The subtitle for Superior Spider-Man #3 is “Time is running out,” and I wager many are thinking the same for their patience as Doc Ock still hasn’t reclaimed Spider-Man’s body. That isn’t to say this series has been bad. Far from it, as Dan Slott and Mark Bagley bring back the old magic that made Superior Spider-Man so great while weaving in a new villain and a new reason for Peter and Otto to team up. Now, in its third issue, can these two longtime enemies work together to save Anna Maria?
Superior Spider-Man #3 consists of three scenes. The first is the planning phase for Peter and Otto, the second is a check-in with Anna Maria, and the third is the big “heist.” The later scene is in quotes because it’s more of an awkward snatch-and-grab. Slott cleverly tips the scales in this issue as we learn Peter must pretend to be the Otto version of Spider-Man, or else his army of goons will know the difference. It makes for great comedy, as Peter pretends to be a total egomaniacal jerk. It’s a fun way to flip the dynamic on its head.
The opening scene is a fun one, too. It has Peter work out an essential bit of info concerning Doc Ock. You see, this isn’t quite the same Doc Ock who inhibited Spider-Man’s body, but one that may not have learned the lessons of being Spidey. It’s a smart way to create a distinction as the series continues. There’s a certain lightheartedness to the entire affair, which Slott fans will find familiar.
The weakest element of this issue is Supernova, who continues to play the part of a murderous villain, yet that doesn’t quite add up, given her past actions. She’s once again all bark and no bite, making it difficult to believe she’s that much of a threat at all. She’s more a victim of Doc Ock, who made her as powerful as the sun.
Peter, no!
Credit: Marvel
Bagley does a great job, especially with the heist scene. Spider-Man looks great in the Superior Spider-Man costume, and there are some great bits of violent acts as he proves he’s not good-guy Peter Parker under the mask. The bulbous Doc Ock looks great, too, and his newfangled arms add just the right amount of sci-fi tech. It’s cool to see the lab gizmos and Arachnaut equipment, which come in high detail as well.
Aside from the references to Superior Spider-Man, which are great, Slott and Bagley also harken back to a classic Spidey/Doc Ock battle. I won’t spoil it, but it’s a nice touch, given the two are getting along, so why not remind them of darker earlier days?
Superior Spider-Man #3 does double duty on referencing older Spider-Man tales while Spidey and Doc Ock team up in a nostalgic affair. It’s fun to see the lighthearted Peter Parker attempt to pretend to be Superior Spider-Man as the story inches closer to the transformation we’ve been waiting for.
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