Marvel Comic Review: Amazing Spider-Man 680

Anyone else want to just revert back to the days of Jim Henson's Muppets and say "SPIDERS.IN.SPAAAAACE!"? No? Just me? Alright then. Spider-man #680 starts off with a new arc for the webhead, after just having wrapped up the confirmed reveal of Morbius. Well, to Spider-man, at least. Consistent readers knew for a month or two now. So where does this new arc direct us?

SPOILERS BELOW

As far as comics go, we have a solid book. It's got a good intro, a decent plot, climax, and cliffhanger. We've been left with enough to want to grab the next issue and find out what happens next. Unless of course you don't like Johnny Storm AKA the Human Torch.

Let's recap- Johnny Storm was dead. He died sometime last year, sacrificing himself to save the rest of his family. If you read Spider-man regularly, you know this because he essentially gave him his current spot on the Fantastic Four in Amazing Spider-man 657. What you don't know is that he's back. He hasn't completely established his return, only that he's alive and helping the Earth fight off a cosmic battle in both the Fantastic Four and FF comic series. So, we can pretty much conclude that in those issues, Johnny Storm will make a decision to stay. Thank you ever so much Marvel for ruining that for your readers who read those books too..

Anyway, the issue starts off with a view of a space shuttle headed by John Jameson as he contacts his father J Jonah Jameson via skype. During the conversation, the screen goes blank, communication stops, and JJJ nearly explodes in anger. Of course Peter Parker is there on behalf of Horizon Labs, and makes a break for the crime scene. Mind you, it's in SPACE.

Enter Johnny Storm. Spider-man heads for the Baxter Building to find a way into space.  The Human Torch is the only one home, singing in a robe catching up on TV. After ruining the enjoyment of finding out the conclusion of Dancing With The Stars for Johnny, the two head into space.

On board the shuttle, they are attacked by Octobots (Little spider robots designed by Doctor Octopus) and Jameson saves the day. As the three converse about what's going on, Jameson explains that he's the only survivor, and as they approach the abandoned shuttle they see why. The crew begins crawling out towards them, controlled by the octobots all zombie-like, which ends the issue.

Do they survive? What do they do? It's what a cliffhanger does- leaves you with more questions than you started and none of the answers you were hoping for.

I give it a "meh". It's just an issue to me, and until the arc develops I can't be sure how it'll turn out. Pick it up in a week when the next one comes out, and read them together. The jokes were funny, but they can wait. There was nothing monumental in the world of Marvel in this issue (except the whole Johnny Storm spoiler), so just sit tight true believer. (Always wanted to do that!)