Review: Spider-Force #1

The deadliest mission in all of Spider-Geddon has come up and Kaine has stepped forward for what he’s sure will be a suicide mission. But he can’t do it alone and Jessica Drew, A.K.A. Spider-Woman has signed on to help, but has Kaine told her the whole truth? With Ashley Barton, from the Old Man Logan universe, and two new characters (Astro-Spider and Spider-Kid), Kaine’s team is complete and their first mission may be their last!

You know those movies that drop you into the action and when things look really bad they rewind to show you how things went sideways and who everyone is? That’s Spider-Force #1 in a nutshell. Writer Priest has delivered a blockbuster action issue full of excitement, humor, and action.

Spider-Geddon has a benefit that Spider-Verse had as well. The bad guys are pretty clear, the multiverse is involved, and it’s focused on the Spider-Man universe. That keeps things clear and limited but at the same time unlimited when it comes to adding characters. What Priest, like other creators in this toolbox has done, is give us new characters that twist the Peter Parker we know and clash with the Spider-heroes we already have. The first issue delivers Spider-Kid whose personality clashes a bit with the rest. Add in the already abrasive Kaine and then the rather professional and conservative Jessica Drew and you’ve got an interesting mix with just that. And Priest plays that up, especially Ashley Barton and Spider-Kid’s interactions. Those personalities playing off of each other is part of the fun and it’s clear Priest knows that.

What’s also solid is that while this is part of the bigger storyline, I can read just it and enjoy it. It’s an “in addition to” so far instead of a must read allowing it to play in the pond and do its own thing.

The art from Paulo Siqueira, ink by Oren Junior and Craig Yueng, color by Guru e-FX, and lettering by Joe Sabino is fantastic. There’s an energy to the visuals that matches Priest’s style. Though this is a spin-off from an event, the visuals don’t fall into the “B team” trap so many comics like it do. It feels like a main event story visually and the worlds we’re jettisoned off to are interesting with some solid designs for the new characters.

Great dialogue, solid action, cool story, Spider-Force #1 is another win for the Spider-Geddon event.

Story: Priest Art: Paulo Siqueira
Ink: Oren Junior, Craig Yueng Color: Guru e-FX Lettering: VC’s Joe Sabino
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.65 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review