There is plenty of crazy action contained in this single issue. Peter's identity is on the line, suspicion is being aroused at Horizon Labs, Kingpin is involved and we have two Hobgoblins thrown into the mix. It's a bad day to be Spider-Man but a great day for Spider-Man readers. Dan Slott and Christos Gage are making sure THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN goes out with a bang. There is even some hints about the upcoming story after this one. I never thought I could enjoy so much Spider-Man action without the Spider-Man costume even being present. I actually feel bad for readers that aren't keeping up with THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. They are indeed missing out on the fun. Read Full Review

If this issue doesn't have you anticipating and worrying about what's going to happen by the time #700 arrives, then you just aren't invested in Spider-Man as a character. It's that heavy. At any rate, if you aren't reading this comic, then I feel sorry for you. You're missing out on the best title currently being published. Read Full Review

With only a single issue to go before the final countdown to issue #700 begins in 'ASM' #698, writer Dan Slott isn't holding anything back on our good ol' friendly neighborhood web-slinger. He's delivered yet another bang-up issue that'll have you cheering, booing, and hugging the edge of your chair… and I have every expectation that things are only going to get more exciting as 2012 (and the end of an era) rushes to a close. Read Full Review

The same artistic problems persist with this issue as last time; either the new inker or the new colourist are doing something that is causing Camuncoli's strong linework to be drowned under a sea of colour — it needs either thicker inking, or a less sweeping colourist to elevate it back to the level it was when D'Armata and Janson were working on it. Camuncoli's work is always great, but it needs that little extra push to get it up to excellent.You'd never have guessed that Spidey's title would bounce back after Alpha so quickly, and even without him present in it. Spidey may be missing, but this issue is one of the best of Slott's run so far, with credit to Gage for his wonderful dialogue. Amazing Spider-Man is back to being amazing again. Read Full Review

As the 700th issue draws nearer, the action is ramping up as we're coming up on the conclusion of the series. I kind of feel bad for people who aren't keeping up with this series it's that great. Read Full Review

While the whole secret identity thing does get strained in terms of story logic, this is a fun diversion " even if it is just a diversion. Read Full Review

I hope Dan Slott doesn’t shit the bed with Amazing Spider-Man #700. I love Dan Slott and I want to keep on loving him. Read Full Review

As we close it on the promised epic 700th issue of Amazing, writer's Dan Slott and Christos Cage are really bring a sense of fun back to Spider-Man and it is a welcome return after a difficult couple of years. It feels great to be enjoying the marque Spider-Man title again after a very long absence and I hope that they continue their run for quite a while. Read Full Review

This issue gets a solid 4 web balls from me, and I'm patiently waiting for the last part of this story arc. Read Full Review

Being a genius inventor, Max seems on the cusp of figuring out Spider-Man's secret identity. Watching him break into the private lab where Peter stores all of the gear he "makes for Spider-Man" had me holding my breath as to what he would discover in there. This, along with Madame Webb's "flash of gold" prophecy and the seemingly innocuous golden spider-bot seen crawling out of the water, make for several mysteries to keep fans reading to see what will finally go down in the much-hyped Amazing Spider-Man #700. Read Full Review

Max gets into Peter's lab and tries to help him. Know that he is a genius inventor, he comes across all his inventions ‘for spider man'. The whole issue is good. I really can't wait for issue #700. The big finale!! Read Full Review

Dan Slott and Christos Gage are setting up something big in this issue, but the story falls flat. The dialogue is done well, but the plot is a mess. The art isnt as good this time around either, but I believe that Camuncoli can turn it around. Despite all of the flaws, the set up to the final arc make this issue worth the price. Read Full Review

By the end of Amazing Spider-Man #696 I was slightly underwhelmed by the cliffhanger, but there were enough good moments in this issue to let it squeak by with a very light recommendation. Read Full Review

Competent. You decide for yourself if that is worth $3.99. Read Full Review

Seriously though, Amazing Spider-Man #696 isn't a bad comic book. It was unbalanced, full of exposition with little punch. Next issue is the conclusion of the "Double Hobgoblin" story, and like so many comics these days, this issue will come to be judged by the whole rather than as an individual part. Here's hoping #697 provides the thrills and excitement that this issue lacked. Read Full Review

Amazing Spider-Man #696 continues the recent filler trend of issues we have been getting since End of the Earth. As much as I love Dan Slotts run on this title it is disappointing to see this become a trend. Even with an intriguing cliffhanger in the last issue the resolution was quick and lacked meaning. The same can be said for the battle between the two Hobgoblins and the involvement of the Kingpin and the Hand. It is to bad because these are some of Spider-Mans best villains. Read Full Review

Writing-C-(72%)
Art-F(46%)
Story-C+(76%)
Total-D-(64.6%)