Written by: Dan Slott
Illustrations: Richard Elson, Humberto Ramos, Victor Olazaba, Edgar Delgado
Coloring: Antonio Fabela
Publisher: Standaard Uitgeverij
The Superior Spider-Man #001 – Comic Book Review
Several years ago Marvel decided to pour the adventures of our favorite web slinging superhero into a new series, namely The Superior Spider-Man. Since the Standaard Uitgeverij has bought the rights to start bundling these issues for our entertainment, here we are, taking a look at this supposedly superior series. That being said, the first issue is actually three issues from the ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ series (#698, #699 and #700) providing us with a small introduction for the things to come.
Note: To dive into this story, we’ll have to spoil a few things from the first issue of this bundle. Be warned, spoilers ahead.
We dive back into the action, where Peter Parker is leading a great life, he has a superhero status, he joined The Avengers, he made sure Dr. Octopus was behind lock and key, he has an awesome new job and he is aiming for the grand prize, Mary Jane Watson, his one true love. Only one thing is different: Peter Parker, is not actually Peter Parker, but Dr. Octopus himself. Even though the real Spider-Man saved ‘Doc Ock’ from death, the villainous doctor has found a way to transfer his mind into the body of the beloved spider-sensed-superhero. Nonetheless, when Peter Parker, who is now trapped inside the dying body of Dr. Octopus, asks for ‘Peter Parker’, the villain inside of the young man’s body can’t help but come and gloat about his achievement. Of course, from here on out, the race against time begins. Will Peter find a plan to store his mind in his original body again, or will Doc Ock become the new Spider-Man, and if so, will he slander the memory of the superhero, or actually try to steer towards the course Peter ever so desired?
Even though this bundle has a decent amount of action, it’s not in the typical fashion of the series. This time the action will consist in the minds of both characters and of course some ‘bust-me-out-of-prison’ action will soon follow. Overall everything feels, just like is mentioned in the foreword, like the buildup to the new series.
Dan Slott made sure that the story is very interesting, especially given the rather odd situation at hand. Throughout the three small issues, bundled in this album, you’ll receive enough information of what is going on, making sure that you are completely filled in by the time the actual ‘new’ series kicks off.
Richard Elson, Humberto Ramos, Victor Olazaba, Antonio Fabela, and Edgar Delgado provide all the illustrations and coloring work for this bundle. Whilst there is a usage of two styles in this album, everything fits together quite nicely and it is actually fun to see different artists’ interpretations. Everything proves to be very detailed, with some rough edges making things more grim, when the situation demands it.
Conclusion
The Superior Spider-Man #001 is an interesting prologue to the actual series but how it stands now, things can still go either way. Nonetheless, the plot is very enticing and provides a lot of food for thought, with action scenes more on the background. Certainly an interesting approach for a new series.
The Superior Spider-Man #001 - Comic Book Review,
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