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Marvel OGN
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: FAMILY BUSINESS
Someone has Spider-Man in their crosshairs, and the only person in the Marvel Universe who can save him is-Peter Parker's sister?! As the web-slinger meets family he never knew, will she end up becoming his greatest ally, or the one who damns him? And what does the Kingpin of Crime have to do with it? This self-contained graphic novel - written by Eisner Award-winner Mark Waid (DAREDEVIL) and acclaimed author James Robinson (Superman), and painted by the legendary Gabriele Dell'Otto (SECRET WAR) - brings you the web-slinger's darkest hour-and greatest triumph!
112 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
About the author
James Robinson
1,243 books230 followersJames Dale Robinson is a British writer of American comic books and screenplays.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
March 24, 2017
The Kingpin is fat.
Not fat like your 300 pound beer drinking uncle or the guy who plays Santa at the mall. It’s more like a big-boned, muscular kind of fat. My son had the Kingpin action figure and it was telling that it was one of the few figures that couldn’t bend his knees. His action figure ability – if you put something in his arms – Spider-Man, Captain Picard, spare change – he could fling it. But because he couldn’t bend his knees (or see his feet), how could he pick anything up in order to fling it.
A dilemma, no?
Kingpin’s been around since the sixties as a mid-level mob boss. He originally was one of Spider-Man’s rogues but is frequently lent to Daredevil, because Daredevil’s group of villains, in a word, suck. If you want to see the Kingpin naked (not recommended) or in flagrante delicto (definitely not recommended) you can always read a Punisher Max book.
So, what does this have to do with this Spider-Man one shot book? If you’ve never read my reviews before, it’s usually nothing (sucker!), but Kingpin is the villain du jour here. Kingpin learns of a secret stash of Nazi gold that’s somehow connected to Peter Parker and his parents.
It seems that Peter Parker has a sister he never knew about and his sister is a spy, just like their Mom and Dad. Before you start rolling your eyes and remarking about writers “discovering another superhero’s long lost family member/friend that no one had ever heard of before", trust me, in a basic just-entertain-me level, it works.
Bottom line: A fun read from Mark Waid and James Robinson. Gabriele Dell’Otto’s art work is exceptional.
August 24, 2014
The story isn't anything phenomenal. And, by that, I mean it won't exactly rock your world with it's incredibly crazy storyline.
But.
I think Waid has a spot-on grasp of Peter Parker's voice and personality. So much so, that it takes a rather mediocre Spider-Man story, and turns it into something very enjoyable to read.
The real star of the show in Family Business is the art.
Gabriele Dell'Otto did an amazing job with the illustrations!
I'l love to be one of those people who knew enough to say exactly what kind of artsy thing it's called, but I'm not.
It looks like some kind of watercolor painting, but it still feels crisp. Not all flowing and weird.
I'm probably describing this all wrong.
Hmmm.
What I'm trying to say, is that, while it was all pretty and soft, I could still tell what was going on in each scene. It wasn't like you had characters faces who were blending in with their jacket, the background, or the guy standing next to them.
Does that make sense?
No?
Sorry, I suck at this.
This is a pretty short story, so if you're looking for a quickie, this would be a good choice.
This has nothing to do with this story, but I sliced my pinky all to hell the other night. The tip of that bastard was so fuckin' floppy that I couldn't even get it to line up with the rest of my finger. Luckily, I am the proud owner of a long-suffering husband, who managed to squish it into something that sort of resembled the original digit's shape.
I shared that disgusting story to say this: Before my fateful run-in with the kitchen knife, I never realized how much I used my pinky to type.
Owwwwwwww.
Moral of the story?
Never drink beer on an empty stomach, and then try to chop stir-fry veggies.
Also, make sure you always have a pack of butterfly stitches in your house.
But.
I think Waid has a spot-on grasp of Peter Parker's voice and personality. So much so, that it takes a rather mediocre Spider-Man story, and turns it into something very enjoyable to read.
The real star of the show in Family Business is the art.
Gabriele Dell'Otto did an amazing job with the illustrations!
I'l love to be one of those people who knew enough to say exactly what kind of artsy thing it's called, but I'm not.
It looks like some kind of watercolor painting, but it still feels crisp. Not all flowing and weird.
I'm probably describing this all wrong.
Hmmm.
What I'm trying to say, is that, while it was all pretty and soft, I could still tell what was going on in each scene. It wasn't like you had characters faces who were blending in with their jacket, the background, or the guy standing next to them.
Does that make sense?
No?
Sorry, I suck at this.
This is a pretty short story, so if you're looking for a quickie, this would be a good choice.
This has nothing to do with this story, but I sliced my pinky all to hell the other night. The tip of that bastard was so fuckin' floppy that I couldn't even get it to line up with the rest of my finger. Luckily, I am the proud owner of a long-suffering husband, who managed to squish it into something that sort of resembled the original digit's shape.
I shared that disgusting story to say this: Before my fateful run-in with the kitchen knife, I never realized how much I used my pinky to type.
Owwwwwwww.
Moral of the story?
Never drink beer on an empty stomach, and then try to chop stir-fry veggies.
Also, make sure you always have a pack of butterfly stitches in your house.
May 2, 2023
I guess this was alright, nothing that special but I guess it does it's job..
So the story is Peter being contacted by someone named Teresa claiming to be his sister and also saying their Parents were CIA and one of heir secrets come to haunt them in the present and so the story is them uncovering it meanwhile her finding out who Pete really is and going against Cyclone, Mentallo and the one behind it.. Kingpin.
It's a story with expected twists and betrayals that you have seen in many spy movies and all but it was a quick fun read and seeing Kingpin go against them was fun!
It's a story which does introduce Teresa who plays a big part in Zdarksy and later Spencers run! So theres that and it's got good art and all.. you will definitely enjoy it.. a one-time read I will say!
So the story is Peter being contacted by someone named Teresa claiming to be his sister and also saying their Parents were CIA and one of heir secrets come to haunt them in the present and so the story is them uncovering it meanwhile her finding out who Pete really is and going against Cyclone, Mentallo and the one behind it.. Kingpin.
It's a story with expected twists and betrayals that you have seen in many spy movies and all but it was a quick fun read and seeing Kingpin go against them was fun!
It's a story which does introduce Teresa who plays a big part in Zdarksy and later Spencers run! So theres that and it's got good art and all.. you will definitely enjoy it.. a one-time read I will say!
August 9, 2018
Good but not earth-shaking Spidey vs. Kingpin tale mostly set in foreign lands; the main draw - other than the stylish art - was the soap opera possibility that Peter Parker has a long-lost sibling.
September 19, 2014
Wow. Page one, the art arrests me. Did not expect to see full painted scenes, rich with nuance and detail.
Every page I turned was another treasure - close-up here, splash of saturated colour there. Great kinetic action, intuitive sense of where to place the camera for maximum effect. Gorgeous scenery by Dell'Otto and Dell'Edera.
And a great little premise by Waid and Robinson. Clips along speedily, keeping us on our toes, wondering just when the shoe is going to drop. In fact, I felt haunted by that voice in the back of my head, telling me this can't be true, it won't survive into canon. There's no way they can keep this idea part of the Spidey mythos...it got a little annoying to keep trying to shut myself up.
And shut up it finally did, but only when the action closed in and the villain finally showed up to pull it all together. And monologue his victory dance, just before getting his ass handed to him.
How does a guy like that keep getting pants'ed year after year, and keep showing up with the master plan that he's granite-sure has no chance of failure? What is it going to take to get through to someone like that? Do we have an intervention? Does he start taking lithium for the voices in his head that must be drowning out reality?
Or does he feel like he's doing a public service, giving our heroes another one to beat down so we lowly citizens can sleep well at night (even if we're constantly exposed to peeping toms on stilts, cat burglars in slinky fur-cuffed bodysuits and shape-shifting green-skinned aliens)? Doesn't it seem a tad selfless to be that guy every year? Better than Santa, come to think of it - though for far fewer people. Though I'm also wearing Spider-Man underwear on X-Mas morning.
And yes Anne, Waid writes Peter like he's spent *way* too many years hiding out in Parker's closet.
Every page I turned was another treasure - close-up here, splash of saturated colour there. Great kinetic action, intuitive sense of where to place the camera for maximum effect. Gorgeous scenery by Dell'Otto and Dell'Edera.
And a great little premise by Waid and Robinson. Clips along speedily, keeping us on our toes, wondering just when the shoe is going to drop. In fact, I felt haunted by that voice in the back of my head, telling me this can't be true, it won't survive into canon. There's no way they can keep this idea part of the Spidey mythos...it got a little annoying to keep trying to shut myself up.
And shut up it finally did, but only when the action closed in and the villain finally showed up to pull it all together. And monologue his victory dance, just before getting his ass handed to him.
How does a guy like that keep getting pants'ed year after year, and keep showing up with the master plan that he's granite-sure has no chance of failure? What is it going to take to get through to someone like that? Do we have an intervention? Does he start taking lithium for the voices in his head that must be drowning out reality?
Or does he feel like he's doing a public service, giving our heroes another one to beat down so we lowly citizens can sleep well at night (even if we're constantly exposed to peeping toms on stilts, cat burglars in slinky fur-cuffed bodysuits and shape-shifting green-skinned aliens)? Doesn't it seem a tad selfless to be that guy every year? Better than Santa, come to think of it - though for far fewer people. Though I'm also wearing Spider-Man underwear on X-Mas morning.
And yes Anne, Waid writes Peter like he's spent *way* too many years hiding out in Parker's closet.
May 10, 2014
I wanted to rate this higher for the Dell'Otto art but I just couldn't. It's a forgettable tale that is better suited for a second story of a 64 page annual and not for a hardcover original graphic novel. I admit though that if this was released during the height of Doctor Octopus reign as the Superior Spider-Man, this would have gave old school Peter Parker fans a story of their own to enjoy.
The story does end open-ended and seemed to allude to a close kinship for Peter and supposed sister. I think it would be a great idea for Peter to have more family.
If you could spare 25 dollars I say go get this book. There isn't immediate impact on the regular Spider-Man title at the moment but the ended does plant a seed for future use.
The story does end open-ended and seemed to allude to a close kinship for Peter and supposed sister. I think it would be a great idea for Peter to have more family.
If you could spare 25 dollars I say go get this book. There isn't immediate impact on the regular Spider-Man title at the moment but the ended does plant a seed for future use.
December 25, 2017
Although Peter Parker was originally conceived by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko as an ordinary high schooler who lives in Queens and knows his science to then being bitten by a radioactive spider that gives great power and... well you know the rest; but over fifty years of publication, writers and artists had to find new angles in developing Peter's life as he ages. Introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #5, Peter's parents, Richard and Mary were secret agents of the C.I.A. prior to their deaths, which looms large in the second entry in Marvel's new original graphic novel line.
During one rainy night in New York, where he apprehends a few crooks whilst trying to get into the cleaners', Peter is being pursued by a new force from fellow nemesis the Kingpin and who comes to save him is his apparent long-lost sister Teresa. Together, the siblings go off on a globe-trotting adventure to fool the Kingpin's latest masterplan, whilst Peter is struggling whether this woman is truly a blood relative or not.
As you might guess, Peter isn't your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man here and for a lot of the book, he isn't even in his traditional red and blue spandex, as co-writers Mark Waid and James Robinson craft a tale that is as much James Bond and Indiana Jones, to the point that Peter references Jason Bourne. As much as I like my Spider-Man stories simple and straightforward, taking your heroes out of their comfort zone can be troublesome, and yet Waid and Robinson provide plenty of dramedy towards the central sibling dynamic to make this a fresh read compared to most Spidey books.
Given how this graphic novel looks back in the history of Spider-Man comics and adds a new spin that has the potential to be life-changing for Peter, but because of how it's published and marketed, it feels more like a standalone story. As for the mysteries behind Teresa and the Kingpin's plan, the introduction of Mentallo who is forced to assist the Kingpin as a master of illusions i.e. Mysterio does lead into the typical convoluted supervillain direction and how it resolves the overall narrative, which may be disappointing for some.
Fully painted by Secret War artist Gabriele Dell'Otto, it is a beautiful book that reminds me of the realistic artistry of Alex Ross, as well as his vibrant colouring allows a distinction between the numerous locations across the globe. Although you do get the traditional Spider-antics (despite the random appearance of a black-suited Spidey) as he fights outlandish costumed villainy and something mechanically extravagant in the climax, as I said before, it is about Peter delves into a life of a secret agent, much to his bumbling actions, something Dell'Otto has a lot of fun with, along with the few flashbacks showcasing how bad-ass Richard and Mary Parker were.
Although it leaves a lot to be desired in terms of this standalone story should add to the legacy of Peter Parker, Mark Waid and James Robinson present an enjoyable spy-centric tale that takes Spider-Man out of his comfort zone, whilst Gabriele Dell'Otto's art is enough to buy this pricey graphic novel.
During one rainy night in New York, where he apprehends a few crooks whilst trying to get into the cleaners', Peter is being pursued by a new force from fellow nemesis the Kingpin and who comes to save him is his apparent long-lost sister Teresa. Together, the siblings go off on a globe-trotting adventure to fool the Kingpin's latest masterplan, whilst Peter is struggling whether this woman is truly a blood relative or not.
As you might guess, Peter isn't your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man here and for a lot of the book, he isn't even in his traditional red and blue spandex, as co-writers Mark Waid and James Robinson craft a tale that is as much James Bond and Indiana Jones, to the point that Peter references Jason Bourne. As much as I like my Spider-Man stories simple and straightforward, taking your heroes out of their comfort zone can be troublesome, and yet Waid and Robinson provide plenty of dramedy towards the central sibling dynamic to make this a fresh read compared to most Spidey books.
Given how this graphic novel looks back in the history of Spider-Man comics and adds a new spin that has the potential to be life-changing for Peter, but because of how it's published and marketed, it feels more like a standalone story. As for the mysteries behind Teresa and the Kingpin's plan, the introduction of Mentallo who is forced to assist the Kingpin as a master of illusions i.e. Mysterio does lead into the typical convoluted supervillain direction and how it resolves the overall narrative, which may be disappointing for some.
Fully painted by Secret War artist Gabriele Dell'Otto, it is a beautiful book that reminds me of the realistic artistry of Alex Ross, as well as his vibrant colouring allows a distinction between the numerous locations across the globe. Although you do get the traditional Spider-antics (despite the random appearance of a black-suited Spidey) as he fights outlandish costumed villainy and something mechanically extravagant in the climax, as I said before, it is about Peter delves into a life of a secret agent, much to his bumbling actions, something Dell'Otto has a lot of fun with, along with the few flashbacks showcasing how bad-ass Richard and Mary Parker were.
Although it leaves a lot to be desired in terms of this standalone story should add to the legacy of Peter Parker, Mark Waid and James Robinson present an enjoyable spy-centric tale that takes Spider-Man out of his comfort zone, whilst Gabriele Dell'Otto's art is enough to buy this pricey graphic novel.
May 13, 2014
A Spider-man story that turns into a Jason Bourne/James Bond spy-style-adventure, fully painted by Gabriele Dell'otto, with The Kingpin as the villain. It's goooooooood.
It is unusual to see Peter/Spider-man in a spy story, because his character doesn't really lend him well to be in those types of situations. He pretty much stays in New York City and beats up whoever the villain of the week is. So it was good to see him in this going Global, going to Cairo and Monaco (and even attempting to speak some French), and this is all because it ties into his parents past being CIA agents. A new character, claiming to be Peter's sister, comes along to take him on this adventure. Marvel is going into Peter's past a lot recently, with the new Amazing #1 and the films going into his parents life styles (even though in the films they're scientists and not CIA agents). It's territory that needs to be tread lightly, so as not to upset long time readers with changing too much continuity. But at the same time, new things need to be done with these characters to keep them fresh. I don't want to spoil the book, so I wont go into detail, but how this OGN plays out wont upset you if you're a continuity hawk.
And then there's the art, and the reason this gets a full 5. Dell'oto has been on my radar since he did Secret War with Bendis, which is a beautiful looking book and a very good read, so him being on at was a big draw to me actually reading this. He did some Annuals with Bendis back in 2012 (I think?), and they looked good too but it wasn't his fully painted style that he used for Secret War. This is. And it looks gorgeous. His layout makes it excited to read, and nearly every time he draws Spider-man it's a "oh wow" moment. The painted artwork also really suits the OGN format, because it gives it more of a premium look. It looks like a movie.
It's the only OGN I've read so far from this new line Marvel is putting out, and after this I'm more tempted to check out some of the others. It's in continuity with the main universe, but not so much that you have to be caught up on what Dan Slott is doing. (I THINK this happens after Peter takes his body back after Doc Ock. I think?)
A good Spider-man story.
It is unusual to see Peter/Spider-man in a spy story, because his character doesn't really lend him well to be in those types of situations. He pretty much stays in New York City and beats up whoever the villain of the week is. So it was good to see him in this going Global, going to Cairo and Monaco (and even attempting to speak some French), and this is all because it ties into his parents past being CIA agents. A new character, claiming to be Peter's sister, comes along to take him on this adventure. Marvel is going into Peter's past a lot recently, with the new Amazing #1 and the films going into his parents life styles (even though in the films they're scientists and not CIA agents). It's territory that needs to be tread lightly, so as not to upset long time readers with changing too much continuity. But at the same time, new things need to be done with these characters to keep them fresh. I don't want to spoil the book, so I wont go into detail, but how this OGN plays out wont upset you if you're a continuity hawk.
And then there's the art, and the reason this gets a full 5. Dell'oto has been on my radar since he did Secret War with Bendis, which is a beautiful looking book and a very good read, so him being on at was a big draw to me actually reading this. He did some Annuals with Bendis back in 2012 (I think?), and they looked good too but it wasn't his fully painted style that he used for Secret War. This is. And it looks gorgeous. His layout makes it excited to read, and nearly every time he draws Spider-man it's a "oh wow" moment. The painted artwork also really suits the OGN format, because it gives it more of a premium look. It looks like a movie.
It's the only OGN I've read so far from this new line Marvel is putting out, and after this I'm more tempted to check out some of the others. It's in continuity with the main universe, but not so much that you have to be caught up on what Dan Slott is doing. (I THINK this happens after Peter takes his body back after Doc Ock. I think?)
A good Spider-man story.
June 15, 2015
Great artwork. Like a less pompous Alex Ross if that makes sense.
Mark Waid writes a good Peter Parker, personality wise, but the story is pretty Saturday Morning Cartoon simple.
Mark Waid writes a good Peter Parker, personality wise, but the story is pretty Saturday Morning Cartoon simple.
April 3, 2014
Nueva novela gráfica Marvel que se sacan de la manga, tras la de los Vengadores y apenas un mes antes que la de X-Men. Y todo sea dicho, no esta mal y se hace entretenidilla de leer.
Mark Waid y James Robinson nos llevan a una trama de espionaje en los tiempos en que Spider-Man seguía siendo Peter Parker. Y es que aquí el centro de la trama y a por quien van los malos malosos, es a por Peter precisamente por ser un Parker y no por ser el trepamuros.
Pero no solo los malos van a secuestrar a Peter, sino que una supuesta hermana perdida aparece para poner patas arriba lo que Peter creía saber sobre sus padres. Tenemos espías, casino de Montecarlo, coches lujosos, aviones privados, conexiones con los nazis, casa en las montañas Suizas y conexiones norteafricanas. Vamos espionaje de libro y con un dibujo de Gabriele Delloto del que se disfruta pagina a pagina. Un agradable bocado de trepamuros fuera de su ambiente.
Mark Waid y James Robinson nos llevan a una trama de espionaje en los tiempos en que Spider-Man seguía siendo Peter Parker. Y es que aquí el centro de la trama y a por quien van los malos malosos, es a por Peter precisamente por ser un Parker y no por ser el trepamuros.
Pero no solo los malos van a secuestrar a Peter, sino que una supuesta hermana perdida aparece para poner patas arriba lo que Peter creía saber sobre sus padres. Tenemos espías, casino de Montecarlo, coches lujosos, aviones privados, conexiones con los nazis, casa en las montañas Suizas y conexiones norteafricanas. Vamos espionaje de libro y con un dibujo de Gabriele Delloto del que se disfruta pagina a pagina. Un agradable bocado de trepamuros fuera de su ambiente.
August 25, 2016
Solid story by Waid on this one. Amazing art as well.
Seeing Spidey "back in black" was an added bonus.
Seeing Spidey "back in black" was an added bonus.
April 14, 2014
Story was nothing special. The art was the main draw here. Ridiculous painted artwork from Gabriele Dell'Otto. Wish this guy would put out more stuff.
September 11, 2018
Kresba. Malba. Na ty všude uslyšíte jen a pouze chválu. Naopak na scénář a dialogy příliš pozitiv nezaslechnete. No, s druhým jmenovaným jednoznačně souhlasím; zkratkovitý tupý děj, z prstu vycucané zvraty, trapné rádoby cool hlášky, nulové motivace. Děs běs i v rámci slabších Spideyho příběhů. Naštěstí je to tak krátké, že to máte za půl hodiny za sebou.
Mám však jako jeden z mála problém s kresbou. Je sice nádherná, ale naprosto nevhodná k akčnímu mainstreamu. Chybí jí totiž jakákoli dynamika. Je to jako sbírka obálek k několika ročníkům Spider-manových dobrodružství. Jedno každé okénko nádherné, ale dohromady netvoří dojem uceleného příběhu. Jsou to statické aranžované výjevy, které by se hodily k mnoha komiksům, ale ne k superhrdinské špionážní variaci s puberťákem, kde jsou nejsmysluplnější texty citoslovce *bum-prásk-áárgh*. Prostě brak, který se skrze sofistikovaný ilustrační kabátek snaží působit jako něco více než čím je.
Mám však jako jeden z mála problém s kresbou. Je sice nádherná, ale naprosto nevhodná k akčnímu mainstreamu. Chybí jí totiž jakákoli dynamika. Je to jako sbírka obálek k několika ročníkům Spider-manových dobrodružství. Jedno každé okénko nádherné, ale dohromady netvoří dojem uceleného příběhu. Jsou to statické aranžované výjevy, které by se hodily k mnoha komiksům, ale ne k superhrdinské špionážní variaci s puberťákem, kde jsou nejsmysluplnější texty citoslovce *bum-prásk-áárgh*. Prostě brak, který se skrze sofistikovaný ilustrační kabátek snaží působit jako něco více než čím je.
May 21, 2020
Amazing art helps a pretty simple story. Still really enjoyed this more than I was expecting for a short story
October 16, 2021
Koliko je ovaj neverovatni Spajdermen neverovatno dobro oslikan i ima neverovatno lep stil toliko je u isto vreme priča u ovom stripu neverovatno osrednja i neverovatno banalno realizovana.
August 8, 2019
Priča sama po sebi nije bila ništa posebno, niti je bilo neke napetosti, niti nekog superzanimljivog toka radnje, ali, autori su uspeli da prenesu onaj dečački vajb koji Spiderman poseduje, i naravno (a otud i 4, a ne 3) rad crtača je savršen. Del'Oto i del'Edera su majstori svog zanata. Njima svaka čast.
August 31, 2018
It’s a fun one-off Spider-Man. The art sure is great to look at though. Five star art, three star plot. Four sounds good
June 25, 2014
Part of Marvel's new line of OGNs, Family Business has a clever hook that could have potentially lead to more for the character involved, but unfortunately falls prey to the 'Everything is as it was before' trope so that by the end of the story, there's no real impact overall bar the cliffhanger ending which will likely be ignored for a long, long time. The story itself is serviceable enough however, and reminds me of certain storylines from the 90s Spider-Man animated series quite strongly, but the twists are telegraphed too early so that there aren't really any surprises as the story progresses. The strength of the book is definitely in the artwork however, with Dell'Otto's beautiful paintings carrying the story through its clumsier parts; some pages would look gorgeous blown up and put on the wall.
May 11, 2018
Good points here and there. Buenos dibujos. Kingpin es un bacán...
Good enough.
Good enough.
February 15, 2023
10/10:
I finally understand why this story has been praised since it’s original release almost a decade ago!
The way this story makes Peter Parker grapple with his parental heritage while also acknowledging the importance of living with Uncle Ben and Aunt May is so well done. The complications to the Parker family we’ve always known add a modern twist to their story and showcases just how things can be changed, for better or worse.
The inclusion of several villains was also incredibly interesting, because we see the calculated nature of Kingpin’s leadership, the deceptive nature of Mentallo, and even the potentially devastating powers of Cyclone. Kingpin never fails to hold back and you can tell from start to finish how he’s always the one pulling the strings, even when he’s not in New York City.
I also need to include how absolutely beautiful the artwork from Gabriele Dell’Otto and Werther Dell’Edera is. This artistic duo is truly special and I love seeing their work in the pages of the comics I pick up. Truly beautiful.
I finally understand why this story has been praised since it’s original release almost a decade ago!
The way this story makes Peter Parker grapple with his parental heritage while also acknowledging the importance of living with Uncle Ben and Aunt May is so well done. The complications to the Parker family we’ve always known add a modern twist to their story and showcases just how things can be changed, for better or worse.
The inclusion of several villains was also incredibly interesting, because we see the calculated nature of Kingpin’s leadership, the deceptive nature of Mentallo, and even the potentially devastating powers of Cyclone. Kingpin never fails to hold back and you can tell from start to finish how he’s always the one pulling the strings, even when he’s not in New York City.
I also need to include how absolutely beautiful the artwork from Gabriele Dell’Otto and Werther Dell’Edera is. This artistic duo is truly special and I love seeing their work in the pages of the comics I pick up. Truly beautiful.
July 9, 2022
A spy adventure starring Peter Parker. Spider-Man has second billing in this tale. It's all about the Parker legacy.
Amazing Spider-Man: Family Business takes our friendly neighbourhood webhead on an unfamiliar journey, involving a long lost sister named Teresa, the secrets their parents kept from them, Kingpin, a powerful telepath, gold treasure and a gigantic Nazi robot guard. Standard fare for superhero comics.
I knew a twist was coming in terms of Teresa, but I'm pleased to say I got it the wrong way round. I wondered why Waid revealed Kingpin's plan in the first couple of pages and it turned out to be a subtle manipulation of how I thought the plot was going to go.
Not only this, Waid perfectly captured the voice of Peter Parker, with some classic Spidey quipping and intelligent introspection. The rest of the plot though was comparatively disappointing in its familiarity. Of course Kingpin was behind everything. Of course there was a big fight involving a robot.
These fussy complaints aside, I enjoyed Amazing Spider-Man: Family Business. Del'Otto's artwork is gorgeous (the man is on Alex Ross's level in terms of attention to detail) and Waid knows how to spin a fine yarn out of reliable web fluid.
In conclusion, Amazing Spider-Man: Family Business has to be one of the best Spider-Man comics in years. I recommend it to fans of the webhead, spy noir and those who want to know why TV's Kingpin recently wore a red Hawaiian shirt.
Amazing Spider-Man: Family Business takes our friendly neighbourhood webhead on an unfamiliar journey, involving a long lost sister named Teresa, the secrets their parents kept from them, Kingpin, a powerful telepath, gold treasure and a gigantic Nazi robot guard. Standard fare for superhero comics.
I knew a twist was coming in terms of Teresa, but I'm pleased to say I got it the wrong way round. I wondered why Waid revealed Kingpin's plan in the first couple of pages and it turned out to be a subtle manipulation of how I thought the plot was going to go.
Not only this, Waid perfectly captured the voice of Peter Parker, with some classic Spidey quipping and intelligent introspection. The rest of the plot though was comparatively disappointing in its familiarity. Of course Kingpin was behind everything. Of course there was a big fight involving a robot.
These fussy complaints aside, I enjoyed Amazing Spider-Man: Family Business. Del'Otto's artwork is gorgeous (the man is on Alex Ross's level in terms of attention to detail) and Waid knows how to spin a fine yarn out of reliable web fluid.
In conclusion, Amazing Spider-Man: Family Business has to be one of the best Spider-Man comics in years. I recommend it to fans of the webhead, spy noir and those who want to know why TV's Kingpin recently wore a red Hawaiian shirt.
May 13, 2018
This is an original graphic novel starring your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Written by Mark Waid, one of my top two or three comic book writers with some extremely beautiful art. The story takes Spidey into a different direction than his usual stories with a clear influence from James Bond and Indiana Jones. So obviously I'm going to really love this. The only downfall for me is it's length, it's really short. Still one heck of a fun ride.
December 26, 2021
A wild cinematic ride that sends Peter Parker on a globe-hopping adventure in a James Bond mode. Family secrets, buried treasure and deadly devices mean peril for Spidey, and of curse the Kingpin’s involved.
April 1, 2024
Retrobament amb els còmics. Història de poca extensió que fa el pes però on destaca de debò és en l'art. Molt agradable historieta amb el focus en la cara oculta de la família de Peter Parker i sentinel·les nazis de rerefons.
June 9, 2018
Quite liked the original story and the globe-trotting adventure. The thing that stands out most about this book is the amazing art. One of the best drawn and coloured books I've read.
June 3, 2019
Gorgeous art. Story was just okay.
November 27, 2022
Not only was this storyline super interesting, but the art style was fantastic. Would definitely recommend this one!
January 20, 2023
the story is more or less interesting
however, I did not enjoy reading comics at all
although it takes more time to read, from now on I will always choose novels rather than comics
however, I did not enjoy reading comics at all
although it takes more time to read, from now on I will always choose novels rather than comics
February 20, 2023
Great art. OK story.
April 29, 2022
I usually like Waid, but not so much here.
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