The Amazing Spider-Man #86

Marvel Comics

Written by Zeb Wells

Art by Michael Dowling

Colors by Bryan Valenza

Letters by Joe Caramagna

The Rundown: Ben Reilly will face the darkness of the Beyond Corporation and what they have been doing to him.

After discovering the truth about his employers and why they chose him, Ben decides that listening to his Beyond handlers isn’t worth the trouble and goes in alone after a dangerous arsonist covered in flammable material. In the aftermath, Ben’s therapist confronts him about his changing behavior and how the company is concerned. At the same time, Janine ponders what is going on after Ben reveals something dark to her and entrusts her with the truth.

At the same time, the head of Beyond decides to keep an active eye on everyone. While Ben reveals the truth to his therapist, she reveals that she knows that he is a clone. When he discovers the lengths Beyond has gone through to make him more pliable, Maxine decides to step in. A move that will put both Ben and Janine in danger with one trying to escape from Beyond and the other being pulled apart mentally.

The Story: Wells crafts an entertaining and interesting story. I really like the layers within it and the growing tension throughout. Having both Ben and Janine struggle with the knowledge they share while Maxine watches them both is a great way to showcase just how much danger the pair face. If there was one thing that made me pause it was the fact that Ben was so easy to trust his company therapist and also didn’t sense any danger. I like how events are starting to come together and I am excited to see where they go next.

The Art: Dowling delivers some great art in this issue. The tension of the story is beautifully visualized in the panel and through the emotions of the characters.

The Amazing Spider-Man #86

8.9

8.9/10

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