Amazing Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral #1 REVIEW
Death is Coming
As Peter Park tries to piece his life together after being stranded on a faraway planet in outer space, other motions are set into action beyond his realization. A lot of day-to-day events have changed since the last time the real Spider-Man or the real Peter Parker was present. Lately, Ben Reilly has been keeping up the ruse in normal life as the real Peter Park, but he’s been acting and making strange habits that seem odd to other students. Meanwhile, Norman Osborn took the name of Spider-Man and portrayed the web-slinger in the New York streets. Peter will have to figure this one out on his own. Not to mention, Carnage is in town, but he’s with an old host. Moreover, a wind of death is blowing towards Mary Jane as a new villain emerges in Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral #1.
Written by Joe Kelly (X-Men: Age of Revelation), Al Ewing (The Mortal Thor), and Charles Soule (Return of Wolverine), Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral #1 sets up the story structure for how this interaction with a new villain in the Spider-Man mythos will turn out. Driven by quality storytelling, all three writers use their unique vision to craft a new chapter unfolding in the world of Spider-Man’s life. Thus, following a recurring incident, nothing is ever easy for the web-head. While the readers are constantly drawn in to what may have been happening while Peter was away, the sole focus isn’t just on Spider-Man but on other characters that are involved in this entanglement. Some are unaware of the impending danger, and other characters are hiding secrets. This chapter opens with an unsettling demeanor, but rightfully does so to enthrall the reader to dig more as they turn the pages.
Trusted with the illustration of this eerie impending doom and rediscovery, Jesús Saíz (Blood Hunt) displays great use of artistic talent. A single panel per page of artwork isn’t wasted and adds value to Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral #1 as it progresses. The attention to detail within the linework speaks for itself as it carries the imagination lifted from the words of the writers.
Enhancing the artwork, Matt Hollingsworth’s (Batman) coloring impacts the overall atmosphere of the comic book. The coloring feels gritty due to the context of the story and the dark underlying inclusion of a villain that’s not to be taken lightly.
As for lettering, Joe Caramagna (Planet She-Hulk) does a fantastic job using the spaces around the panels to fit dialogue and captions. The positioning and execution of how the dialogue flows within the panels allows the story and artwork to coexist.
The cover art by Ed McGuinness (Web of Spider-Man) and Marte Garcia (X-Men of Apocalypse) for Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral #1 signifies a story readers of Spider-Man won’t want to miss out. From here, the cover foreshadows a split three-way entanglement that may get messy.
Overall, Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral #1 doesn’t fall short of any surprises to bore readers with. It digs deep and expresses the struggles of finding oneself again. Furthermore, it also brings in someone new who just may shake up how the Spider-Man storyline continues forward. Be sure to pick this one up at your local comic book store or where copies are sold online.
Comic Details
Writers: Joe Kelly, Al Ewing, Charles Soule
Artist: Jesús Saíz
Color Artist: Matt Hollingsworth
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Artists: Ed McGuinness, Marte Garcia
Editor: Nick Lowe
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Date of Release: February 25, 2026
Rating: 4/5
About the Author
Howard Smith Howard is a passionate collector and avid reader of comics & manga. His love for all things pop culture extends beyond the pages of comics, as he is a seasoned gamer with an appreciation of quality storytelling. As he is always on the hunt for rare collectibles, he manifests an opportunity to celebrate his fandoms. Follow along for new discoveries and changes in the world of entertainment.
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