Spider-Man has always had a sidekick, but everyone forgot about Spider-Boy, including us readers. His origin has largely been a secret since he came onto the scene, save for teases, but we finally get some answers in Spider-Boy #1. It’s a series Dan Slott has cooked up in a stew of monsters, creative villains, and a highly positive and proactive Spider-Boy lead character. With a lot on the line, do Slott and Paco Medina pull off a solid first issue?
It’s pretty apparent at this point creating a character who everyone forgets is a unique way to get back into a new origin and a slew of new characters. Slott maximizes this right off the bat with Spider-Boy and Spider-Man fighting Gutterball. He’s a villain with a bowling ball for a head who is a bonafide bowling ball bandit. If that sounds ridiculous, that’s because it is, but it’s super fun regardless. The humor doesn’t stop there, as animal/monster mashups enter the story with equally silly names.
The latter villains allow Spider-Boy to pursue his adventure as Madame Monstrosity targets him. She, too, has forgotten him, but this issue reveals a bit more about how Spider-Boy was created, as well as what she’s up to on The Farm.
Some may argue there’s no need for a character like this, but if you ever loved the quirky, quippy side of Spider-Man, you’ll fall in love with the entire vibe of this book. That includes the story, but Spider-Boy himself. There’s a vibrancy and youthfulness we don’t always see with Spider-Man that’s turned up to eleven here.
I kinda love this new villain.
Credit: Marvel
While the puns fly, Medina delivers big in-your-face art that’s super fun. Colors are super bright thanks to Erick Arciniega, which aids in the super youthful feel and fun vibe throughout. All of Spider-Boy’s powers are on full display, be it his agility or his fangs. Medina makes this feel like a Spider-Man book and a younger reader-friendly romp.
My only gripe with backing into Spider-Boy’s origin, however, is that it can feel like we’re being jerked around a bit. Instead of being along for the ride, Spider-Boy refuses to tell anyone what the deal is or how he got here. It’s not earned like it could be but instead hidden in a forced way. I’m all for how this all pans out, but I’m not sure my patience can continue for much longer.
This issue closes out with the backup story “Baloonacy” with art by Ty Templeton. If the main story wasn’t proof of how highflying fun this series is trying to be, this backup will make you believe it. The villain literally weaponizes the hot air balloons at the Thanksgiving parade with a carnival barker-style costume to go with the outrageous idea of committing crimes. Along for the ride is Squirrel Girl, who also doesn’t remember Spider-Boy, and she adds to the over-the-top silliness of it all.
Templeton’s art is super clean and fun. I particularly liked how he rendered Squirrel Girl’s facial expressions, adding big emotions to scenes.
Spider-Boy is a ton of fun that’s quirky with a burst of visual storytelling that’ll please fans, young and old. There isn’t a goofier comic out right now, and that’s a compliment.
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