Expectations have been high heading into Amazing Spider-Man #1000, with fans hoping for everything from Norman Osborn's return as the Green Goblin to the events of "One More Day" finally being undone and Peter Parker and Mary Jane's marriage being restored. Nothing like that happens in the anniversary issue's main story by Joe Kelly and Pepe Larraz, but that doesn't make it any less seismic. Aunt May has forgotten her entire history with her nephew, with it soon revealed that her newly discovered son, Cormac Crane, caused her stroke by using his powers as the sinister Ravage to remove those memories.
His actions stem from jealousy, and while he's undoubtedly a villain, Ravage's horror at learning Peter was responsible for his father's death makes his actions easier to understand. Only time will tell whether Peter's cousin has the same sort of impact as Venom—who debuted in Amazing Spider-Man #300—but he now holds May's memories of Peter, which makes the inevitable battles to come extremely high-stakes for Spider-Man.
For all its significance, this main story feels like a regular issue of Amazing Spider-Man, and while that's a little disappointing, where things go from here will ultimately decide the comic's legacy (Kelly's run has also been strong enough that even a "regular issue" still makes for a thrilling, compelling read). Either way, Kelly and Larraz remain a spectacular duo, and it's a satisfying, sincere tale, especially when revisiting Peter's past with his aunt. It's also beautifully illustrated, and Ravage's design pops.
The best backup tale is "Still Standing" by Noah Hawley and Patrick Gleason. Set in the distant future, we find Peter in a nursing home dealing with an old foe and a shocking return. It's superbly plotted, and it's baffling that Gleason still isn't Amazing Spider-Man's regular artist. J.M. DeMatteis and Humberto Ramos' "Requiem for a Goblin" is also excellent, taking us back to Harry Osborn's funeral and adding new depth to Peter's relationship with his friend-turned-foe.
Frank Miller and Peach Momoko's "Tears of the Spider-Queen" is beautifully illustrated, but too short to make much of an impact, and Triple H and Ed McGuinness' "The Big Night" is a sweet Peter/Uncle Ben tale that doubles up as a love letter to wrestling. It won't make a lasting impression, but the WWE Hall of Famer is clearly a big-name guest star writer.
Ultimate Spider-Man creative team Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen reunite for a very sweet tale celebrating the web-slinger's storied history (and what he means to the wider Marvel Universe). Larry Lieber and Giuseppe Camuncoli's "Of Webs and Six-Guns" is a fun diversion, and Dan Slott and Marcos Martin's "I Can Never Rest" ends Amazing Spider-Man #1000 on a meaningful, heartbreaking note. Throw in interviews with Tom Holland, Destin Daniel Cretton, and some comic book greats, and there's plenty of bang for your buck in this $9.99 issue.
It's a shame that Amazing Spider-Man #1000 didn't find room for J. Michael Straczynski and John Romita Jr., arguably one of the most iconic creative teams on the title; they're definitely missed, though the latter at least provides the main cover. Still, there was never going to be room for everyone, and what is here delivers. Taken as a whole, it's a celebration of all things Spider-Man, his incredible legacy, and what makes the hero the greatest in comic book history.
Amazing Spider-Man #1000 is a triumphant celebration of what makes Peter Parker so amazing. While the impact of its main story remains to be seen, it's a monumental chapter in the wall-crawler's history and a must-read anniversary comic. ⭐⭐⭐⭐