Amazing Spider-Man #595

This issue begins the American Son story arc. In it, Spider-Man finally decides to go after Osborn while Osborn attempts to put the family business back together. This may all sound like it's been done a thousand times before, but Joe Kelly manages to pull it off in an entirely fresh new way.

One thing Kelly does effectively is convey Spider-Man's frustration about Osborn. Spidey has spent most of his life fighting the guy and trying to protect innocents from him. That's the guy who killed his first girlfriend and now he's the most powerful and popular man in the country. In a particularly effective scene with Wolverine, Spider-Man actually discusses his frustrations and gets some helpful advice on how to handle the situation.

Joe Kelly also handles the Osborns well. Norman has always tried to bring Harry into the business, Harry has always whined about his father, and the two have always hated each other, but it all feels natural and kind of cool this time around. Harry gets an offer to actually join Norman's Avengers. That's a cool offer. Of course, Harry refuses at first, but a twist ending reaffirms his belief in the family business. If you've seen any of the next few months' solicits, you'll know what I'm talking about.

With the dialogue being written so great this issue, Joe Kelly is officially batting one thousand. Jameson's rants about his father and Aunt May are hilarious. I loved Jameson's father's sass at Norman. Also, Harry was less annoying than he usually is. Spider-Man and Wolverine's little talk was probably the best part of the issue though and was truly fun to read.

As usual, Phil Jimenez does a great job handling the art. His characters show all the frustrations that Kelly conveys with his writing. He also makes almost everyone look appealing and proportionate. Sometimes his Harry Osborn looks a little chubby, but the Osborns are always funny-looking. Don't worry though, his incredible art for the fight scene makes up for any Osborn-fatness.

American Son has gotten off to a great start. This story is everything Brand New Day and Secret Invasion has been leading to for Spider-Man and Joe Kelly does a fantastic job making it interesting and important at the same time. The last two major arcs, New Ways to Die and Character Assassination, were a little lacking, so it's a treat to finally see one done the right way.