The Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #62 review: Peter is such a nerd

I've previously mentioned how I had no expectations whatsoever going into this new arc of The Amazing Spider-Man (especially since there are other fantastic ongoing series out there such as Ultimate Spider-Man). Fortunately, the new chapter started out quite strong thanks to the fact that Joe Kelly and Ed McGuinness took over the roles that Zeb Wells and John Romita Jr. used to have as writer and penciler. Even then I couldn't help but feel that maybe the last issue (#61) was special just because half of it was spent on a street-level robbery with Spidey making lots of jokes and ignoring the bigger situation at stake. So I was curious to see how the rest of the series would play out when the mystical elements took over the spotlight and things would get more serious. Fortunately, issue #62 is finally here, so it's time to set all doubts aside once and for all.

Peter uses his wits to become a great sorcerer

What I was worried the most about Spider-Man becoming the new "Earth's Champion" and using a magical suit, was the idea of him relying a bit too much on strange spells to save the day as opposed to using his OG abilities like webs and, of course, his wits. But while it's true that Peter goes into full magical mode in The Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #62, it's only thanks to his huge brain that he's able to save the day. Joe Kelly perfectly mixed the wall-crawler's new abilities with his classical traits in a way that was a joy to witness. Watching him try to make logical sense of the mystic arts is such a Peter thing to do, and that's why this issue works so well.

Peter doesn't know the first thing about being a sorcerer. However, he's willing to put in the work to fill the role in his own unique way. Just because he has new powers it doesn't feel like we're watching a different hero altogether. On the contrary, Spidey still feels like the same character we've watched grow for over 60 years now. He's just thrown into this unique (and frankly quite strange) situation that's far outside his comfort zone. But, when done right, those types of stories can become quite memorable, and that might become the case here.

It's also worth pointing out that the series has a much more cheerful tone now as oppossed to when Zeb Wells was in the lead. Even if we're watching Spidey literally die, it doesn't feel all that heavy and tragic, which is a breath of fresh air considering everything the character has gone through lately. Besides, it also helps a lot that the jokes and quips land really well — lightening the mood in the process. Finally, props need to be given to Ed McGuinness for his fantastic illustrations in which we see the wall-crawler in all sorts of bizarre and whacky situations (even growing four extra arms for a moment). It would be very easy for those panels to look less-than-pleasant, but fortunately, that wasn't the way.

I still feel a bit conflicted about the villains themselves and their true motivations. The whole premise of fighting the scions of Cyttorak time and time again, while dying in the process, feels a bit undercooked at the moment. But minor nitpicks aside, it looks like we are in for a fun ride.

Verdict: Spidey swings to the very top

Getting to witness the friendly neighborhood hero use his wits to make sense of his new magical powers was something I didn't know I needed, but here we are. The biggest accomplishment along the way is the fact that he's still the big nerd we all know and love, and it shows. Spidey doesn't feel like a new character all of a sudden just because he can cast spells, and that's a great accomplishment. Couple that with beautiful illustrations, and no shortage of funny quips, and you're looking at yet another successful entry in what was once a basically dead saga.

The Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #63 will be released on Dec. 11, 2024.