The Amazing Spider-Man #564

Marvel Comics
The Amazing Spider-Man #564
By Geoff Hoppe
July 2, 2008 - 21:51

Marvel Comics
Writer(s): Marc Guggenheim, Bob Gale, Dan Slott
Penciller(s): Paulo Siqueira
Inker(s): Amilton Santos and Paulo Siqueira
Colourist(s): Antonio Fabela
Letterer(s): VC's Coris Petitopolous
Cover Artist(s): Chris Bachalo
$2.99 US, $3.05 Canada

Punching, car crashes and baseball. What are “things that amuse hyperactive eight year olds, Alex?” In Spider-Man #564, an average Spider-Man tale of villain chasing, powerful guns, and public endangerment are told from three different points of view. It’s like Rashomon. On amphetamines.

Actually, Spider-Man #564 is an amusing romp that will please fans in need of an action fix, even if there’s nothing astoundingly original. In #564, Spider-Man chases Overdrive, the kendo-mask wearing villain last seen in 2007’s free comic book day promotional. Overdrive’s power—and I’m not kidding—is the ability to pimp “rides,” with the help of nano-machines, merely by touching the “ride” in question. Interesting power for now, sure, but one wonders if he’ll be as dated in ten years as the Hypno-Hustler is now.

Overdrive commandeers a school bus, Spider-Man gives chase, and then officer Vin Gonzales (Peter Parker’s real-life roommate) gives chase. Writers Marc Guggenheim, Bob Gale and Dan Slott contribute a perspective a piece, and each allows an interesting peek into the outlooks of not only Spider-Man, but the two supporting characters who are becoming increasingly important parts of the Brand New Dayscape. As such, #564 is a useful primer that squeezes in some funny one-liners and delivers with the action fans of the title expect.

Penciler Paulo Siqueira is an able interpreter of Spider-Man. His realistic style is still elastic enough to allow the humor the character—and title—need to work. His technical abilities are sound enough to please detail hounds, and the range of perspectives in the book’s layouts match the writing’s pace and humor.

Worth the money? If you’re a fan, or are new to the Brand New Dayscape, sure. If not, you probably won’t be interested.