Superior Spider-Man has returned to the comic shelves this week, featuring Doc Ock, Peter Parker, and, this time, Spider-Boy too. Firmly enmeshed with Spider-Boy, this new issue feels like the return of the series may have more to do with the Spidey sidekick than meets the eye. Crafted by writer Dan Slott and artist Mark Bagley, these two can’t ever miss, but should we be concerned Marvel is returning to familiar tricks?
Superior Spider-Man #1 builds off Superior Spider-Man Returns, including the reappearance of a villain introduced there, as well as continuing Otto’s search for more info. Currently, Otto knows he is Spider-Man but doesn’t know Spider-Man’s identity, which seems to be why he can’t remember everything. He slinks into the background of this issue, monitoring things as Supernova tries to burn Spider-Man into dust.
Pick this comic up if you like Spider-Man slapstick quips and deliciously detailed art. This is a Spider-Man who keeps it light and does the most heroic things possible while still trying to wrap his head around Spider-Boy being an actual sidekick all but forgotten. Like kickstarting a motorcycle, one can see Slott is gearing up for the return of classic Superior Spider-Man supporting characters while moving us closer to Otto concocting a plan.
That’s her name, don’t wear it out.
Credit: Marvel
It’s a little frustrating Otto’s plan still isn’t in focus, though. All the quipping and Spider-Boy shenanigans can’t cover up the fact that Otto has yet to get back into the suit, but at this stage, it’s clear it’s the first arc that’ll get us there. Still, by the end of the issue, there isn’t quite enough there to know what may happen next, making the cliffhanger too open-ended.
Bagley continues to bring his best work to the table and hasn’t skipped a beat. Scenes with busy New York with civilians and vehicles are rendered in great detail. Spider-Man thwips with the best poses, and the action is always dynamic. Pair the art with Joe Caramagna’s dynamic lettering, and this is appointment-level art.
This issue also features a backup story set during the classic Superior days, integrating Spider-Boy into past events. This backup does well to explain why we may not have seen Spider-Boy. Like Superior Spider-Man Returns, the backup also gives us classic Otto as Spider-Man dialogue and acts, including bravado and violent tendencies. It almost becomes a teaser for what’s to come if Otto manages to get inside Spider-Man’s body again. Nathan Stockman is a great backup artist for this one, delivering the cool-looking agility moves and high detail we’ve come to expect from Spider-Man titles.
This opening issue teases the next big move for Otto while delivering the best Slott and Bagley can bring. The Superior Spider-Man isn’t quite back yet, but this issue is doing a lot of work to set things up so the return is earned. I think patience is key here, as Slott and Bagley continue to bring their best work to Spider-Man after years of hits. Doc Ock isn’t quite back, but you can’t deny this is a fun-loving and exciting as Spider-Man gets under these creators.
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