Amazing Spider-Man #1
Nick Spencer (w), Ryan Ottley (a)
Marvel Comics

Liz says: Following hot on the heels of Dan Slott’s extraordinary decade-long run, Nick Spencer had some gigantic shoes to fill when it comes to writing the Amazing Spider-man. Fortunately for him and for us, he certainly seems up to the challenge.
On paper (both literally and figuratively) Spencer and artist Ryan Ottley are a Spider-Man dream-team if ever there was one. Spencer’s signature wit and sharp sense of humor are an ideal fit for the character, and his previous experience writing a Spider-Man spin-off book (his Superior Foes series was truly an underrated gem) shows. Artist Ryan Ottley, fresh off his own decade-long run on Invincible, has long been a fan-favorite choice to draw Spidey, and could not be more perfectly suited to the task.
As for the issue itself, it’s everything that a first issue should be: it’s got comedy, action, spot-on characterization, a great setup and an even greater mission statement (and because this is Spider-Man, a hefty dose of the old Parker Luck). Straight away, Spencer has done something genuinely surprising, making a big bold choice that should go a long way toward distinguishing his run from what came before. All I can say is hats off to the new creative team; it’s great to see that the book is in such capable hands.