The Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #64 review: a transitory step in the saga

We're four issues into the latest chapter in the wall-crawler's history. Zeb Wells is gone, and Joe Kelly and Justina Ireland have taken over his place with amazing levels of success so far. Joe's first issue saw the wall-crawler go briefly back to basics by clumsily stopping a street-level robbery while doing tons of funny quips non-stop. It was a memorable number followed by an even better one where Peter made the best use of his knowledge of theoretical physics to try and cast magic spells. Then, Justina presented a heartfelt yet memorable story that revisited the wall-crawler's most tragic moments across his entire history so far. The first three issues were all amazing, so expectations were higher than ever for the fourth one to deliver, but did it manage to raise the bar?

Peter wants an easy way out, just like this issue

The Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #64 sees Peter try to discover a way not to die when facing each of the eight scions of Cyttorak. Doctor Strange tells him that's not possible, as he's basically facing gods. Even then, Peter wants an easy way out, and that concept feels like a perfect allegory for this issue as a whole. While the previous three entries in the saga all had a distinctive trait that made them stand out (such as a trip down memory lane or Peter using science to beat a foe), there's nothing too big or iconic here. Is that bad in itself? Of course not, but it makes this number feel more like a transitory step that ends on a cliffhanger rather than a stand-alone tale with its own unique flavor.

Jusina Ireland's dialogs are great, and props need to be given for how Peter's superhero adventure always interrupts his personal life. Furthermore, Gleb Melnikov's illustrations are great as they're filled with a lot of movement and impact lines, but it's worth pointing out Ed McGuinness' art is more detailed. Finally, it's nice to see Peter get a victory for once and seemingly not die while facing one of the scions. However, I have the feeling that this outcome will cost him even more in the next issue.

It's a nice little touch how Spider-Man follows Felicia's advice from previous entries in the franchise, and how May's problems are present here as well. It makes the saga feel all the more connected and perfectly tied together. Following up on previous setups is great — it's just a shame that The Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #64 doesn't give its successors plenty to work with. Now, I'm sure not every battle against every scion will be mind-blowing with a unique theme of its own. Here, readers simply witness hand-to-hand combat and that's fine. Sometimes, all you need is for these superheroes to get into a good brawl and come out victorious. However, it's impossible to deny I missed a bit of the depth we saw since the beginning of this new arc. Hopefully, issue #65 will give us exactly that.

Verdict: a good, yet flavorless entry

The Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #64 doesn't have the unique "gimmicks" and themes of its previous predecessors. While Peter had to use his wits in previous fights to come out victorious, here he just throws some punches and that's it. However, that's not to say this issue is bad at all. Its art is great, the dialog is a stand-out, and the way Peter's life is always interrupted by Spider-Man's adventures is a joy to see. Maybe it doesn't have the same flavor as numbers 61 through 63, but the saga is still going strong with new writers in the lead.

The Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #65 will be released on Jan. 8, 2025.