I thoroughly enjoyed this story. We get a little break from our regularly scheduled web slinging to focus on one of Spider-Man’s oldest supporting cast member, Eugene “Flash” Thompson. What has good old Flash been up to since we last saw him as a P.E. Teacher? Well, looks like he enlisted and served in the Middle East. This was very fitting of the character. If I recall correctly, he also did a tour in ‘Nam way back when.
I’m not going to go any deeper than that as far as the plot is concerned, cause I want to encourage you to read it with a blank slate. Setting you up in this review would just take away from the impact of the whole thing.
Marc Guggenheim did a fantastic job here. I am really loving his writing. In my mind, everything he touches recently turns to gold. I want more Guggenheim please. The dialog and interaction between characters seems so real. Read a couple of word balloons and you’ll be like: “
Yup, that’s what I would have said too”.
I don’t know what this story means for the future of the character though, but I welcome the outcome of what Marc laid out here. The whole thing is a great dedication to the American soldiers that have served and are currently serving in the name of their country. In Flash’s case, we get to see how much he idolizes a certain web headed hero how much that has affected who he is today. Bravo Marvel, and well done Mr. Guggenheim & company.
There’s not much to say about Barry Kitsen’s art except to say that it got the job done, and did well. He penciled a perfect tone and the pacing was spot on. The whole issue takes itself seriously and it shows through the artwork. This permitted the writer to inject the appropriate amount of humor in a few spots without taking away from the weight of the story.
Amazing Spider-Man’s appeal has always relied on the strength of its supporting characters. Have you ever noticed how much fans care just as much about Peter Parker’s friends and family as they do about Spider-Man? This issue should prove that and I’m glad that after 45+ years, Marvel editors and writers have never forgot about all these wonderful characters.
4 out of
5 stars.