Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #432

Background

Well, we all know that Norman Osborn, the original illustrious Green Goblin is back, and that he's bought a controlling portion of the Daily Bugle by threatening J. Jonah Jameson's family, and that Peter was recently provoked into attacking Osborn, who has used that action to turn the world against Spider-Man. We also know that Osborn had the Trapster asphyxiate a street punk named Joey Z by using a paste resembling Spider-Man's webbing, and has offered a $5 million reward on Spider-Man's head - basically he's using all of his resources (including his family) to make life miserable for Spider-Man. We know that Osborn's influence on the Bugle has driven Robbie Robertson to quit working at the Bugle, and that Flash Thompson has recently been coming to grips with his own alcoholism. We also know that Frank Castle - the Punisher - lost his memory, and is wandering around New York searching for his identity. And, of course we know that a mysterious South American crime lord named the Black Tarantula has come to NYC, looking to take his share of the New York crime scene.

We knew that, right?

Story 'The Hunted!'

Hey, guess what this issue starts off with? That's right! Amateur bounty hunters trying to get the reward for bringing in Spidey!

This issue basically features the arrival of the Black Tarantula, a very old super-dude who can shoot light beams out of his eyes - hey, it's Scott Summers from an alternate timeline! In order to aquire his share in the New York crime market, BT must take down Spider-Man. The two fight, and Spidey is beaten, unmasked, and told to leave New York, left alive only to rescue little Osborn from the Green Goblin.

With Joe Bennett taking the helm of Sensational, John Romita Jr. assumes the position of pencilling Amazing, to my chagrin. I've heard praise for Romita's style, but it is my experience that normal human beings are not as polygonal as he would have us believe (but that's just a peronal bias).

Oh, and guess what this issue ends with? People trying to capture Spider-Man to cash in on the reward!

General Comments

This certainly isn't the first time that Spider-Man's been accused of a crime he didn't commit, nor is it the first time that the writers have devoted large sections of his books in showing him escaping from a greedy mob. For the most part, this is pretty standard fare.

Overall Rating

A pretty ordinary three webs.