The Amazing Spider-Man #26 // Review
Kamala Khan was interviewing for a position with Norman Osborn nine months ago. She was eager to work with Oscorp. Shoot ahead nine months, and we all know what’s going on. We all know what’s going to happen to her. The weather is going crazy. Norman is in a shiny gold suit. Peter and Mary Jane are having a casual conversation. And Kamala shows up. And everyone knows what’s going to happen to her. It isn’t going to be an easy journey in The Amazing Spider-Man #26. Writer Zeb Wells continues the journey to the death of a beloved character in an issue drawn by talented industry legend John Romita Jr. and inker Scott Hanna.
Khan had been interning with Oscorp. Norman didn’t know who she was. Just a kid. Months later, the villain known as the Emissary has returned. His power is well outside the range of anything Spider-Man has had to deal with. So naturally, he will need help. That help comes in the form of Ms. Marvel. They work out a plan to deal with the villain. It will involve some sneaky work on everyone’s part, but Khan will help immeasurably. And she’s going to fall in the process.
There aren’t very many truly satisfying ways for a writer to approach the death of a beloved character. Wells manages things as best as possible. Given the overall rush of the plot, Wells doesn’t do a terribly good job of framing it in a way that gives it the kind of space that it needs to have significant impact. Wells manages a pretty nuanced portrayal of Khan and her personality in her final appearance...at least for now. (It’s been said countless times before: The only thing that really kills a superhero is lack of interest. Ms. Marvel is loved. She’ll be back.)
Industry veteran John Romita Jr. does a sharp job of framing action and drama. Hanna’s inks fit perfectly over the artist’s work. (Over the decades, the artist’s style has varied wildly depending on what inker is covering him. Hanna lends depth and shading in a way that captures Romita Jr.’s style and essence almost perfectly.) The actual death is given the kind of weight it deserves without over-amplifying it. It’s a tasteful and solemn moment. Visually, this is a very solidly executed issue of almost unbearable emotional weight.
There are going to be those who complain that Kamala deserved to die in her own series. It’s worth noting that...well in advance of the release of this issue, it was well-known that she was going to die. The Amazing Spider-Man #26 may be a Spider-Man comic, and he may be in it A LOT, but he and his life and his concerns DO fade out into the background of his own title for at least one month. THAT doesn’t happen very often to a major character like Spider-Man. Kamala DOES deserve better, but Amazing Spider-Man #26 might as well be a Ms. Marvel comic.
