Amazing Spider-Man #699 Advanced Review
*THIS REVIEW WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR ASM #698
Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Humberto Ramos
The march towards Amazing Spider-Man #700 continues. As ASM #698 was ending, we learned of Doctor Octopus’ mind and body swap with Spider-Man. Some readers questioned whether or not Peter perished inside Otto’s decaying body. This issue we find out exactly how Doctor Octopus pulled off this body heist, and what Spider-Man plans on doing to save himself from death.
What I Liked
With issue #700 fast approaching, there is not much time left for teases. Dan Slott plainly explains how Doctor Octopus switched bodies with Spider-Man. As Slott has stated in many interviews, the seeds were planted as far back as ASM #600. Spider-Man, being just as clever as Octavius, devises a plan to save himself.
Even though the tension is high, Slott still fills the issue with trademark Spidey humor. Particularly one scene involving Peter’s dear old Aunt May. You can’t help but love that Spider-Man stays true to his wisecracking nature even in another man’s dying body.
Humberto Ramos needs to be mentioned as one of the best comic book artists alive. I honestly can’t remember reading a book that he penciled and not enjoying it. Spider-Man has been blessed with many great pencilers, and this current crop is no exception.
What I Didn’t Like
The Lizard gets to let something off his chest. I only wonder if this was planted to be referenced later on (issue #700 for example) or if it is a throwaway panel. My inclination is to believe Slott showed The Lizard because he plans to use him again. Near the end, we see Lizard again, but he is slightly different than before. Again, it makes me wonder.
We only have a few more weeks to wait until #700 when all will be revealed. Then we will learn the fate of Otto Octavius and Peter Parker. I can’t wait to see how Dan Slott ends Amazing Spider-Man. Marvel NOW! won’t be the same without Amazing Spider-Man, but Superior Spider-Man should take the Spider-Man franchise in an all-new direction.
This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network. They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
