The Controversial Marvel Run of Amazing Spider-Man: An Analysis

As I prepare to leave Quora, Irsquo;m taking a moment to reflect on Zeb Wellsrsquo; run on the Amazing Spider-Man comic book series. This discussion has been driven by a significant divide of opinion among comic book enthusiasts. My personal views have always been quite critical, as evidenced by my previous answers addressing various aspects of the series. Such answers include:

What do you think of the current Spider-Man run? Is Spider-Man better than Batman? What do you feel about Spidey Spider-Man as a character? Is he more of an anti-hero than a true superhero? What is your overall opinion of him? What do you think of Jonathan Hickmanrsquo;s decision to make Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson married and parents in the new book? Is the Zeb Wells Amazing Spider-Man a relaunch of the title? What is your opinion on how Ms. Marvelrsquo;s death was handled in Amazing Spider-Man? Is the Amazing Spider-Man comic book series getting re-released again? What problems did you have with Spider-Man?

Kenny Nguyen and other like-minded individuals have similarly engaged in these discussions, often criticizing the run for its controversial and divisive nature. While Zeb Wells is not the worst writer in the industry, his recent run on Amazing Spider-Man is fraught with issues that have made it highly polarizing.

Why Zeb Wells' Run Stands Out

The run on Amazing Spider-Man is particularly intriguing because it represents one of the most modern and highly divisive comic book series of its time. Despite his previous contributions to the Spider-Man lore, Zeb Wells has steered the narrative in a direction that many fans find disconcerting. Here are some of the reasons why:

Bland Art and Character Development: The art style is often criticized for being lackluster, which does not help in immersing readers into the story. Additionally, the focus on Norman Osborn overshadowing the main protagonist, Peter Parker, is a significant issue. Ditheonisical Family Arcs: The focus on Peter Parker and Norman Osborn spending time together, despite the latter being the Green Goblin, is seen as a gross inconsistency. Characters such as Black Cat also have limited roles, suggesting a lack of character development and poor storytelling. Peter Parker's Fate: Peter Parker is often portrayed as a person who fails repeatedly and does not change or grow, which goes against the traditional narrative of growing as a hero. This portrayal has led to many fans and critics alike questioning the necessity of the run and the character's relevance.

Impact on Fanbase

The run has not only divided the fan community but also altered the dynamics of comic book readership. DC comics have seen a stronger preference among readers, partly due to their more respectful treatment of characters and storylines. Fans who once rooted for Comic Peter Parker are now finding value in alternative media, such as live-action adaptations and Insomniac Games' Marvel series.

Conclusion

While Zeb Wells' run on Amazing Spider-Man may have its merits, it is deeply flawed, leading to a significant amount of criticism and contention. The series forces readers to question the depth and value of Peter Parker as a character, and this has had a profound impact on both the narrative and the fanbase. In the end, it serves as a reminder of the importance of careful character development and respectful storytelling in the comic book world.

The current state of the Amazing Spider-Man series has led many to question the future of comic books, with some fans considering other companies that treat their characters and readers with more dignity and respect.