Now fully in the present, the Emissary has returned and his power is so far beyond Spider-Man’s abilities. The heroes may figure out a way to win, but the cost of victory will be so immense that you may hope they don’t… Amazing Spider-Man #26 delivers a finale to the story arc that ends with a thud and a clunk.

Spoiled for a week now, readers finally have a chance to see how things play out in Amazing Spider-Man #26 and none of it comes across well. Written by Zeb Wells, the sacrifice and death of a hero feels hollow for multiple reasons and when a little thought is put into it, makes little sense. The result is a comic that feels like it thinks its epic but comes off as rather shallow.

The Emissary is attempting to sacrifice MJ and has Spider-Man, Norman Osbron, and Ms. Marvel doing what they can to stop him… and a giant dragon nearby. This causes Norman to split off to stop the dragon with the help of the Fantastic Four. That part of the comic gets the short end as it feels like it’s wrapped up quickly to just wrap it up quickly. That’s almost laid out for the reader as Sue Storm tells Mr. Fantastic to shut up and just get on with his plan.

So, that leaves the real focus on Spider-Man, MJ, and Kamal and their battle. As has been spoiled for some time, Kamala sacrifices herself which somehow just makes the bad guy whither away but leaves Kamala presumably dead. Another hero who is sure to return when their television show or movie nears (hint, that’s later this year). Unfortunately the sacrifice makes absolutely no sense at all. While Kamala can shift to look like MJ, she’s unable to shift organs or her body to let the dagger just pass through her? It just feels like an abrupt way with a lack of imagination to stop the bad guy. And, the setup doesn’t help. Bad dialogue causes eye rolling throughout the comic that crescendos into this rather lazy way to end things. It’s been done far too many times and the emotional punch just isn’t there at all.

I stated when this latest volume began that I’m not a fan of John Romita Jr.‘s style. With ink by Scott Hanna, color by Marco Menyz and Erick Arciniega and lettering by Joe Caramagna, the art style especially falls short with this type of story. The blocky faces just lack an emotional aspect to them that’s needed to really drive home this sort of moment.

Overall, Amazing Spider-Man #26 might have had something had it not been spoiled but even then, the end comes off as cheap and short lived. We know Kamala will be back, it’s just a question as to when and how.

Story: Zeb Wells Art: John Romita Jr.
Ink: Scott Hanna Color: Marco Menyz, Erick Arciniega Lettere: Joe Caramagna
Story: 6.0 Art: 6.0 Overall: 6.0 Recommendation: Pass

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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