Amazing Spider-Man #35 (Marvel, 8/26/26): Writer Joe Kelly & Artist Francesco Manna find Peter (still) grappling with his feelings over the arrival of Aunt May’s long-lost son. Meanwhile, Ghost Spider goes haywire. The latest entry in Kelly’s run continues to tread water with emotional weight, but the cliffhanger is a zinger. Verdict: A mediocre issue.
Credits:
- Writer: Joe Kelly
- Artist: Francesco Manna
- Colorist: David Curiel
- Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
- Cover Artist: Ed McGuinness (cover A)
- Publisher: Marvel Comics
- Release Date: August 26, 2026
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 28
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of Amazing Spider-Man #35:
First Impressions:
At some point, Joe Kelly has to get the run moving in some direction, any direction. It’s unfathomable to me that Marvel’s flagship title has been treading water for nearly six months.
Recap:
In Amazing Spider-Man #34, Spider-Man fought Electro near several dead bodies, while Electro insisted they had been there before he arrived. Throughout the battle, flashbacks showed Peter Parker discussing his long-lost cousin with others, checking on Aunt May, receiving intel from Robbie Robertson about Cormac Crane, and unsuccessfully confronting Raelith about her morose demeanor. The issue ended with Spider-Man and Damage Control defeating Electro.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
The issue opens up with a panel montage of Spider-Man teaming up with the new, improved, and proactive Damage Control, led by Agent Griffyn. During the montage, narrative dialogue shows Peter making an assortment of excuses to weasel out of social meetings with Aunt May and Cormac Crane.
One day, Aunt May shows up at Peter’s apartment unexpectedly, forcing Peter’s group of alien friends to hide in a hurry. During their brief chat, Peter acknowledges he needed space to process Cormac Crane’s arrival and how it affects his relationship with Aunt May. In response, Aunt May assures Peter that he’s the son she always knew.
Later, Spidey gets an alert about a disturbance. He arrives on scene to find Ghost Spider is the cause of the destruction. He snaps her out of her daze, and together, they save an apartment building from collapsing, just as Damage Control arrives to stabilize the situation. However, an argument breaks out when Damage Control tries to take Ghost Spider into custody. Spidey talks Agent Griffyn out of the arrest, but the incident puts a wedge between Spidey and Damage Control. The issue ends with Spidey receiving an urgent call from Ricardo that Aunt May had a stroke.
How is the story in Amazing Spider-Man #35?
Story? What story? Joe Kelly has either lowered his standards for what passes as a superhero action script, or editorial is telling him to fill pages with as much fluff and irrelevant scenes as he can get away with until the coming regime change in Marvel leadership takes effect? Either way, there’s nothing of note happening in this issue other than teases and foreshadowing. You could skip the issue entirely in favor of a later recap and not miss a thing. What are we even doing here, Marvel?
How is the art in Amazing Spider-Man #35?
Francesco Manna stepped into art duties for Ed McGuinness, with a zippy, engaging, well-crafted set of visuals. The (very) brief bits of action look great, leaving you wishing there was more, and the emotional heart-to-heart between Peter and Aunt May pushes the emotional acting of the characters splendidly. Plus, David Curiel’s color palette selection and application is gorgeous. In practically every way, the art quality far outstrips the writing.
Characters
Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man, is the focal point of this issue (as he should be), so the entire issue rests on his shoulders to carry the action, drama, and heart, which he does well for the story he’s given. Peter stops just short of boring with his moodiness by filling his days with action to avoid his troubles. That feels right for Peter’s character, although you’d think he’d outgrown his immature approach to matters of the heart by now.
Originality & Concept Execution
Peter grappling with the emotional confusion of possibly being replaced by Aunt May’s biological son is a novel concept for the history of Spider-Man. However, that scenario sits at the forefront of the series without any growth, change, or development since Cormac Crane appeared in issue #26. That’s nine issues without any original development on the same concept.
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 1/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 0.5/2
Final Thoughts:
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Amazing Spider-Man #35 continues to tread water in the worst way. Joe Kelly’s script does nothing with Cormac Crane or Damage Control, except introduce a few teases and end on a potentially strong cliffhanger. That said, the art team delivers powerful visuals that pop, so at least the comic is nice to look at.
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