This issue of The Amazing Spider-Girl is jam-packed with story. The Hobgoblin is seeking the death of the new Black Tarantula. If that means putting Spider-Girl in danger, that’s a risk he is willing to take. But first, he goes hunting for old Madame Web. Spider-Man fans will get all goose-pimpled at the thought of seeing the old Madame for the first time in a long while, but be prepared for disappointment - she isn’t around.

Instead, readers are introduced to a masked figure who happened to be a significant Marvel character a few years back. She is all grown up now, and it seems very fitting that she is the one to have taken over the throne of Madame Web. Meanwhile, Mayday Parker’s little brother Benjy is beginning to inherit his father’s spider-powers. It’s fun to see a baby cling to ceilings, Trainspotting style.

Mayday’s best pal, Davida, tries to help her get over her breakup with Gene Thompson, and the Black Tarantula’s extensive background is revealed. A visit to the Fantastic Five’s headquarters generates more questions than answers. All in all, this is one packed issue of Spider-Girl.

The distinctive artwork that has come to characterize the series can be considered an acquired taste. It very often gets the job done, but I am sometimes left with the sense that some of the facial expressions of characters seem a little rushed. The coloring job by Impacto Studios is appropriate but unremarkable. Sal Buscema’s heavy inks continue to contribute to the feel of the series. The bold art matches the writing.

In taking on a variety of story elements, the writers demonstrate their versatility. Mayday struggles with her personal life and family commitments, while Hobgoblin engages in a quest of his own. The dialogue between Davida and Mayday seems like the realistic speech of high school students, coupled with a deeper sense of purpose. It was never easy for Peter Parker to be Spider-Man, but he usually only had to watch out for his aunt and girlfriend. Mayday juggles her parent’s and a baby brother alongside a career of fighting crime. The successful expression of this dilemma is what makes this comic book such a resolute success.

7.5 / 10