Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #440
Background
The era of Spider-Man is supposed to be "ending." So with that in mind, the writers should be wrapping up loose plot threads and closing up stories so that there'll be a "clean slate" for the upcoming reboot/revamp/relaunching/retelling/rewhatever, right? Well, that's what you'd think. Apparently, the Spidey suits have something different in mind.
Instead, they chose to toss this brand-new storyline at us, and hope that the readers will forget all about the old plots and be enthralled with this new supernatural story.
Story 'A Hot Time in the Old Town'
Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #440
| Editor: | Ralph Macchio |
| Writer: | John Byrne |
| Pencils: | Rafael Kayanan |
| Inker: | Bud LaRosa, Jimmy Palmiotti, Rafael Kayanan, Rodney Ramos |
| Cover Art: | Mike Wieringo |
In this issue, Mark Raxton, known as the Molten Man by his closest friends, marches through the city (and I do mean through -- buildings and all) on an unknown quest. Spidey unsuccessfully tries to intercept him on his march, but then finds him again attempting to carry out his mission: silence Alison Mongrain and Joe Robertson -- permanently. Spidey roughs Raxton up a little, and the two fall into the river
Meanwhile, Norman Osborn continues his own quest, to acquire the four shards necessary for the ritual of the five. Enlisting the aid of Maxwell, a pawn shop owner who has an extensive knowledge about the ritual, he seems to be one step closer to his goal.
General Comments
It looks like things are finally heating up in the Spider-books, and it's about time. This book has featured one promising-sounding disappointment after another for too long. The return of Doc Ock. Spider-Hunt. Identity Crisis. Let's hope that the writers can make the end of this Spider-Man saga something to remember, not by rewriting Spidey's past, but by giving us at least a solid send off before the reboot.
On a more technical side of things, Rafael Kayanan's art, despite this being his third issue in a month and a half, is consistant. New York's many faces are still largely void of any expression, but, when portraying Norman Osborn, or a mesmerized Mark Raxton, this is just as well.
Overall Rating 
A story with potential, three and a half webs.