July 15, 2010

Review: Amazing Spider-Man #636

Story: Joe Kelly
Art: Michael Lark, Marco Checchetto

Amazing Spider-Man #636 slows down the pace compared to the previous two issues which involved a lot of action and suspense. Kraven is finally resurrected by the Kravinoffs, but how does the man feel about it? This issue takes a look at how Kraven feels about his resurrection. Spider-Man doesn't make much of an appearance here.

Speaking of Spider-Man, I think it's pretty obvious that the Spider-Man we see here hung up on Kraven's wall with a huge stick sticking out of his chest and two knives stabbed in both his shoulders isn't the Spider-Man we know. There's also an explanation on how Kaine got into a Spidey suit just in the nick of time. Apparently, as Peter fell into the pit from last issue, Kaine was immediately there to save him. I have no idea how he got there that fast, but anyway, Kaine takes the suit from Peter, punches him in the face, and buries him alive. That's Kaine's "hero moment."

Going back to Kravens, they, especially Chameleon, sense something's wrong with Kraven.Writer Joe Kelly in this particular scene delves into the idea that maybe Kraven doesn't want to be resurrected at all. If we recall in "Kraven's Last Hunt" (one of the greatest Spider-Man stories ever told), Kraven shot himself in the head. In the back-up story by J.M. DeMatteis, it is implied that Kraven is looking for an ending, so finally he can find peace and happiness. Also in that back-up story, we discover that Kaine doesn't easily get killed off by normal means.

Kaine still hasn't degenerated (clones degenerate when they die) after the assumption that he got killed by the Kravinoffs for Kraven to come back to life. With that, I believe he may still be alive.

The Kravinoffs feel that Kraven is not all too happy about his resurrection, with Kraven saying, "You have no idea what you've done here, Sasha." Furthermore, Kraven provokes Ana to kill him, resulting in Ana stabbing his own father in the chest. So Kraven's dead, not. He realize that he might have become immortal. The ritual corrupted by Kaine's blood. WHAT?!

Michael Lark takes a back seat as Marco Chechetto is artist for the first 18 pages. His art mixes well with Lark's, unlike the previous arc "Shed" where the two artists's different art styles killed the comic for me. Chechetto's art fits the arc's shadowy and gritty theme, also draws a good Kraven.

Overall, this issue focuses more on the newly resurrected Kraven than Spider-Man (he actually doesn't appear 'til the end of the issue). Lots of "Kraven's Last Hunt" references here too - from the rats going wild, MJ's feeling that something's wrong, Peter coming out from the grave. However, the thought of Kraven being immortal is not really a good idea as it takes away the nobility of the hunter. I hope that's not the case. Kraven's better off dead than alive.

Rating: 3/5

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