Those of you who are furious with Marvel Comics and what they did to the Spider-Man franchise in Amazing Spider-Man #700 (so, almost everybody) might want to sit this one out. Superior Spider-Man #1 is here and it’s loud, proud and in your face with a surprising twist. As we’ve learned from M. Night Shyamalan, a twist does not necessarily make for a great experience, so as a single issue read, is it good?
Superior Spider-Man #1 (Marvel Comics)
SPOILERS In This Review!!
After reading Avenging Spider-Man #15.1 and #700 I was titillated just thinking about what was going on in the Spiderverse. We bore witness to a Spidey story we haven’t seen before (unless you count the body switch Bendis employed in the Ultimate universe) and at the very least it’s a bold move. This issue is the first real look at Spider-Man as we get to see him fight crime, work for Horizon and attempt to bang MJ like he’s never done before. It’s no surprise Doc Ock as Spider-Man is a lot more arrogant and a little bit evil in his interpretation of the webhead, but color me surprised at how similar of a feel he has to Dr. Doom.
Spider-Man versus the New Sinister Six.
Writer Dan Slott opens the issue with Peter Parker saying goodbye to Doc Ock at his grave. After the confirmation that he’s dead and buried, we’re thrust into a battle with the new Sinister Six. Considering Doc Ock was usually the leader of this group you can see why he’d be a little ticked off they were back together. This is a good way to show off Spider-Man’s newfound arrogance.
I love how he speaks so logically
While inside the Doc Ock body you wouldn’t typically see ultra violence, it’s interesting to note how Otto is treating his new powers. If given super strength, would you hold back as Peter always did, or would you use it with impunity? It’s also interesting to note he’s not so heroic in this issue either and decides to flee when the fight gets a little dicey.
Ouch.
Certainly not!
I can’t help but read this issue and wonder how long this new Spider-Man can last before we grow bored of it. He’s arrogant, a dick and nobody seems to have caught on…yet. For such a smart man Otto isn’t very cunning in hiding his new behavior and instead assumes nobody will notice he’s randomly turned into a super dick.
Note the: “accessing Parker’s memories” as if it’s a harddrive that needs to boot up. Hm.
But that’s not what people will be talking about once they’ve finished with this issue. No, it won’t be about his ogling of MJ’s breasts or his ability to defeat his enemies by using his brain first (which is well done in a cross cutting flashback fashion).
It’s all part of the plan.
No, instead it will be about the huge reveal that takes place on the final page. I won’t spoil it here, but let’s just say it’s at once hokey and interesting. I can’t help but think this series is going to turn into a buddy comedy, but I’ll give this plot element a chance with a few more issues before passing judgment. Let’s just say it might anger most readers a hell of a lot more than the reveal at the end of Amazing Spider-Man #700.
Yikes.
The art by Ryan Stegman is good, although a bit cluttered and noisy for my tastes. At times it reminded me of Erik Larsen’s work, although the composition wasn’t as efficient.
Whether or not the twist at the end of this issue interests you, infuriates you or just down right doesn’t mean anything to you the issue as a whole was a good one. Doc Ock’s voice is clear and interesting, the art was fun and this new version of Spider-Man is fresh. While the pacing is a bit wonky and the characterization of Spidey isn’t old yet. Dan Slott is doing a good job keeping this new Spider-Man interesting enough so that we will stick around to witness this grand opus reach full speed. Until then a fun read.
Is It Good?
Yes, but some reservations with the art and the bold twist ending.
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