Get ready for a jaw-dropping showdown in Amazing Spider-Man #14 as the new Spider-Man, Norman Osborn, faces off against the man who’s stolen Peter Parker’s identity—Ben Reilly. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Norman truly capable of embracing the heroic mantle of Spider-Man, or is he just playing a dangerous game? This issue dives deep into Norman’s internal struggle as he grapples with what it means to be a hero, all while questioning whether he can ever truly change. And let’s not forget the explosive conflict between Norman and Ben, who’s been living Peter’s life while he’s stranded in space. Spoiler alert: Things get messy, and not just because of the goo Ben wields as Chasm.
Written by Joe Kelly and brought to life by the artistic team of Ed McGuinness, Todd Nauck, Mark Farmer, Wade Von Grawbadger, Marcio Menyz, Erick Arciniega, and letterer Joe Caramagna, this issue is a rollercoaster of action and emotion. And this is the part most people miss: The creative team subtly expands the Spider-Man universe by developing supporting characters like Maira Osmani-Milton, who might just become a love interest for Norman. Yes, you read that right—Norman Osborn, former supervillain, potentially finding love. It’s a bold move, but one that adds depth to a cast that’s often overlooked in modern comics.
Speaking of overlooked, let’s talk about Hallow’s Eve. Remember her? She’s Ben’s ex from the 1990s Clone Saga, and her return as a minor supporting character is both nostalgic and intriguing. Her jealousy over Ben’s interactions with Peter’s girlfriends (Shay, Black Cat, Mary Jane) and his boss adds a layer of drama that’s hard to ignore. But here’s the real question: Is her unusual power set—gaining abilities from magical masks—explained clearly enough for new readers? Jim Shooter’s old rule about identifying characters and their powers might feel outdated, but in this case, a quick refresher wouldn’t hurt.
The issue also introduces a surprising twist when Norman, in his Spider-Man guise, saves Maira from a mysterious robot attack during the day. This marks the first time Norman experiences the adoration of being a hero in broad daylight, and it’s a game-changer. Controversial take: Could Norman’s redemption arc actually stick, or is he just fooling himself—and us? The fight scenes, courtesy of McGuinness and Nauck, are visually stunning, but it’s Norman’s internal conflict that steals the show.
While Peter’s space adventures might be the main draw for some, the Norman/Ben dynamic is undeniably compelling. Captain Kintsugi? Still a wildcard, but there’s potential. What do you think? Is Norman’s journey as Spider-Man a genuine redemption story, or just a temporary detour? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
