Written by: Zeb Wells
Art by: Carmen Carnero (guest artist)
Colors by: Marcio Menyz
Letters by: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover art by: John Romita Jr., Scott Hanna, Marcio Menyz
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: March 27, 2024
Amazing Spider-Man #46 finds Peter and MJ spending quality time together right before Electro forces them to spend superhero time together to foil a plot to release Sandman from Ravencroft.
Is Amazing Spider-Man #46 Good?
Well, this issue was a whole lot of nothing. Coming out of the pointless Gang War event, Wells had an opportunity to right the ship, as they say, with hard-hitting storytelling and a return to the positive momentum generated toward the end of Nick Spencer’s run. Instead, we get a two-parter that’s more tease and setup than substance.
When last we left Peter Parker, he secretly visited Aunt Anna Watson in Ravencroft to cure her of the Krakoan infection (an infection and cure you wouldn’t know about unless you’re reading the current set of X-Men titles). When Peter returns later as a civilian, he lobbies to have Aunt Anna freed. While visiting, Peter catches the attention of William Baker, the current Sandman, with a word of wording and caution about the return of the sinister Six and their desire to refill their ranks.
Now, Peter and MJ spend some quality time chatting about their respective lives, strongly hinting at lingering feelings for each other. Suddenly, Elector overloads the power grids near Ravencroft to create a distraction and facilitate a prison break. When Electro sneaks into the prison to get Sandman out, the on-the-way-to-being-reformed prisoners defend Aunt Anna, who stands between Electro and Sandman, defeating Electro.
Later, Aunt Anna is released early for her good deeds and supposed recovery. But Sandman also escapes by subverting the William Baker personality in favor of Flint Marko, leading to a reunion with the Sinister Six.
“Wait! That’s it? Zeb Wells concocted a lightweight two-parter just as an excuse to reassemble the Sinister Six? And Spider-Man barely participates in the whole shebang?” you may ask. Yes, that’s it. Consistent with the Gang War event and several issues prior, Wells seems content to make Spider-Man a passive, ineffectual bystander in his self-titled series. At most, you get the never-ending tease about a Peter/MJ reunion, but that’s unlikely to happen with the current editorial team in place.
What’s great about Amazing Spider-Man #46? Aunt Anna may not be the hero you wanted, but she’s the hero you need. Caring and kindness have the power to overcome even the deadliest of villains.
What’s not so great about Amazing Spider0Man #46? Why is MJ stalking Peter? Why is Spider-Man a passenger in his own comic? Why are MJ’s Jackpot powers not used to create chaos and tension instead of always pulling up just the right thing at the right time? Why is Marvel still paying everyone from Dan Buckley on down to put out this drivel?
How’s the Art? I’m just going to put this out there. Carmen Carnero is, right now, a better Spider-Man artist than Romita Jr..
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
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Bits and Pieces
Amazing Spider-Man #46 ends the two-parter issue with more Peter/MJ relationship teases, more Spider-Man sitting on the sidelines, and a setup for Sinister Six problems on the horizon. Technically, this finale makes things happen, but it’s not worth remembering or caring about.
6/10