Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #435
Background
Through the mechanations of the nefarious Norman Osborn, Spidey has been framed for assaulting Osborn (whom the public believes is a sincere philanthropist), and the murder of a street thug names Joey Z. A $5 million reward has been put on his head, and every Tom, Dick, and Frank Castle has been on his case since. Not willing to give up crime fighting, but recognizing the need to lay low as Spider-Man, Peter Parker has adopted four new costumed identities, including the rollicking Ricochet!
Meanwhile, the storylines in ASM have been focusing on a new South American crime boss named the Black Tarantula (possibly a relation to the original Tarantula?), who has recently arrived at New York to take his bite out of the Rose's share of the New York crime scene. He soundly thrashed Peter at their last encounter.
Story 'Fun'N Games With The Four Star Squad!'
Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #435
| Editor: | Ralph Macchio |
| Writer: | Tom DeFalco |
| Pencils: | Joe Bennett |
| Inker: | Bud LaRosa |
| Cover Art: | Joe Bennett |
| Reprinted In: | Spider-Man: Identity Crisis (TPB) |
ASM #435 introduces two new villains into Peter's already brimming Rogues Gallery -- Roughhouse and Bloodscream, a rock-troll and an elf hired by the Black Tarantula. Pete and Delilah face off against these nasties, and although Delilah is hospitalized, Peter uses all four of his identities to win his victory and learn that the Black Tarantula is targeting Mary Jane or one of her friends! (Let's hope it's Shantal.)
And, back in Greece, the Scriers that Osborn sent to Miss Mongrain are ambushed by none other than Spider-Man's tormented clone -- KAINE!
General Comments
Kaine's back! Woo hoo, yeah, yeah. Might we finally get some answers to the questions arising from the "Revelations" storyline of not-quite-so-long-ago?
Seriously, though, I was excited about the Identity Crisis storyline. It seemed to be bubbling with potential for a few very sticky situations for Peter, and a chance to resolve some lingering issues. Fortunately, PP:SM and Spectacular manage to clear the reward from Spidey's head, but Tom DeFalco can boast no such accomplishment.
Overall Rating 
Some good ideas, but weak execution gives a final two and a half webs.