It says it all in the title: the latest Spider-Man trade paperback is heavily focused on brand-new sidekick superhero Spider-Boy. Introduced in the previous volume, Dan Slott and Mark Bagley have a surefire hit on their hands, as is proven by the character getting his own solo series. This latest release features Spider-Man #8-11, slowly detailing who this kiddo is and if he’s for real. Given he was unknown to everyone just a few months ago, it’s hard to gather if reality has anything to do with it!
The collection opens with Spider-Man reflecting on the fact that he got to be with Uncle Ben again. It sends him into a rage and further cements that the Spider-Verse can be cruel. The first three issues of this collection focus on Spider-Man not wanting to admit Spider-Boy could be real while Electro plots and plans.
A shining achievement of this collection is how Slott is interested in showing the larger supporting cast of Spider-Man characters. Aunt May gets some primo time in one scene — this time confronting Norman Osborn — and Norman must contend with her while keeping Spider-Man’s identity a secret. In these smaller moments where secrets are held, the secret identity part of things shines through.
Spider-Boy gets a lot of time to show off his abilities, revealing he has Spider-Man’s agility but lacks all his powers and even his web shooters. He does have a new ability that reveals he’s more monster than “man.” Deny it all you want, but Slott smartly proves Spider-Boy has always existed thanks to some quick moves that he knows will work on Electro.
It’s not until the end we get some answers concerning Spider-Boy, but it’s frustrating leading up to it. It reads like they’re drawing it out too much with excuses as to why they don’t just hash things out. Likely, they were saving up the good stuff for his solo series, but it’s silly how nobody sits down and explains it all out.
An ongoing element in this collection is Spider-Man’s Spider-Sense going haywire. Taking things even further, Slott shows how Spider-Man uses his noggin to utilize them and save everyone. It seemed impossible in previous issues, especially since it gave him a splitting headache, but he found a way. It’s a fun way to stretch his powers and bring a little science into the mix.
Artistically, the book looks great under Bagley’s detailed linework. The pages are sometimes overpacked, though the quality is never subpar. There’s only one full-page splash to slow things down and let you take action, showing how dense this comic reads. Any given panel on a page could feature detailed city sidewalks, firetrucks, and numerous people milling about on the street. Bagley never skimps on environmental details.
It makes sense Spider-Man would enlist Daredevil to teach him.
Credit: Marvel
The final issue serves as a flashback-heavy chapter revealing how Spider-Boy got his training, hints at a larger story concerning how he got his powers, and even digs into who made his costume. Throw in that there aren’t just one but two Spider-Man and Spider-Boy team-up adventures as a backup story included, and there’s plenty to love in the closing pages.
There’s a classic feel to these flashbacks that could easily fit into a Stan Lee-written comic. Slott cleverly weaves in different heroes to add to Spider-Boy’s origin. This makes sense since Peter isn’t much of a teacher and integrates him more fully within the universe. The villains used are nice B-listers, too, which helps mix things up. There’s even a good reason why Spider-Boy doesn’t fight A-List Spider-Man villains.
Love or hate Spider-Boy, the bottom line is it’s a fun character who doesn’t take things too seriously. Throw in satisfying answers to how Spider-Boy started his superhero adventures, and I’m sure many will be on board for more Spider-Boy adventures. If you have doubts about Spider-Boy, pick up Spider-Man Vol. 2: Who is Spider-Boy?. Hopefully, Marvel Legends will get us an action figure by Christmas.
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