Spider-Verse vs. Venomverse #3 is a big deal for many reasons. Not only does it kick off the final challenge between the champions of the Web-Heart and the Hive Mind, but it finally brings in a Spider-Man that’s been teased since this miniseries was announced: Takuya Yamashiro, the Spider-Man better known as the “Emissary of Hell”.
Some context for the uninitiated: back in 1978, Marvel and Toei joined forces to create a Spider-Man television series. But instead of spinning webs and fighting well-known foes like the Green Goblin or Doctor Octopus, Takuya fought an army of alien warriors with a giant robot. Not only was this as awesome as it sounds, but it helped set the stage for Super Sentai (and later, Power Rangers).
It only makes sense that Mat Groom and Kyle Higgins would bring Takuya into the fray. Not only have the duo written multiple tokusatsu tales including a collection of Ultraman series, Power Rangers and the Massiveverse, but they know how to utilize Takuya. He bounces off of Peter Parker fairly well, and has a surprising connection with Spider-Ham. Takuya’s presence also reveals one of the biggest mysteries that’s been part of Spider-Verse vs Venomverse, leading to a really cool final page.
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Spider-Verse vs. Venomverse #3 isn’t just about giant robots, though. It’s where the friction in both the Spider and Symbiote camps comes to a head, especially when it comes to winning the contest. Despite Peter pushing for another solution, Spider-Prowler is advocating for using lethal force when it comes to the symbiotes. Likewise, Eddie Brock is dealing with the other symbiotes turning on him for helping the Spiders. Credit where credit’s due – Higgins and Groom manage to root these conflicts in differing ideologies, rather than resort to convoluted ways to get everyone to fight.
There’s also a switch in artists, as Jim Towe takes over for Luciano Vecchio. But it’s a very smooth switch, as Towe knows how to draw Spider-Men in action. Through the middle of the issue, there’s a battle between symbiotes and spiders that is split into three sections: Spider-Weaver vs. Agent Venom, Peter Parker vs. Wrath, and Eddie Brock vs. the Spider-Clan Venom. It’s a display of different skills, whether it’s Weaver’s acrobatics against Agent Venom’s weaponry or Peter’s patented wisecracks against Wrath’s cold-hearted nature. Rachelle Rosenberg’s colors highlight the differences between the two forces, with the Spiders sporting a wide array of colors compared to the black and white of the symbiotes.
But while Vecchio isn’t doing the interiors, his presence can be felt in Takuya’s new costume. Not only does it visually separate him from Peter, but it also leans into the tokusatsu influences by giving him a flowing scarf and brighter, more vibrant colors. In fact, he looks less like a Spider-Man and more like a Kamen Rider and I’m all for it. Towe also deserves credit for bringing this design to life, to the point where I wouldn’t mind a series focused on Takuya. Spider-Verse vs. Venomverse #3 races to the finish line while bringing a fan-favorite Spider-Man to the forefront.
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