Given the lateness problems that Straczynski's comics have had, you can imagine how surprised I was to see this issue following so soon on the heels of the last one. However, it was a pleasant surprise, because while I have some quibbles with the writing on the book, in general it's more fun than it has been in years, and Romita Jr. and Hanna are doing an amazing job on the artwork. With the 9-11 tribute and the 'Nuff Said books behind them, Amazing Spider-Man seems to be refocusing on the more interesting development of the new relationship between Peter and Aunt May, as well as a plot about teen kidnappings that has yet to grab me, but is still interesting enough.
Straczynski's writing style reminds me a lot of Kevin Smith or Brian Bendis, other writers whose influences come largely from outside of comics and more from the general pop culture vein. This is enjoyable in that the references tend to be more general audience rather than comic-reader specific, but there also seems to be a tendency to riff on mainstream media in a way that can be more corny than funny. Case in point this issue were the references to "someday they might make a movie" or the routine about Microsoft, the former of which was winking at the audience so hard it must have given Straczynski a headache and the second read like half-hearted comedy that wouldn't even have made Jay Leno's monologue.
On the flip side of that coin, however, we have some of the more enjoyable and real dialogue between Peter and other people that the book has had. His relationships with Jennifer, Aunt May and Lieutenant Lamont are all built on a witty and enjoyable banter, and it's nice to see Straczynski doing well by Spidey's existing supporting cast as well as making attempts to broaden it. I'm particularly enjoying the delving into Peter's relationship with May in light of her knowledge of his double identity, which is a topic that few writers have been allowed to address with super-heroes.
The plot of this latest arc hasn't quite grabbed me yet, either, but it does make strides forward, and I can't help but remember that I wasn't sold on the Morlun plot at first either. The mystical element of the villain is intriguing, and the resulting decision that Peter leads to a final page that has me anxious to see the next issue. I'm also glad to see Straczynski building new villains, rather than relying simply on the strength of a rogues' gallery that has seen plenty of action.
Where the book never disappoints for me is in the art department. Romita Jr. and Hanna, along with Kemp's colors, are working on a classic run of Spider-Man art here. They've given Spidey himself a lithe, acrobat's figure and put the same detail into the costume that the movie version got by raising the webbing. In addition, the storytelling is flawless, whether the focus is on Straczynski's interpersonal scenes between characters or the action side of things.
