In this review of The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #2, Spider-Man begins to uncover the secrets of the book that turned Evangeline into a monster!
The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #2
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Pere Pérez
Main Cover: Mark Chiarello
Variant Covers: Ario Anindito, Gabriele Dell’Otto, Steve Rude, Pere Pérez
Page Count: 19 pages
Release Date: November 12, 2025
This review contains spoilers
In the morning, Spider-Man wonders who he can ask about figuring out the secrets of the mysterious book. Meanwhile, Evangeline confronts her employer, asking if he knew the book would change her, and accidentally knocks him out when he says no. Later, Spider-Man meets with Doctor Dunkle, asking him to look into the book for him. Doctor Dunkle agrees, but also asks questions about whether or not he may know Spider-Man’s civilian identity.
After attending a memorial for Lauren and Tom, MJ confronts Peter about choosing what matters to him, and Peter kisses her, cementing his choice. Evangeline’s employer finally wakes up and reveals the book’s history before telling her she is connected to it, and if she can find it, he can change her back.
Doctor Dunkle returns the book to Spider-Man, who brings it with him as Peter is on a date with MJ. Evangeline tackles Peter, and MJ manages to knock her off of him. Spider-Man appears just in time to stop Evangeline from attacking MJ, and the fight between them begins.
Analysis
The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #2 is a bit of a slower issue, though that doesn’t mean that it’s lacking. The plot just doesn’t do any heavy moving forward until the very end. However, each scene is still worth reading. The dialogue is well written, with a standout moment being when Peter thinks that, if he had been just a bit faster, he could have saved Lauren, the librarian. It’s a small, subtle moment that gives a glimpse into just how much Peter carries on his shoulders.
Another great moment is the conversation between Spider-Man and Doctor Dunkle. It’s a fun back-and-forth that starts with Spider-Man having the upper hand as he surprises the professor, but it shifts into Doctor Dunkle’s favor as he begins to question how Spider-Man knew that he would be there and whether or not he would recognize him. The dialogue manages to be fun while still getting the point across without too much filler.
The art in this series continues to impress. Characters are interesting and expressive, and those expressions are shown in creative ways, like focusing on Peter and MJ’s eyes as they talk to each other, or capturing different faces from different angles.
The moments when the book’s history is revealed are also worth noting. The panels from Evangeline’s employer to Doctor Dunkle’s shocked face as he uncovers the truth of the book, all while the book’s history comes to life in darkness and shadow, are different than anything else found in this issue, and it really emphasises the seriousness of the book’s properties. It also highlights the mystery of what the employer could have possibly wanted the book for and how he knows so much about it.
There isn’t much action in The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #2, which is unfortunate because the art contributes to the fast-paced nature of the final scene and leaves a strong sense of anticipation for the fight between Spider-Man and Evangeline that is to come.
Final Thoughts
The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #2 is a solid issue with great dialogue and art, but its slower pace and a lack of action might turn some readers away.
