Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6 Review
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Juann Cabal
Colorists: Nolan Woodard & Federico Blee
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Despite a few qualities here or there that I felt were questionable, I felt like Tom Taylor’s Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man got off to a strong start. Still, I felt like I was getting enough of the web-head from Amazing, so it got the cut. Fast forward to issue six: Taylor teasing this Spider-Bite character did pique my interest, so why not hop back on?
Frankly, it’s going to be hard to talk about the heart of this story without spoiling it. I’ll be keeping it as vague as possible. I think most people will see where this one is going pretty early on, but I don’t think that makes its journey any less effective. The best way I can put it is this: this tale truly belongs in the Friendly Neighborhood Hall of Fame. With an endearing emphasis on the grounded, approachable quality of Spider-Man and how he tries to make the best of a bad situation. Really fun action pieces keep the story moving, until we finally stop to reflect on what Spider-Man means to all of us. Layered throughout is the classic, wholesome sense of humor Tom Taylor is known for. Put it all together, and you’ve got a truly memorable script that’s sure to be found in future “Greatest Spidey Stories” lists.
Again, I can’t be too specific or I risk spoiling a great story for you—and I can’t be sure who’s decision this actually was, but Juann Cabal puts so many smart, subtle touches into his choices of character designs and setting. It gives the issue more value on a reread because you can clearly see with hindsight why those choices were made. The coloring throughout the book is consistent; I didn’t realize there were two colorist this time. It makes sense to bring in some help, since this issue features a lot of different characters, and it pays off. The shading is really subtle, and in a way, it makes everything look more realistic. That’s also the result of mindful lighting. No matter how you swing it, this is a good looking book.
Fans of Spider-Man stories of the very Friendly Neighborhood variety will want to pick this up. There’s no reason not to. It’s one and done, so there’s no commitment. It’s intelligent yet entertaining for all ages, and carries profound themes throughout – themes that we all need to be reminded of from time to time.
Artist: Juann Cabal
Colorists: Nolan Woodard & Federico Blee
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Despite a few qualities here or there that I felt were questionable, I felt like Tom Taylor’s Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man got off to a strong start. Still, I felt like I was getting enough of the web-head from Amazing, so it got the cut. Fast forward to issue six: Taylor teasing this Spider-Bite character did pique my interest, so why not hop back on?
Frankly, it’s going to be hard to talk about the heart of this story without spoiling it. I’ll be keeping it as vague as possible. I think most people will see where this one is going pretty early on, but I don’t think that makes its journey any less effective. The best way I can put it is this: this tale truly belongs in the Friendly Neighborhood Hall of Fame. With an endearing emphasis on the grounded, approachable quality of Spider-Man and how he tries to make the best of a bad situation. Really fun action pieces keep the story moving, until we finally stop to reflect on what Spider-Man means to all of us. Layered throughout is the classic, wholesome sense of humor Tom Taylor is known for. Put it all together, and you’ve got a truly memorable script that’s sure to be found in future “Greatest Spidey Stories” lists.
Again, I can’t be too specific or I risk spoiling a great story for you—and I can’t be sure who’s decision this actually was, but Juann Cabal puts so many smart, subtle touches into his choices of character designs and setting. It gives the issue more value on a reread because you can clearly see with hindsight why those choices were made. The coloring throughout the book is consistent; I didn’t realize there were two colorist this time. It makes sense to bring in some help, since this issue features a lot of different characters, and it pays off. The shading is really subtle, and in a way, it makes everything look more realistic. That’s also the result of mindful lighting. No matter how you swing it, this is a good looking book.
Fans of Spider-Man stories of the very Friendly Neighborhood variety will want to pick this up. There’s no reason not to. It’s one and done, so there’s no commitment. It’s intelligent yet entertaining for all ages, and carries profound themes throughout – themes that we all need to be reminded of from time to time.
A Look Inside
