Prepare to Enter The Spider-Verse

Marvel Comics and current Amazing Spider-Man writer Dan Slott have been busy this year. They have been preparing to take us through what’s been intimated as being the biggest Spider-Man event in years: Spider-Verse.
If you’re not already aware, the next few months will see the largest number of Spider-Men/Women/Girls (and even a Monkey and a Pig) from across the Marvel multiverse band together to combat a foe that Spider-Man hasn’t faced for over 10 years since the J.Michael Straczynski storyline ‘The Other’. This was a 12-part crossover story that ran across all the Spider-man books at the time.


The premise was that a mystical creature known only as ‘Morlun’ was intent on hunting and killing Spider-Man. At the end of the arc, Morlun was defeated and appeared to die. It would seem now that ‘Morlun’ has returned, and this time he’s brought his family.
The seeds for this story arc was planted during Slott’s Spider-Island arc in 2011, when Madame Web had her first premonition that the Web of Life was unraveling, and that ‘All the Spiders will die.’ It would appear that Dan Slott’s been planning this story for some time. It was later revealed that Slott’s intention was that Spider-Verse was to be a Superior Spider-Man story arc. However, the powers that be at Marvel insisted that it should be Peter Parker’s Spider-Man that faced ‘Morlun’ once again.


This time the outlook for Spider-Man is even more bleak. As Morlun and his ‘family,’ a group known as ‘The Inheritors,’ are hunting down and killing every and any Spider-Man, Woman, child, or animal they find in all realities across the Marvel multiverse.  They won’t find it easy, however, as for the first and possibly only time ever, Spider-Verse is set to become a story arc that features ‘Every Spider-Man…..ever’.


In a bold fresh and inventive tale, the plan is to incorporate every iteration of the character (that Marvel has the legal rights to use) into a huge storyline that is set to kick off in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man #9 on sale in November. The hype has already begun, and the prologue tie-in issues (Edge of Spider-Verse, Superior Spider-Man #32 – #33) are already on sale now. Reviews for those Issues can be found on this site here.


Marvel has announced that there will be various tie-in issues across the current Spider books in their stable. However, the core story that you need to follow will unfold solely in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man #9 – #14 in a self-contained 6 issue arc. Should you wish to obtain the wider story, then take out a bank loan, as you’ll be looking at around 29 issues for the whole picture, between now and January, once you factor in all the tie-in books. It is, however, the potential of the side-arcs within the tie-in that has me watering at the mouth, for just a few of the Spiders that are set to play a role within Spider-Verse include a return for characters and fan favourites such as Kaine, Superior Spider-Man, MC2 Spider-Girl, and also a resurrection of sorts for Benjamin Reilly, who incidentally will be “teaming up” with Kaine and Ultimate Scarlet Spider (Jessica Drew), in a tie-in mini-series called Scarlet Spiders, which I personally cannot wait for.

Another exciting element to this story arc includes the debut of ‘Miles Morales’ in the 616 universe. This will be a welcome addition following on from the fantastic success of Brian Bendis’ book Spider-Men from 2012. It’s also something that fans have been calling for: another meeting between 616 Spider-Man and his Ultimate comics counterpart.


As you can imagine, the size and scope of this entire arc is huge. There have even been tie-ins to this arc involving the ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ cartoon series. Here, Peter Parker has been meeting alternate world Spider-Men and Women. 

If that wasn't enough there is also a mobile app tie-in as Gameloft the makers behind The console games 'Ultimate Spider-Man' and movie tie-in games 'Amazing Spider-Man 1,2' have released 'Spider-Man Unlimited' which is available on I-store and Android formats to download for free. (I'm beginning to sound like an advert).

 It shows just how hard Marvel are pushing and promoting this series. They are intent that this Spider-Man event will be the biggest ever, by incorporating ‘Every Spider-Man Ever’……Will it be Marvel’s biggest success ever? I guess time (and sales) will tell.

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Review: Edge of Spider-Verse #3

Story By: Dustin Weaver

                      Artist: Dustin Weaver

 

Cover Art: Dustin Weaver

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Cover Price: $3.99

 

 

 For the first time in this Mini-Series, writer Dustin Weaver introduces us to a whole new Spider-Man. 

Within the pages of Edge of Spider-Verse #3 we meet with the character Aaron Aikman, a brilliant young Doctor in the field of molecular biology. 

Unlike his 616 counterpart Peter Parker. Aaron purposefully injected himself with Spider DNA to mutate it within his own molecular structure to study the effects. Though as much as the same happened to Peter, Aaron also found himself bestowed with great powers and became the protector of the innocents of New York City regularly patroling the city skyline as "The Spider-Man" 

 

This book starts of by giving us a complete run down of Aaron's backstory and the panels are littered with expostion, which is only to be expected as Weaver's remit was clearly to create a completly different take on the character, but still have the major elements Of Spider-Man in the story. Then to create a story engaging enough, that we the reader feel a connection to Aaron, and his supporting cast. As well as telling an original tale. 

We're also given insights into foe's from Aaron's universe with one having a direct connection to Morlun, the main antagonist for when the Spider-Verse storyline starts in earnest in November's Amazing Spider-Man #9.

 

Without going into to much detail about the plot of the book as not to spoil. Weaver has given us a world or at least Aikmans role within it steeped in science especially given the way the foe Naamurah has seemingly managed to cross dimension's and enter this particular universe. It's an interesting idea and to me at least gives of the feel of sci-fi horror, given the intense nature of the finale and the realization by "The Spider-Man" as to whom is being used as a vehicle for Naamurah.

 

A lot of credit has to be given to Dustin Weaver for this book, although at times the dialogue between the characters feels a little laboured and forced. However it's a small matter considering the amount of work Weaver clearly put into the book. Not only with the story, script but also the pencils and cover art as well. as he carved out his vision of a whole new Spider-Man and in that sense i feel that he succeeded extremely well.

 

I really enjoyed how the art complimented the script and the dialogue which mase it feel like an early 1990's  story, and the breakdown and detailed description of both the foe's in this book being depicted on collectors card was a nice touch and added to the 90's feel.

 

I'll admit I was slightly disappointed that the costume created for this Spider-Man felt a little derivative of Tony Stark's Iron Man armour, with Aaron's mask/helmet having a heads up LED display, but the addition of having camera's placed around his head to act as eyes was nicely done and made a lot of sense. However a couple of the panels showed Aarons face beneath the mask whilst dealing with action to convey emotion which i didn't really feel worked and seemed to me too reminiscent of Iron Man again. 

 

I will say though for an entirely new iteration of Spider-Man and given the scope of the Spider-Verse storyline this was a brave and interesting direction to take and overall i did like the book. it felt rushed at times but that's not any fault you could label at Weaver. he was given a directive and i believe he fulfilled it well. After all there's only so much you can say in a 21 page story. It wasn't a book that i can say wowed me, not in the same way as i was by the first two parts of this mini series. but netherless if you're someone intent on picking up all the books connected to Spider-Verse then it's worth the money.

 If though you're not interested in the plight of a character that was clearly created to be part of the overall Spider-Verse tale and then never heard from again then I'd regard this book as non essential.

 

 My rating 7.0 An interesting take on the character and a good sci-fi tale. 

 

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Five Spider-Men and Women that I'd like to survive Spider-Verse

Unless for the past few months you've been, under a rock, Hunting your former WW2 buddy or saving the galaxy from Alien's named Ronan then you should be aware by now that the next few months will see the biggest Spider-Man event in years Spider-Verse.

I'm sure you're aware of the premise and if not make yourself aware by reading my blog entry on Spider-Verse "Spider-Verse: will it be Dan Slott's Opus?" Ok the premise is Morlun is out to kill every Spider-Man, Woman, Monkey and Ham in the Marvel Multiverse. 

It's already a debate among Spider-Fans about who will be the one's to live and who will die. This list offers the case for Five of the Spider's that i'd like to see survive the Spider-culling This is purely my own opinion on the matter and I'm sure you'll have your own favourites. so without much further ado read on.

May "Mayday" Parker - Spider-Girl (Earth-982) 
 

May Parker first made her Debut in the Marvel Multiverse back in a "What If?" storyline in 1998 which proved popular enough to give the character her own ongoing series written by creators Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz.and became the longest running female led Superhero book in Marvel's history.

Unlike the traditional Marvel universe (Earth - 616) May Parker Lives with her father and mother Peter Parker and M.J Watson-Parker and is a feature in Marvel's MC2 universe (Earth-982) an alternate and future universe to the 616. 

In the MC2 May is rescued as a baby by Kaine (Peter Parker's clone)  from the clutches of Alison Mongrain who was payed by Norman Osborn to kidnap and kill the Parker's child. In the 616 the fate of "Baby" May is never addressed and she is thought long dead. 

The book was cancelled in 2009 but the fans of "Mayday" were heartened to hear that one of their favourites was to feature in the forthcoming "Spider-Verse" and that she would be making her bow in the 616 universe. 

Given that she is an alternate reality's version of the daughter that 616 Peter Parker has long thought dead, (Marvel may be trying to deny her ever existing, but during the 90's MJ was heavily preganant, YOU can't deny that Marvel *Shakes Fist*), any interaction between the two will surely make for interesting reading, Unless of course she becomes one of the Spiders that bow out of Spider-Verse at the hands of Morlun. 

If that is the case then it'll be heartbreaking for the thousands of Spider-Girl fans as well as the character of Peter Parker whom, whilst not knowing what became of his own realities version of May, Will probably bare witness to knowing that the daughter he and M.J should've had has now also died due to who he is. whereas should she survive then it'd give Peter pride that somewhere his daughter is continuing the good fight.. If this speculation does indeed occur then i feel it would be to Marvel's detriment, 

For not only would they effectively be saying that from now on there will never be another re-launch of the Spider-Girl title with May wearing the webs. I believe it also sets out the wrong tone in terms of female superhero role models. In a time where the company is already fielding a lot of derision towards the lack of a female led super-hero movie. By killing off a well received character albeit one from an alternate universe. Marvel could be making a rod for their own back. This is why I feel that May Should be a Spider that needs to survive if only to save any more grief to Peter.

Ben Reilly- Spider-Man

Ben Reilly's back, lets keep him...........Oh you actually want me to make a case for Ben Reilly. Ok then. well here it is. First though a little background on a character you may not be familiar with.

Born out of the original clone saga Amazing Spider-Man #139 - #150. As the original Clone of Peter Parker. it was thought that he died during a fight against Spider-Man, who then disposed of the clone's body by dumping him in a warehouse smoke stack. 

It later transpired that The Clone wasn't dead and awoke and returned to Peter's apartment where he spied Peter and Mary Jane through the window.

Confused he left New York dejected to realise he was a Clone and not the original Peter Parker.

Years later he returned to New York drawn to an ailing Aunt May, that he never knew, Ben felt the pull to strong to stay away after gaining knowledge that May was dying. Also drawn by the night, Ben was soon swinging through the New York Skyline under a new name both in and out of costume. 

 He took the name Ben Reilly in tribute to Peter's Aunt May and Uncle Ben (Reilly being May's Maiden name) and was dubbed The Scarlet Spider by a reporter at The Daily Bugle. Teaming up with Spider-Man to battle against the Jackal, who had a plan to kill everyone on Earth and replacing them with clones. It was shortly after defeating the Jackal that Peter appeared the effects of cellular degeneration, an affliction that was prevalent in all the clones the Jackal had created.  Believing that Peter was in fact the Clone he and a heavily pregnant Mary Jane left New York for a new life in Portland, Oregon (after being tricked into thinking that Ben was actually the Real Peter Parker) leaving Ben to take up the mantle Spider-Man.

During his time wearing the webs, Ben was a divisive character and sales of the book suffered after many long term readers felt cheated the Peter Parker they had been reading about and following the adventures of for 20 years was in fact relegated to the status of a clone. However Ben Reilly grew his own loyal fanbase and when Marvel attempted to poorly rectify the problem of falling sales by bringing the Original Green Goblin (Norman Osborn) back from the dead stating he was the mastermind behind the entire clone saga the whole time. the whole series was becoming an unmitigated mess. 

In a last gasp attempt to solve what was becoming a huge problem to Marvel it was decided that The Goblin would reveal that Peter was in fact the original Spider-Man and Ben was indeed the clone. to illustrate the point Ben died at the hands of the Green Goblin saving whilst Saving Peter from being impaled by Goblins glider  his body dissolving into a gooey mess which resembled what the story had become. 

16 years later the Ben Reilly fans have got their wish, with the news that a Ben Reilly will once again be web-slinging his way through the Spider-Verse, albeit an Alternate version where in his universe Peter and Mary Jane never returned from Oregon. 

The need for Ben to survive is that if he dies again in Spider-Verse it'll be a smack in the face for the loyal Reilly fans who have been clambering for a return of a character who they and I feel was handled unfairly and poorly by the editorial team and the writers. Not only that but he offers potential and opportunity for interesting conflicts for the man currently going by the Scarlet Spider name. Kaine. The two have a history as conflicting clones and it'll be interesting to see how that plays out.

 

Peter Parker - Spider-Man Noir (Earth-90214)

Created by writers David Hine and Fabrice Salpolski. Spider-Man Noir is a universe set in the days of the depression in 1930's New York. an interesting and slightly darker take on Peter Parker who gained his powers after getting bitten by a spider, that was hidden inside a mystic African totem. Passing out from the bite Peter dreams of the Spider-God Anansi and when he awakens discovers he now has acquired the powers of an Arachnid.

As with his 616 counter part it is tragedy that befalls the noir universe Uncle Ben who gets shot in a gangland style killing although before Peter get's his powers. It is Peter who discovers Ben's mutilated body, however, it is the memory of his uncle's death that causes Peter Parker to don his costume and go into action against the city's mob bosses as 'The Spider-Man' 

I'm looking forward to the Noir Peter Parker's interactions with 616 Spider-Man, although he's already met and a part of the Team that Superior Spider-Man (SpOCK) has put together to face of against 'Karn'. 

But it is the relationship between two Peter's who have a similar background in two differing generations. it'll be interesting to see how 616 Peter reacts to a number of alternate Parker's having had or who are still involved in romantic relationships with Mary-Jane Watson. also it'll be compelling to see the reaction of Noir Spider-Man once he discovers the man who saved him in Edge Of Spider-Verse #1 is in fact the 616 version of 'Doctor Octopus'. 

So why should Noir Spidey survive Spider-Verse? The one glaring issue that strikes me is the fact that Marvel are more than aware that Spider-Man Noir has a large fan-base in it'll only grow larger due to his involvement in Spider-Verse. I see it as Marvel testing the water to give a number of Spider's either a new mini series as a prologue to Spider-verse or even perhaps a new ongoing series.

One that would be nailed on for an ongoing in my book would be Spider-Man Noir, given the fan interest is there, whether it lasts though i feel is certainly worth investigating. a return to a grittier darkier feel to Spider-Man books? I'd buy it.

Gwen Stacy - Spider-Woman

Another of the Spider-Women, that would be a great addition to the ranks of AU (Alternate Universe) Spider-People, is a recent incarnation. of Gwen Stacy. 

Anyone that's read this blog in the last few days or even visited any Spider-Man related forum, will be aware of the current "buzz" surrounding the character. Which has a lot to do with creator's Jason Latour and artist Robbi Rodriguez. 

They've created for Gwen a vibrant colourful universe for her to ply her Spider heroics within. It not only gives a fresh outlook on the Spider Mythos she's also one of the Spider-People that'll feature in Spider-Verse that isn't an alternate iteration of Peter Parker. or even a relation. 

The reason Gwen needs to survive the Spider-Verse experience, isn't just because we the fans have only seen her once, and instantly taken her to our hearts. No she needs to survive as her character has infinite potential. at a time where sections of Marvel are under-fire for lack of announcements for solo super-heroine movies. which according to some means there's a lack of female role-models for girls to read about. If that's the case (Which it's really not) what better way to get girls interested in comic books than have a young strong independent female teenager who is struggling with deciding what her college major should be, and balancing her time with her friends, band practice, studies, family life or and swinging round the city fighting crime bosses and muggers? 

Hang on?? doesn't all this sound a bit familiar? yep but who's to say that young girls and  young ladies in their early teens wouldn't embrace having a character that they can relate to, in much the same way 50 years ago another comic book teen showed the youngsters of the day that hero's also suffered real-world issues. 

However if they bring a character like Gwen Stacy Spider-Woman, to the fore and public conciousness only to "kill" her off again in Spider-Verse. then Marvel i feel would have missed an opportunity. 

Some may also point to the fact that, there have previously been stand-alone Spider-Woman books released in the past, and that current 616 Spider-Woman is set to get a solo book re-launch in November, and that there are enough "Spin-off" versions of Spider-Man currently on the market. That all adding another Spider-book to the mix would saturate the marker just to cash in on the popularity of a character in much the same vein that's happened recently with Hulk and Wolverine.

They would be entitled to that view, however the way i see it is. Keeping Gwen Stacy alive, allows us the reader to view a character that we're already familiar with be placed in an unfamiliar situation. and by the sounds of the clamour from Spider-Fans its a situation we want to see.

Peter Parker - Assassin Spider-Man  (Earth - 8351) 

One of the darker Spider-Men to appear in the Spider-Verse story line is the Peter Parker from Earth 8351, Making a return to the Spider-books since his debut within a What if? storyline, What if Spider-Man Vs Wolverine #1 from January 2008.

That issue asked the question what would happen if Spider-Man never returned to New York and his new bride, Mary Jane, after accidentally killing Wolverine's friend in Russia. An incident that was also experienced by the 616 Spider-Man in the 1987 storyline "High-Tide" (Spider-Man Vs Wolverine).

Whereas 616 Peter returned back to New York and soul searched over whether he could continue as Spider-Man after taking a life, he eventually did. The 8351 version of Peter Parker remained in Russia with Wolverine taking out the KGB threat.

Now after being recruited by Superior Spider-Man in the pages of Superior Spider-Man #32 to help fight against the threat of Morlun and the Inheritors The Assassin Spider-Man is set to play a pivitol role within Spider-Verse.

Given that he is more in line with Superior Spider-Man and Wolverine in attitudes towards villains he is netherless a "Peter Parker" and how the "Other" Parker's react to him will be interesting to see, as it will be seeing how Assassin reacts to more light-hearted Spider-Men especially seeing as he's a Parker divorced from Mary Jane, and an expertly trained S.H.I.E.L.D operative who has no issue's with killing. in fact he's only likely to find an ally in Kaine's Scarlet Spider or SpOCK.

I do feel that this is a Spider Though who needs to become of of the few to survive Spider-Verse. after-all he's highly trained. so much so that he's beaten Black widow in fights. has a wonderful array of weapons at his disposal with guns in his web-shooters making the shooters part more than an apt name, he's a more serious Peter Parker. focused and driven in doing what it takes to get the job done. 

By having a character like Assassin Spider-Man survive would balance the storyline well and provide a welcome contrast to the narrative. Bearing in mind the darker tone of the whole Spider-Verse storyline it'd feel a bit silly if Every Spider-Man was cracking jokes and trying to out mock each other. I'm personally looking forward to seeing a lot of Assassin in the story as it's a differing take on a character we're all familiar with which can't be a bad thing. 

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Has "Silk" Woven her way to a Solo Title?

According to Bleeding Cool, it appears that Marvel Comics has recently applied for a trademark to be registered for the word “Silk.” As it states on their website, the trademark applied for will cover:

Comic books; printed periodicals in the field of comic book stories and artwork; printed visuals in the nature of comic book stories and artwork; posters

This news has led to Bleeding Cool speculating that, we may well see a solo title for the character following the up-coming Spider-Verse event
If this is indeed the case, then it would appear that Marvel have big exciting plans for a character that to date has made the sum total of three appearances within any comic book title since her debut in Amazing Spider-Man #4

If you’ve been keeping up with the series, this was the issue where we learned that Peter Parker was not the only person bitten by the radioactive bug all those years ago. As in the fabled words of Yoda In Empire Strikes Back “There is another.”
Spider-Man writer Dan Slott has indicated on a number of comic-con panels recently that “Silk” has a very large part to play within Spider-Vers,e and will be a part of Peter Parker’s life for the next few months after. Kinda spilling the beans that “Silk” will make it through Spider-Verse and come out the other side alive. Dan? DAN? Spoiler’s DAN!
Still, speculation regarding any kind of “Silk” solo book is the hot topic at the moment since this news was released, with fan forums debating the merits of the character and whether or not she can carry a solo book based on her limited number of appearances thus far.
Not to mention that Marvel recently cut down the number of female comic books within their stable and given that Spider-Woman is being re-launched in November and the calls for a Gwen Stacy Spider-Woman book following the success of the Spider-Verse prologue story in Edge of Spider-Verse #2. There could be an argument that a “Silk” book isn’t really needed at this time.
I’d certainly be surprised if Marvel were preparing the way for a regular monthly series for a character who’s had little to no character development, unless the current feelings regarding a monthly book  are incorrect and Marvel’s plans are in fact centered around producing a mini-series. Which would make more sense in the long run, as rushing head-long into a regular monthly would be seen by many as a huge gamble.


There is one other interesting development, however, that does tend to lend weight to the speculation that the character is about to get a solo book whether a mini or regular ongoing, and that would be a tweet by “Silk” creator Dan Slott who earlier this week tweeted this.

Well that was a nice little piece of (secret) news! Have I mentioned recently how much I love, love, love @Marvel? Well I do! <3
— Dan Slott (@DanSlott) September 22, 2014

Right now it’s unclear as to what the tweet was referring to, but seeing as the Bleeding Cool news broke shortly after, we can speculate that the tweet alludes to the trademark application, or he’s been made privy to what plans Marvel have and how they see the character moving forward.

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Review: Edge of Spider-Verse #2

Release Date 17-09-2014

  Story By: Jason Latour

                      Artist: Robbi Rodriguez 

 

Cover Art: Robbi Rodriguez

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Cover Price: $3.99

Gwen Stacy: Spider-Woman? whomever came up with that one in the Marvel office's needs a damn raise. even if it was billed as a one-shot under the guise of a What-If? this story would still rock.....probably as a song played by "The Mary Janes" at a gig.

The fact that this issue has already gone to a second printing is really no surprise to anyone that's read the issue. as it's one of the freshest books released by Marvel this year. 

Released as a tie-in to the up-coming Spider-Verse, edge of Spider-Verse is a 5 part mini-series that introduces us to Spider-People who are set to play a pivotal role within the main adventure which starts in November in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man #9. 

The creators of this story, Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriguez seem to have tapped into the pysche of the collective Spider fanbase, and considering the current popularity of Gwen Stacy as a character in general following Emma Stone's portrayal in the Amazing Spider-Man come up with a new take on Gwen that is refreshing and different. 

From the first pages we are wowed by Rodriguez's vibrant artwork and wonderful colours that pull us into the story of a recently graduated high school girl struggling with the pressures of responsibilty and also trying to keep her ultimate secret from her Police Captain Father.

The other very interesting aspects to this story that warrant the calls for this series to be given it's own ongoing title are, it would appear in what ever universe this is then Matt Murdoch is apparently legal counsel for Wilson Fisk (The Kingpin).

The dynamic that has been presented to us by Latour and Rodriguez is superb the art the colours the background and narrative laid out by Latour, feels reminiscent of early Spider-Man books, as we join Gwen in her first few forays into the hero world. 

The one thing this book did is ramp up the expectations and excitement for Amazing Spider-Man #9 where Gwen Stacy is set to make her next appearance this time in the 616 universe. 

This book however is where it begins, not just this Gwen's involvement in Spider-Verse. No This is where our love affair with the Gwen Stacy character begins anew and i basically cannot get enough of where this ride will take us.

Our Rating: 9.1

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Review: Superior Spider-Man #33

Release Date 09-17-2014

 

 Story By: Christos Gage & Dan Slott

                      Artist: Giuseppe Camuncoli

 

Cover Art: Giuseppe Camuncoli

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Cover Price: $4.99

The second Issue of the prologue to Spider-Verse, See's The dimension hopping Superior Spider-Man and his band of rescued Spider-Men, Monkey, and Girls, find themselves in the year 2818 where they encounter Cy-borg Spider-Man, and the assailant that has been killing Spider-Men throughout the Muti-verse. It's also here that Superior Spider-Man (Doctor Octopus) has decreed that they should make their stand against their hunter Karn. 

It's been a welcome return to see these last two issues of Superior Spider-Man that lead directly into the forthcoming Spider-Man event, Spider-Verse.

For many the last we saw of SpOCK was when he relinquished control of Spider-Man's body back to Peter Parker, during the tail end of Goblin Nation. nut here we see him in his pomp back at his arrogant best. when he still believed himself to be The "Superior" Spider-Man.

It's a shame that we only have a limited time with SpOCK again as thses issues have shown what an interesting character it is that Christos Gage and Dan Slott created. and Giuseppe Camuncoli shows with the art work in this book just why he is regarded by many as one of the best Spider-Man artists currently around.

The speed in which the story moves forward and yet flows seamlessly from panel to panel paired with dialogue of the banter between the differing Spider-people is due to the excellent writing by Gage aided Slott's scripting, which just keeps the reader turning the page and enthused for Spider-Verse. as twist follows twist and we find out more about the mysterious "Karn", especially when two further characters Brix and Bora arrive drawn to the presence of Spider-Totems. Generating more Hype for when the Spider-Verse story arc kicks off proper in Amazing Spider-Man #9 in November. Whereas Camuncoli's art jumps of the page in spectacular form drawing (Pun intended) the reader into the world that Gage and Slott are inviting us into.

Should the level of writing and art of this event continue to build on the excellent start that these two issue have given it then we readers are in for one hell of a ride. an overall score for this prologue as a whole I would have to give is a fantastic 

9.0

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Gwen Will she get her own regular title?

 

  

Move aside, Jessica Drew There’s a New Spider-Woman in town, if only for the short time of Spider-Verse before heading back to what-ever alternate universe Marvel state she’s from.

Since the release of Edge of Spider-Verse #2 the Spider-Man Fan forums have been inundated with one demand and it’s directed at the higher-ups at Marvel comics. 

Give “Spider-Gwen” a mini-series or better yet an ongoing regular book following Spider-Verse.

The fan forums have spoken and it’s to state this is what they want. Sales of Edge of Spider-Verse #2 would also appear to bare this out as the book has gone to a second printing, meaning it can only be a matter of time before a solo book for Gwen becomes a reality 

Although, does she even deserve one? Based on the current clamour of her only appearance (So far) it would appear that it’s something the fans are interested in, if fanboys and fangirls up and down the internet shout loud enough it may be enough for the editors in the Spider-Office, Nick Lowe and associate editor Ellie Pyle to give their cries an ear. 

There is obviously no doubt that they’ve heard the demands. They’re both on twitter after-all.  Every tweet they read must cause them to release a slight smile, as they must’ve known what would happen, let’s face it. Gwen Stacy is a character who’s always been known by Spider-Fans for two things. Being the love of Peter Parker’s life and for being thrown off a bridge, and yet her popularity has only grown thanks to the stellar portrayal by Emma Stone in The Amazing Spider-Man film franchise.

So have Marvel been clever and teased the idea of a Gwen Stacy: Spider-Woman within the guise of a Spider-Verse one-shot tie-in. to test the water? Hoping for such a response from fans if that’s the case it wouldn’t be the first time Marvel have played that game

As seen with the return of Miguel O’Hara, in the pages of Superior Spider-Man. Which  saw the return of a popular character who now is back under his own title Spider-Man 2099 and if that’s not on your pull-list then it really should be.

Of course a lot of the popularity has to be down to the writing team of Jason Latour and artist Robbi Rodriguez, who’ve re-invented the character of Gwen Stacy in a way that fans would appear to love. And flipped the relationship between Peter and Gwen in a sense that, Gwen is not dependant of Peter, she’s for the first time her own character a strong, smart tough college girl, who’s wrestling with the power and her responsibilities within this story. 

I honestly think that Marvel are planning on giving Gwen Stacy Spider-Woman at least a mini-series. The current popularity pretty much ensures that her character will be one of the Spider’s that survives Spider-Verse. It’s pretty much a no-brainer for Marvel. They now know the audience is there. Waiting, wailing, it’s up to Marvel just how long they leave us “Climbing the walls”

 

DO you think Marvel should give Gwen Stacy a solo book, or should remain in limbo after Spider-Verse? Should she get killed off again during Spider-Verse? 

Why not let me know in the comments or follow me on Twitter @TelFirth

Thanks For Reading.