Spider-Man Vs The Sinister Sixteen #1 (2025)

If you're of a certain age, JMS' run on Amazing Spider-Man ranks among the best - until certain artists who also happened to be editor in chiefs required that certain couples certainly couldn't be married anymore meaning certain writers would leave and that readers would certainly understand why.


I'm looking at you, Joey Q.


Mr. Quesada is gone now, Mr. Straczynski has been welcomed back, and we're all the better for it. He wraps up his 'Marvel Tales' stories with appearances from all his favorites- Thor, Doctor Strange, and his favorite couple- Peter Parker and Mary Jane.

As a couple.

And happy.


The story is self contained humor fest and joke fountain. Dinner at a French restaurant for a couple in love. Should be an easy source of amusement given Peter Parker's involvement.

The title of this book IS the Sinister Sixteeen and that's not the number of courses in the meal. The art by Phil Noto is fine. His character faces are always clear, consistent, and expressive. I've always felt his art feels a little flat in the '2D, paper doll cut out' variety, and this is no exception. It doesn't detract from what is overall an excellent read.


Next up at Marvel for JMS and Spidey is the upcoming mini-series Amazing Spider-Man: Torn. It's unlikely to feature Natalie Imbruglia.