Chris Bachalo, Tim Townsend, Joe Caramagna
Amazing Spider-Man upcoming #49, due on the 7th of October, is the 850th issue of the long running, iconic series. It’s unclear as yet as to whether Marvel will revert the numbering of the series back to its ‘legacy’ issue numbers, but based on past titles in the same position and including Amazing Spider-Man itself, expect the ‘#850’ number to be marketed heavily.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN reaches another landmark and we’re celebrating
The standard cover
Spider-Style! • As if things weren’t bad enough for Spider-Man with Sin-Eater’s reign of terror reaching riot level… THE GREEN GOBLIN IS BACK! • Spidey has been through a lot- but even the worst things that have ever happened to Spider-Man have just been a prelude for what happens here- with an epic main story by a veritable Hall of Fame of Spider-Creators. • As if that wasn’t enough- this issue also boasts a collection of prestige short stories by Tradd Moore- Kurt Busiek- Chris Bachalo & Saladin Ahmed! Rated T+
Marvel Comics have finally let slip what they have in store for the celebratory issue, including welcoming back veteran creators Kurt Busiek, Nick Spencer, Ryan Ottley, Humberto Ramos, Mark Bagley, Chris Bachalo, Tim Townsend and Joe Caramagna. Taking inspiration from previous anniversary issues across multiple companies, including the recent Action Comics #1000 and Detective Comics #1000 at DC and Marvel’s own ‘Marvel Comics #1000’, it is expected that Amazing Spider-Man #850 will contain a selection of short stories by contemporary and returning classic creators. One such returning writer is the aforementioned Busiek, who has revealed his plans.
Bruce Timm, best known for his work on Batman: The Animated Series and the greater DC Animated Universe, has prepared this gorgeous variant cover for the landmark issue.
Kurt Busiek has written a short story for the issue, intended as a spiritual successor to his much acclaimed 1990s series ‘Untold Tales of Spider-Man’, and marks the return of the Green Goblin in its main story written by Nick Spencer. Busiek’s tale also features the Beatles, the writer has teased, and described his story as “an action-orientated piece”, set back in Peter Parker’s college days. Expect heavy nostalgia, something Marvel fans always appreciate!
“Norman Osborn made a great villain for Spider-Man even without that aspect — as a businessman with a whole industrial empire behind him, vast technological resources and weaponry, he contrasted dramatically with Spidey — he was the sultana’s, he wielded real-world power, he was bigger and bulkier, more self-assured. It felt like a kid trying to find a way to be an adult, in the adult’s world.” – Kurt Busiek, speaking to Newsarama.
Amazing Spider-Man #49 (#850) is due for release on the 7th of October at all good local comic shops. Expect a diverse selection of variant covers to choose from, many of which are available to order here.
Words: Graeme Small
