What is that Roger Stern has that so many of the other 80s greats seem to have lost.  If I ever try to read new books by guys like Byrne, Claremont et al I find it's just not worth the struggle, yet when Stern comes back to Spidey it's like he never went away.  This Juggernaut sequel was a joy to read from start to finish.  He sets us up with a real mystery, specifically just what it is that has stopped the Juggernaut and ploughed him into the ground of Central Park.  Most of this issue unfolds by following Spidey on the trail of the answers he needs.  Stern takes his time with this, but at the same time it doesn't feel like filler.  There's plenty happening, several bits of character interaction and some lovely details that make this clearly a Spider-man comic (Spider-laundry!).

I find it fascinating that this still reads very much like an 80s Spider-Man comic, yet that still works.  Stern probably uses more narration and script than the big writers of today, yet it feels meaty but not too dense.  He's not adapting his style to fit in with the current trend, but he's so good that he doesn't need to.  The story is brilliantly constructed too, going naturally from set-up to the trail for answers through to a nice cliffhanger that's a real treat for us long time Spidey readers.

Then there's that art.  It's absolutely gorgeous, as if there's a need for any further proof that Lee Weeks is a true modern master.  No one draws like this guy and he doesn't do nearly enough work, especially not on books as high profile as this one and I will never understand why.  If JRJR needs some back up on Avengers from time to time, this is the man who could fill in without missing a beat.  The use of shadows and the creation of mood in the first few pages is pitch perfect.  In a time when backgrounds are sometimes a forgotten art, this book is full of them, overflowing with details.  Every chapter of this story is going to be jaw dropping to look at.

Amazing Spider-Man continues it's consistent domination of the comic shelves.  It's self contained (while still sometimes reflecting the status quo of the Marvel U when needed), provides enough variety that you never get bored and almost always attracts the kind of talent that's without peer.  Classic, as always at the moment.