review: Amazing Spider-Man #4
The Amazing Spider-man #1.2
The Amazing Spider-man 2
The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (2014) Review