Amazing Spider-Man #683
Writer: Dan Slott
Art: Stefano Caselli, Frank Martin Jr. [Colors]
[SPOILER ALERT: Reading this review might spoil certain plot points for you, oh noble Chicago Comic Vault reader.]
Close to death, Doctor Octopus has–with the help of the latest incarnation of the Sinister Six–set his final master plan in motion, developing technology that can destroy the ozone layer. Ock, however, has convinced the world’s leaders and greatest scientific minds that his intentions are altruistic and that he simply wishes to preserve the Earth with an artificial ozone layer.
Spider-Man, who has spent the last several months developing all-new spider armor specifically for taking on the Sinister Six, rallies the Avengers and they travel to an emergency G8 summit in Rome to try to talk some sense into the world at large. Among those shown debating Octavius’ intentions are Stephen Hawking, Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Al Gore–who Spider-Man punches squarely in the jaw for voicing his support of Doc Ock.
That’s right. Spider-Man gets a Cap-punching-Hitler moment.
Or does he?
As it turns out, “Al Gore” is really just the Chameleon in disguise. His hand played, Doc Ock is forced to reveal the full potential of his “Octavian Lens”…to stop global warming.
Convinced even more of Doc Ock’s Grinch-like altruistic turn, the world leaders let the Chameleon go–but the Avengers aren’t fooled so easily. With the aid of a spider tracer, they follow him to a remote beach where he is met by the Sinister Six.
Spider-Man hasn’t been the only one preparing for this battle, though. Doc Ock has had Electro, Rhino, Sandman, and Chameleon steal StarkTech, the fang of Jörmungandr, and Hulk-busting technology developed by the Leader. Making quick work of the Avengers (but not without losing Mysterio and Electro), Doc Ock now has Spider-Man right where he wants him.
Overall, this issue continues what is sure to become (until he outdoes himself again) Dan Slott’s magnum opus on Amazing Spider-Man. Not only is this fun, but the story feels like it has weight to it. At the heart of this story is a battle of figurative chess between two of the Marvel Universe’s greatest minds. That it takes place on the world stage instead of just New York adds that much more to this.
Stefano Caselli produces more of the best work of his career here, as well. When you see Doc Ock in these pages, it’s believable that he’s really dying. Characters pop off of the pages. The facial expressions are spot on. And the detail!
It’s another perfect issue, and a damn good time to be a Spider-Fan.
STORY: 10/10
ART: 10/10
