Writer: Matt Kindt
Artist: Marco Rudy
Colours: Val Staples
Letters: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Cover: Rudy & Staples
Publisher: Dan Buckley for Marvel Comics
Purchase: http://www.comixology.com/Marvel-Knights-Spider-Man-2013-1-of-5/digital-comic/47896
Marvel’s attempt at creating a fresh jumping on point for readers didn’t last too long before readers were forced into cross-over event after cross-over event. In fact, Marvel has had 3 major events this year alone. This is all well and good if you are into that sort of thing, but whatever happened to just telling a story? Luckily Marvel is dusting off their Marvel Knights line with a number of new and adult oriented self-contained stories featuring our favourite characters.
First on the docket is Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #1 which features the return of the Amazing Spider-Man himself, Mr. Peter Parker. With Spidey-Ock leaving a bitter taste in a lot of people mouths, despite the glowing sales records, many feel it’s high time for Peter comeback and thanks to writer Matt Kindt, the return is finally here. But is this the return we’ve been waiting for?
Kindt, the genius behind Mind MGMT over at Dark Horse Comics, is a rising talent who has the whole of the comic community watching his every step. When it was announced he’d be telling a Spider-Man story, let alone a Peter Parker story in the Knights universe, the buzz was astronomical. What Kindt has crafted however, is a fairly straight forward plot as Spider-Man runs the gauntlet against 99 of his greatest enemies. After reading the first page, it’s evident that Kindt clearly knows how to write Peter. His charm and wit ooze from the narration and the reader is once again in the head of their favourite wall crawler.
To say the book is a visual feast is an understatement. Marco Rudy’s art is a psychedelic showcase that fills each page with painstaking details. His work is so intricate that you will find yourself coming back for repeated readings just to make sure you haven’t missed anything. The detail on Frankenstein’s Monster alone is enough to cause a spit-take. Despite coming in a Kindt fan, many will walk away with Rudy on their lips.
Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #1 is a great showcase for a unique team of creative talents taking on one of comics more important characters. While the tone may not be for everyone, it’s the risks taken that make this book soar above its competition. Welcome back Peter, you are missed.
-Sean