Comic Book Review - Superior Spider-Man Returns #1

Spider-Man, but not as we know him…

There once was a time where a world without Peter Parker didn’t seem like it would happen. Sure the web-slinger has had his fair share of close calls, but Marvel have never really pulled the trigger. However this all changed a few years back with the introduction of the Superior Spider-Man. I won’t go into full details as I’m sure you all know the back story. But the basics are that a dying Otto Octavius had swapped bodies with Peter Parker. While Otto inherited Peters spider powers, and Spider-Man persona - we saw the long time villain turn a corner and start to do some good. Yet, the other side of this coin was we all lived to see the demise of Peter Parker - a hero as synonymous with the word ‘superhero’ as Batman, and Superman.

While Peter’s death would be short lived and Otto would find himself back on the other side of the law, Christos Gage (based on a story by Dan Slott) has returned to ‘Superior’ territory.

Superior Spider-Man Returns #1 sees Otto recounting past events while setting up a new villain for Peter to battle in the present. Gage does a superb job in capturing Otto’s past as the ‘Superior Spider-Man’ and perfectly shadowing it with his current self. Likewise the dialogue with new assistant Estrella Lopez is well presented with Otto seeing both an equal intelligence, and a potential love interest in the scientist. Away from Octavius and Estrella herself is quite an interesting character. Gage builds her character across her dialogue with Octavius, and it’s strangely satisfying to see the chemistry between the duo grow. Of course the crux of this is Octavius’ ego. Gage ends things on quite a cliffhanger that sets up “Superior Spider-Man #1”. And judging by this ending the new series is going to be a pretty big deal. Not only do we get the introduction of a new - and powerful - villain, how will it all expand the story started way back?

Despite having quite a mass of artists working on the issue, the line work and colours work extremely well. There’s a lot going on here and each cell is packed to the brim with gorgeous images to look at. The opening scenes that feature a high-speed chase work exceptionally well to highlight the thrill of the chase. We get plenty of perspective from both sides as the high-speed game of spider and fly plays out with Mark Bagley and Ryan Steadman adding a heap of emotional energy too. Likewise the double-page spread of the Spider-bots battling A.I.M. is an action packed feast for the eyes. Humberto Ramos gives us hulking mechs, and tiny A.I.M. scientists scrambling over them. The whole sequence is just crazy fun, which perfectly sums up how the whole creative team have handled this one-off special.

While the plethora of artists all work in tandem to create this tour de force, it’s over to Edgar Delgado to colour it all. Thankfully Delgado doesn’t get caught up in the moment and is able to give a consistent colour tone throughout. The actions sequences are a chock full of vibrant colours and effects, while the stories calmer moments somewhat serenade us into the inevitable crescendo of chaos as the new villain is born.

Speaking of which, this introduction is handled well from both Delgado and Giuseppi Camuncoli. The duo leans heavily towards giving a highlight reel of what’s to come as we have walls being blasted through, and the Superior Spider-Man meeting someone who’s now his superior in both intellect and power. This introduction does enough to portray the character as a credible threat going forwards, yet leaves readers with enough mystery to tune into the the next instalment.

Overall and Superior Spider-Man Returns #1 is a fun ride filled to the brim with nostalgia. Christos Gage gives us the classic ‘Superior’ iteration of the character, albeit now seen through much clearer lenses. Elsewhere, and the art team pack plenty of emotion and grit into their respective pieces that perfectly capture the cocky, self righteous attitude of Otto Octavius, while not making him too much of a jerk. This is then topped of with some exceptional action scenes, that further enhances the darkness lurking underneath.

Rating 9/10

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow us on X/Facebook @GeekCultureRev, TikTok/YouTube @Geekculturereviews, and BlueSky @geekculturereviews.bsky.social

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