When Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man #1 was first announced, its key selling point was the introduction of a new important character. It was also hyped as heralding the return of Kevin Smith to Marvel Comics. Thankfully, this comic has a lot more to it than that. Mostly, it has heart, and a sampling of some of what makes millions of comic readers say “Make Mine Marvel.”
The opening story by Smith and artist Giuseppe Camuncoili is, unsurprisingly given Smith’s oeuvre, largely comedic. The action centers around Spider-Man suffering a wardrobe malfunction following a fight with the Sinister Six. This leads to him consulting allies ranging from Doctor Strange to the Fantastic Four for a solution that will keep him from having to resew his super-suit so often.
The next tale, “616 Day” by Al Ewing and Mark Buckingham, is probably the weakest of the collection. This story finds Peter Parker leading a collective of time-scattered superheroes to save all reality. Throwing Spider-Man into a cosmic situation is usually good for a laugh. However, this story will probably hold the most appeal for readers of the recent G.O.D.S. series, as the two are related.
“Rapid Advancements” by Chip Zdarsky and Cafu introduces the much ballyhooed new character. In classic Marvel fashion, they are in over their head using their new powers.
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It falls to the Amazing Spider-Man to save the day and teach an important lesson on power and responsibility.
Giant Size Amazing Spider-Man #1 has something for everyone
Some readers might be cynical about Marvel’s efforts to promote Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man #1. There are many characters, for instance, who were introduced as important and then forgotten. And while Kevin Smith is fondly remembered for some of his comics’ writing, he also has a reputation for sacrificing characterization for the sake of a joke.
Thankfully, while some will undoubtedly debate whether Smith is funny or not, his use of humor in his story is appropriate to Spider-Man and his amazing friends. Indeed, none of the three stories presents a bad take on Peter Parker, though they vary in content and execution. We see Spidey as the trickster of the Marvel pantheon, the everyman in over his head, and the paragon of virtue. All are valid ways to view the character and all are well-played. The artwork, too, is excellent all around.
While it is unlikely to truly “change the future of Marvel Comics,” the old-school anthology nature of Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man #1 makes it worth reading. If you’re a Spider-Fan looking for a buffet-style sampling of the best of Marvel, this is a good one. And if you’re a newcomer to the comics, it is a welcome entry point to Earth-616.
Grade: 9/10
Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on June 11, 2025.
