Amazing Spider-Man #1002 (Marvel, 10/28/26): Writer Joe Kelly and artist Pepe Larraz begin Round 2 of Spidey’s fight against Ravage to reclaim the memories of Aunt May. Joe Kelly’s action-heavy script pushes Spidey to the limit… and beyond. Verdict: A winning follow-up with a surprising twist.
Credits:
- Writer: Joe Kelly
- Artist: Pepe Larrraz
- Colorist: Federico Blee
- Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
- Cover Artist: Pepe Larraz, Marte Gracia (cover A)
- Publisher: Marvel Comics
- Release Date: October 28, 2026
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 30
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of Amazing Spider-Man #1002:
First Impressions:
Yeah, that’s the stuff. I was pleasantly surprised by the emotional quandary Joe Kelly created in Amazing Spider-Man #1001, so I was doubly pleased that this issue kept it up.
Recap:
In Amazing Spider-Man #1001, Spidey backed off his fight with Ravage to avoid further casualties, only to discover that Cormac had already set the wheels in motion to relocate Aunt May to his mansion, leaving Peter helpless until MJ arrived with some much-needed support. Determined to go to war over Aunt May, Spidey sought advice from Norman Osborn, who warned that defeating the manipulative sociopath might require lethal force, before visiting Scarlet Witch for help identifying Cormac’s power. With Wanda agreeing to investigate, Spidey headed to Cormac’s mansion for round two.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
The issue begins with a brief prologue showing the deep love Peter Parker shared with Uncle Ben and Aunt May. In the present, Spider-Man and Ravage begin the second round of their fight outside Cormac Crane’s estate. The fight is furious and impactful, as both combatants want what’s best for May Parker but from radically different positions. Ravage wants to reclaim the life he never had as her biological son. Spidey wants her restored to her rightful self, warts and all.
During the battle, two meaningful developments take place. First, Spidey taps into a new power called an “Ultra Spider-Sense” that makes him stronger, faster, and more aggressive. Second, Ravage’s beatdown unlocks memories that Spidey can see and hear.
When mere punches aren’t enough, Spidey tries a new tactic. He threatens to expose himself and Ravage to Aunt May, which would force Ravage to re-steal more memories. During the fight, Spidey learned that excessive power use by Ravage on one person risks brain damage, so his threat would force Ravage to either accept Aunt May intact or kill her.
The issue ends with Spidey forcing Ravage to accept an ultimatum, establishing a fragile truce… for now.
How is the story in Amazing Spider-Man #1002?
Joe Kelly delivers an issue that’s tight, dramatic to the hilt, and most importantly, smart. Readers who want their Spider-Man action fix get what they crave in spades, as Spidery and Ravage don’t hold back in their fight over Aunt May. However, readers who want a little more emotion and pathos in their slugfest get a healthy portion here as well. It would have helped the issue to get a little clarity about Spidey’s “upgrade” and the purpose behind a brief subplot involving Ghost Spider’s temporary, willing incarceration under the watchful eye of Norman Osborn, but the majority of the issue is still a banger.
How is the art in Amazing Spider-Man #1002?
Pepe Larraz was given a blank check (figuratively speaking) to make this issue as energetic and dramatic as possible through the artwork, and he did not disappoint. The figure work and action choreography are some of the best that I’ve seen in any Marvel book in months, if not years. The emotional beats hit hard through facial expressions and body posture. Plus, Larraz makes great use of shadows and precise camera angles in the fight’s conclusion to make the resolution a standout. As a bonus, Federico Blee and Joe Caramagna are in top form on colors and letters, respectively.
Characters
Spidey is the star of the show, with Ravage pulling up as a close second. Ol’ Web Head has to contend with memories as weapons from people he knows, and at least one he doesn’t. The realization of Cormac’s painful past gives Spidey the opportunity to turn the tables on Ravage by using his memories against him. All in all, the character work in this issue is really strong.
Originality & Concept Execution
I noted in the previous issue how original it was to see Spidey forced into such a no-win corner that’s constructed in just this way. I didn’t see an obvious path out of it. Yet, Joe Kelly made a path that’s positively surprising. Bonus points for originality and execution.
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3.5/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 4/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1.5/2
Final Thoughts:
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Amazing Spider-Man #1002 brings the heat during the second-round fight between Spider-Man and Ravage. Joe Kelly’s script delivers purposeful action and psychological/emotional weight, while Pepe Larraz’s glorious artwork kicks the script up to new heights.
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