The Superior Spider-Man #1 by Dan Slott, Ryan Stegman, and
Edgar Delgado
Dan Slott is the most hated comic book creator on the
Internet. Amazing Spider-Man #700 marked the death of Peter Parker as Doctor
Octopus took over his life. And while this change isn’t permanent, it is
interesting. And as we learn by the end of the first issue, a part Peter Parker
lives on, tempering the actions of this new Superior Spider-Man.
The title is Superior Spider-Man because Otto’s convinced he
can be a better hero then Peter Parker ever was. As far as Otto was concerned,
he’s the perfect amalgamation of brilliance with all of Peter Parker’s
abilities, resources, and youth. But Otto is still Otto, an arrogant, selfish,
and self-involved maniac. The few things he does that are out of character for
him in this issue turn out to be Peter Parker’s influence.
Maybe Otto’s journey will be a little more subtle, a little
more slow getting there. It’s not unreasonable as Dan Slott has already spent a
few years on the Spider-Man title. Chances are if Marvel took this kind of
chancing killing off Peter Parker that there are some long-term benefit in the
form of a big story arc pay off. Dan Slott and Marvel probably already know how
they’re going to bring Peter Parker back. And chances are Peter Parker will be
back right around the time the next Amazing Spider-Man movie is released.
The courting of Mary Jane really creeps me out. If they
sleep together thinking that he’s Peter Parker would net be some form of rape?
Otto is a jerk who is treating everyone in Peter Parker circle badly – which
will be part of the fun of Peter Parker coming back seeing him repair these
relationships. But the Mary Jane thing really creeps me out. And I find it hard
to believe that she doesn’t feel the personality shift – she’s been with Peter
when he’s been replaced taken over or under the influence of something. For
that matter it seems like his entire supporting cast thinks his new attitude is
okay. But that bothered me back in Amazing Spider-Man #698 when he was
surrounded by the Avengers and seem glib about Otto dying.
Avenging Spider-Man #16 by Christopher Yost, Paco Medina,
and Juan Vlasco
Despite my misgivings about the Superior title, I thought
this story was pretty good. I love a good team up and Christopher Yost doesn’t
disappoint. For that matter, neither does the art team. When a rampaging giant
spider threatens New York City, it’s Spider-Man to the rescue. But when the
X-Men get involved, Wolverine smells of body switch (and Wolverine has plenty
of experience in being mind controlled).
Wolverine’s always been a jerk to Peter so when Otto decides
to hand him his ass, it’s hilarious. But when Wolverine seems to get the upper
hand and tells Rachel Grey, a skilled telepath, to scan him, Otto explains his
actions: “you can’t tell me you’ve never thought about beating up Wolverine.”
The team agrees and Otto is spared a brain scan and is able to maintain his cover.
Daredevil #22 by Mark Waid and Chris Samnee
Daredevil (who is very familiar with being possessed)
encounters the new Superior Spider-Man. And while Spider-Man’s behavior seems
odd to him, especially because he’s forcing a fight between the two of them,
his heartbeat, sent, and footfall all read normal. So the pair team up to take
on an improved Stilt-Man who is using Otto’s tentacles for his arms.
Mark Waid puts the new Spider-Man through some paces but I
don’t know why he was sent to catch Daredevil - that part wasn’t really clear
and I’ve read all the recent titles. I also don’t know about the fight with
Foggy so the pair of them making up didn’t have any impact on me. For a title
is critically acclaimed as Daredevil, they should have a better artist on the
title – Samnee’s artwork is better suited to an independent title than a
mainstream one.
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