In this review of The Amazing Spider-Man #4, Hobgoblin’s attack on Spider-Man commences!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #4
Writer: Joe Kelly
Artist and Main Cover: Pepe Larraz
Variant Covers: Mark Chiarello, Greg Land, Pepe Larraz, Alex Ross
Page Count: 19 pages
Release Date: May 21, 2025
This review contains spoilers.
The Amazing Spider-Man #4 opens with Brian discovering that the can Peter left him was drugged and using it to explain Peter’s recent behavior to their boss. Meanwhile, Hobgoblin takes on Peter, goading him about being unable to figure out his motive as Peter slips back into hallucinations about his lost loved ones.
Peter overhears Itsy Bitsy warning Hobgoblin that Peter’s coworkers have reached out to the authorities about the substance on the can, and she promises to kill Peter while Hobgoblin takes care of them. Peter slips into another hallucination about he first time he drank. In his memory, he returned to his aunt and uncle drunk, which led to a heartfelt talk with May, where he admitted he was afraid of losing them.
In his delusional state, Peter says he loves Itsy Bitsy, but then takes it back, distracting her and causing her to fly into anger. He uses the distraction caused by his words to subdue her, then chases after Hobgoblin, who is flying to confront Brian.
Analysis
The Amazing Spider-Man #4 is the issue that this run desperately needed. The action in this issue feels seamless. It moves from page to page without hesitation and doesn’t sacrifice the personalities of Hobgoblin, Itsy Bitsy, or Spider-Man.
This is the most cohesive of Peter’s hallucinations since the beginning. The reader understands where the idea of loss comes from and how Peter starts with one thought and then starts slipping from place to place. However, Mary Jane’s inclusion in the section felt odd.
While Shay was included, it was clear that it came from the fear of losing her, especially after the incident where she was put in harm’s way. Putting Mary Jane next to Gwen, and after several people in Peter’s life who had died when she is still alive, just not romantically interested in him for now, pulled me out of the moment.
I understand what they were going for, because in a way, Peter did “lose” her, but I feel like they could have done it in a better way than to put her directly alongside people whose deaths Peter witnessed and feels responsible for.
The hallucinations focusing on his aunt were touching and also confirmed that Peter’s behavior came from a fear of loss, and not anger. The fact that so many of these have featured conversations with his aunt and not his uncle has set up the differences in the relationships he once had with them, a consistency that I wasn’t expecting but was glad to see.
Once again, the art in The Amazing Spider-Man #4 fits perfectly into the story. Hobgoblin steals the show in the beginning. An intimidating figure partially cloaked in shadow and highlighted with fire, he looks every bit the villain. Itsy Bitsy also looks frightening here, particularly towards the end of the issue in a panel where Peter’s accidental confession makes her so angry that she fully opens her mouth, exposing a terrifying image of gums and teeth.
As has been the case for several issues, each character’s movement is perfect. From Spider-Man dodging Hobgoblin’s flaming sword to knocking out his men as he flings himself into the air to young Peter running away from his aunt and uncle in one of the hallucinations, every pose is intentional and masterfully drawn.
The end of The Amazing Spider-Man #4 feels like a perfect cliffhanger. It’s suspenseful, with good news for Peter being the very thing that has caused Hobgoblin to target his friend and workplace. Hobgoblin doesn’t even seem to be in a particular hurry. His face is curled up in a smirk, like he’s already won, leaving the reader anticipating what comes next.
Final Thoughts:
The Amazing Spider-Man #4 is a fantastic issue full of action without sacrificing character, story, or pacing. However, a few minor missteps are just strong enough to pull the reader out of the fun.
