Marvel Comics
A Second Take On The Superior Spider-Man #1
By Alexander Jones
January 12, 2013 - 12:52
Marvel Comics
Writer(s): Dan Slott
Penciller(s): Ryan Stegman
Inker(s): Ryan Stegman
Colourist(s): Edgar Delgado
Letterer(s): VC's Chris Eliopoulos
Cover Artist(s): Ryan Stegman
$3.99 US
Internet prepare to be broken Superior Spider-Man issue #1 is here. Here to guide us through this surreal experience is Dan Slott and Ryan Stegman. If you are one of the few that has not been spoiled the mind of Peter Parker has been infiltrated by the notorious Doctor Otto Octavious. The plot of Superior Spider-Man hits the ground running from here. The notion of Doctor Octavious taking over the body of Parker would be easier to swallow if The Superior Spider-Man had a more clearly defined purpose. Otto Octavious has not had a defined purpose prior to this event. He simply is not a fully fleshed out person which is why his motivations always seem paper thin. This comic is about an anti hero who simply is not interesting. When the only thing the reader feels towards a protagonist is mixed negative feelings the comic seems hollow. This issue makes a strong point to show the differences between the old and new Spider-Men and this is one point where the book succeeds. Seeing the way Otto reacts to the villains is interesting and telling of how much of a coward Dr Otto Octavius really is.
The best part about this issue is Ryan Stegman's incredibly kinetic moving pencils. He graces the issue with the same energy of the previous artist Humberto Ramos but has more finesse in regards to his execution. The way he draws the gem like eyelids of The Superior Spider-Man makes the character come alive. In the current ongoing Daredevil series the brief cameo of The Superior Spider-Man was a way to use the character in a fun more engaging way. Playing with expectations of characters who expect the same person is an idea brimming with potential. Which is why it is sad to see similar ideas fall flat in this first issue. The relationship with Mary Jane is nothing less than creepy. While the internet spouting accusations of rape might seem a little much it is unsettling seeing this disgusting person treat the woman Peter Parker loves like trash. While understanding that the dynamic would be interesting to play with from a writing perspective there are some red flags like that should set off in Mary Jane’s brain. She is a character with a fully fleshed out personality over the years and is now anything but dumb. In fact Mary Jane is nothing short of whip smart and this characterization is dumping out of all the important things that have paved the way for her current character.
Dan Slott is a good writer and this concept has potential which is why the issue must seem so frustrating. The last few pages featuring the Backdoor for Peter is an interesting move and quite ambitious for the first issue. It is nice to think about how this moment actually makes sense in terms of plot. Seeing Parker pull away his hand from killing the villain also proves that Doctor Octopus does not have full control to ruin Peter’s life.It also makes the comic seem like a ticking time bomb. We know Peter Parker will come back eventually but hopefully the journey getting there will seem more inspired in later issues.
Rating: 6.5/10
