Amazing Spider-Man (1999-2013) #682 by Dan Slott

Something needed to be done about this, and ultimately it took Spidey, Mary Jane, Venom, the Avengers, Fantastic Four, Anti-Venom, Kaine and others to band together and utilize their strengths to overcome the Spider Queen and the infestation.

Whereas last summer’s Spider Island was a true joyride from start to finish, the clear and present danger was always clear – Manhattan acquired a Spider-Man virus which turned people into giant spiders. Here, in the first installment of Ends of the Earth, Slott kicks off a story that, just through its title, implicates an apocalyptical scenario, and yet he has the stones to play off the sympathies of a near-death Doctor Octopus by suggesting, that maybe, possibly, if you listen to anyone else by Spider-Man, Ock is really looking to SAVE humanity for his final act on this planet, not destroy it.īy casting doubt on what Ock’s endgame is, Slott creates conflict over the idea of whether or not there’s real conflict. What I’ve consistently loved about Dan Slott’s work as head writer on Amazing Spider-Man is his ability to take risks while simultaneously telling a story that feels connected to the heart and soul of a superhero universe that is approaching its 50 th birthday this summer.

Amazing Spider-Man (1999-2013) #682 by Dan Slott