Marvel is mixing superhero action with real-world impact next month in Spider-Man: Meals to Astonish #1, a one-shot from writer Steve Orlando and artist Roi Mercado. The issue pairs Spider-Man with celebrated chef, restaurateur, and humanitarian José Andrés and his World Central Kitchen team, spotlighting Andrés’ global efforts to provide meals to communities facing crisis.
“I’ve always believed food can be a force for good, and that sharing a meal in a time of need can be a heroic act,” said Andrés. “Getting to bring that idea into the Marvel Universe – alongside my friend Spider-Man – is a dream come true.”
The story follows Peter Parker as he heads to photograph the grand opening of Andrés’ newest restaurant at New York’s Mercado Little Spain. The celebration is quickly disrupted when Electro arrives looking for trouble. With Spider-Man facing a prepared opponent, Andrés finds himself stepping in to help stop the chaos before the night, and dinner, is completely ruined.
Orlando spoke about his connection to the project, drawing from his background before working in comics. “With my own secret origin, working in the wine and spirits world before comics stepped in as my main gig, SPIDER-MAN: MEALS TO ASTONISH feels like a perfect moment of kismet,” Orlando shared. “The chance to write a Spider-Man adventure set in the food scene is one I could never pass up — the two arts, the two worlds I love the most are finally colliding in a delicious and exciting way! This is the kind of story I’ve been waiting for–and I can’t wait for folks to dig in!”
The one-shot also collects the T.E.S.T. Kitchen Infinity Comic in print for the first time. The story focuses on Chef Anna Ameyama, whose dream of running a food truck is derailed after it becomes collateral damage during a battle involving Iron Man. After sampling her cooking, Tony Stark offers her a new role as his personal chef. The story includes recipes created by Michelin-starred chef Paul Eschbach that readers can try at home.
Additional stories round out the issue. Ken Niimura returns with a new Spider-Ramen adventure, while Gustavo Duarte introduces Jeff’s Table, a new series centered on Jeff the Land Shark and his enthusiastic relationship with food.
The issue will feature covers by Mike Mignola, Giuseppe Camuncoli, and Peach Momoko. Spider-Man: Meals to Astonish #1 is available to preorder at local comic shops. Marvel has also teased more announcements tied to the Meals to Astonish initiative and World Central Kitchen in the coming weeks.
Check out a preview below, featuring Marvel editor in chief C.B. Cebulski in a few panels.
SPIDER-MAN: MEALS TO ASTONISH #1 – 75960621500300111
Written by STEVE ORLANDO, KEN NIIMURA, GUSTAVO DUARTE & PAUL ESCHBACH
Art by ROI MERCADO, KEN NIIMURA, GUSTAVO DUARTE & E.J. SU
Cover by MIKE MIGNOLA
Variant Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI – 75960621500300131
Variant Cover by PEACH MOMOKO – 75960621500300121
On Sale 3/11
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