The Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (2019) series from writer Tom Taylor and artists Juann Cabal, Nolan Woodard, Federico Blee, & Travis Lanham has been one of the most consistent and impressive Spider-Man runs in recent years.
The run not only comprises exhilarating story arcs and gorgeous art, but it also provides some beautiful characterization of Peter Parker himself as he navigates a life in which one of his closest loved ones, Aunt May, must endure a great hardship.
Thus, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man has provided striking and raw tales that truly tug at the heartstrings. Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6 is no different as it exemplifies the core of the Spider-Man persona in a simple, genuine, one-shot tale.
A New Dynamic Duo
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6 opens with Spider-Man battling Doctor Octopus on the Manhattan Bridge. Unfortunately for Spider-Man though, he is losing the battle pretty badly.
Thankfully though, a a new hero comes onto the scene and rescues Spider-Man in the knick of time, the one and only Spider-Bite.
Now, Spider-Man's tinier, nine-and-a-half year old counterpart initially appears to be small and harmless. Though, he proves to be a worthy fighter as he not only takes on Doctor Octopus, but also the notorious Vulture with great might.
Thus, both Spider-Man and Spider-Bite continue their adventure fighting crime together, eventually coming face-to-face with not the Sinister Six, but the Sinister Sixty!
Though, despite the seemingly insurmountable number of opponents before them, the new duo overcome their enemies.
Of course, by this point in the story, the reader may be feeling a tad confused, wondering, since when did Spider-Man get a sidekick?
Well, there is more to the story.
Behind the Mask
As Spider-Man and Spider-Bite chat on a rooftop post-battle, Spider-Bite begins coughing profusely.
We soon come to realize that the duo is not actually in the middle of the city. Rather, they are in a hospital room in which Spider-Bite, also known as Nathan, lives.
Nathan's father, in addition to a multitude of the hospital staff, participated in the role-playing adventure alongside Spider-Man to provide Nathan with the superhero experience.
Of course, all adventures must come to an end. So, as Spider-Man prepares to leave and Nathan's parents get him ready for bed, Nathan has an outburst.
He wants his adventures to continue and does not want to miss out on a moment with Spider-Man.
After this sudden outburst, Nathan's parents pull Spider-Man aside.
They inform him that Nathan always wanted to be Spider-Man for a day, and our friendly neighborhood webhead fulfilled that dream for him.
Unfortunately though, Nathan did not want his day to end, not because he is a restless kid who wants to stay awake, but because he is afraid that he does not have many days left to experience these adventures.
So, Spider-Man does what a hero would do.
He tells Nathan his adventures as a superhero are far from over and takes him webslinging.
The Beginning
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6 is simply a powerful and inspiring issue. Whenever we read a Spider-Man comic or watch a live-action Spider-Man film, we often see our favorite webslinger battling notorious villains or attempting to navigate a life as both Peter Parker and a superhero.
In this issue though, we see Spider-Man exemplify a mode of heroism we do not often see but certainly know to exist. We are reminded how Spider-Man serves his neighborhood outside of crimefighting as he pays attention to the citizens of the very neighborhood he protects.
Despite his superhuman abilities and constant summons for duty, he remains grounded.
Spider-Man does not lose touch with his own humanity nor the struggles of those he looks out for, and this is exactly why he is one of the most beloved superheroes throughout comic book history.
Panels & Hues
The artwork of Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (2019) has been absolutely captivating. In regard to Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6, the image featured above is one of my favorites.
The side-by-side illustration of Spider-Man and Spider-Bite embodies every aspect of the adventure they take on together. The colors are vibrant and dynamic, maintaining the impact of Nathan and Spider-Man's imagination throughout this adventure.
So, overall, the artwork of Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6 maintains an immersive nature that will catch a reader's eye in each and every panel.
What Lies Beyond
As aforementioned, the 2019 run of Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is a series that basically any comic book fan would appreciate.
It is certainly a multi-faceted series that authentically portrays Spider-Man's wit, strength, and compassion.
As a result, each issue in this series is a breath of fresh air. Sure, we have experienced the tales and adventures of Spider-Man for generations now.
However, a series such as this brings on new challenges that present personal and poignant developments of the Spider-Man character we all know and love.
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