Spider-Man is obviously one of comics most popular characters, but few perhaps take the time to consider why that is.  Although he is superpowered, he is also unquestionably still a street level character, not really all that capable of taking on bigger threats, but this ends up being part of his appeal, as he faces off against anyone and everyone who is a threat, whether big or small.  At the same time, the character’s popularity and characterization have made him one who is difficult to drop in team books.  Although he has served as a member of the Avengers and the Fantastic Four, it is usually under the auspices of getting a bump in sales from Spider-Man readers and not so much because he is a good member for the team.  These are dynamics which are important to deal with in the mainstream universe, is also one which can be easily thrown away in the new Secret Wars world, and specifically with Renew Your Vows.

This series has previously established Spider-Man as one of the few remaining heroes in a reality where they have been wiped out by those in charge of the government.  This same group controls the Sinister Six, a group that is now funded and willing to eliminate the supposed threats to the establishment.  The series has previously established the Parkers as guarding their identities safely due to the need to protect their superpowered daughter, but with her discovery near they are also forced out of hiding, and as the midway point for the series, it seems as though the plot is going to get a lot more interesting.

The series succeeds because of its back-to-basic approach, as does this issue.  Although the degree of Parker’s use of violence is made out of character, the overall approach of the character here is one which feels like it could easily happen under these specific conditions.  By using what makes the character special while also setting him inside the Secret Wars world, it benefits the crossover by highlighting these traits.  This is the best treatment of Spider-Man in Secret Wars and it is among the best Secret Wars series overall.

Story: Dan Slott Art: Adam Kubert 
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5  Overall: 9.5  Recommendation: Buy