Swing into Blokees with Marvel Hero Galaxy Series Vol. 5. The series features heroes and villains from Marvel‘s Spider-Man!
We open up our eighth box and it’s Peter Parker as Spider-Man!
Swing into Blokees with Marvel Hero Galaxy Series Vol. 5. The series features heroes and villains from Marvel’s Spider-Man!
We open up our seventh box and it’s Miles Morales as Spider-Man!
Marvel’s Spider-Man/Superman #1 is on sale now! The historic crossover one-shot delivers an action-packed and heartfelt adventure between Spider-Man and Superman by New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer and superstar artist Pepe Larraz, along with backup tales featuring more Marvel/DC character team-ups. Debuting to critical and fan acclaim, the highly sought-after issue will return next month with a Second Printing featuring all-new variant covers by Jim Cheung and Martin Cóccolo, as well as new virgin variant covers of Ryan Stegman and Peach Momoko’s first printing covers. DC’s crossover one-shot, Superman/Spider-Man, also returns next month with a new printing.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man, the first-ever Marvel/DC crossover, Spider-Man/Superman pits Peter Parker and Clark Kent against Norman Osborn, Lex Luthor and more as the pair’s greatest villains exploit the heroes’ greatest weaknesses! The one-shot also includes stories by an incredible roster of industry talent including Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman; Dan Slott and Marcos Martin; Joe Kelly and Humberto Ramos; Geoff Johns and Gary Frank; Louise Simonson and Todd Nauck; Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli; Stephanie Phillips and Phil Noto; and Jeph Loeb and Jim Cheung!
Check out the new Spider-Man/Superman covers and inquire at your local comic shop regarding availability!
For the fourth time in the past year, the shared universes of Marvel and DC collide in Spider-Man/Superman #1. Most of the stories focus on the differences and parallels between the two flagship characters of these comic publishers, but there are plenty of sidetracks focusing on love interests, underrated supporting characters and multiversal variants, and even friends and allies like Thor, Wonder Woman, and the ever loving blue eyed Thing to name just a few.
Decades removed from his edgelord days penning Identity Crisis, writer Brad Meltzer keeps things wholesome with Spider-Man/Superman #1’s lead story “Our Kryptonite”. Pepe Larraz and Matthew Wilson handle the art duties and bring the character acting and rock ’em, sock ’em action befitting of the Marvel and DC universe’s most upstanding superheroes. Meltzer and Larraz aren’t afraid of a good homage like Spider-Man holding up a very large amount of what turns out to be Venom goo while Superman struggles with Kryptonite poisoning. (Kudos to Wilson for using some intense greens!) But “Our Kryptonite” isn’t content to play the greatest hits of Supes and Spidey ; it’s concerned with why someone risks their life to be a hero. The combined pressure of Green Goblin, Lex Luthor, a Venom symbiote, and kryptonite allow for vulnerability and eventually triumphant poses captured by Pepe Larraz. But the real best part of this story is the interactions between Aunt May and the Kents in the epilogue as they find common ground because they raised two uncommon men and share a love of apple cobbler. Cheesy banter and all, “Our Kryptonite” is the kind of story that reminds me of why I loved superheroes in the first place, and the final panel dedication to Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Stan Lee, and Steve Ditko is well-earned.
In Spider-Man/Superman #1’s second story, “Metropolis Marvels”, Dan Slott, Marcos Martin, and Muntsa Vicente turn back the clock almost a century for a two-fisted tale of Spider-Man Noir and Golden Age Superman. Martin’s visual storytelling is uncanny from the Will Eisner-esque title panel to his ability to slow down the flight of a speeding bullet across the course of a page. Plus there’s a couple Superman doing Spider-Man things and vice versa for good measure. I was also really impressed with how Slott writes 1930s Superman as a rough and tumble social crusader that still has a moral code and is extremely straight-laced in his civilian identity as Clark Kent. He has a feel for the moralizing staccato of those ancient comics, and I would honestly be into him writing a Superman comic set in this era.
After the Golden Age heights of “Metropolis Marvels”, Spider-Man/Superman plummets straight back to Earth in Joe Kelly, Humberto Ramos, and Edgar Delgado’s “Sweethearts”, which is just Gwen Stacy and Lana Lang monologuing at each other about Peter Parker and Clark Kent. I understand wanting to include the current Amazing Spider-Man writer, who also wrote one of the best 21st-century Superman stories, as well as an iconic Spider-Man and teen hero artist. However, two middle-aged men writing teenage girls is a poor fit, especially with hackneyed dialogue about feminism and mud wrestling. The rest of the story is firmly out of the gutter, but it’s just blocks of dialogue over splash pages of Superboy and Spider-Man fighting each other’s villains. It’s a sermon, not a fun comic, until some cute, awkward banter offers a glimpse of what this story could have been.
People who put “Moderate” as their political views on dating apps will love Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, and Brad Anderson’s “Identity War”. It’s Johns’ abbreviated take on a Marvel/DC crossover featuring some cool Hulk art from Frank and his usual favorites like Stargirl, Green Lantern, the Legion of the Superheroes, and I guess, Superman. The story uses a genre predicated around people punching each other to talk about the importance to listening to other perspectives, which is totally valid, but look out the window in 2026, and you’re realize we’re far beyond that naive early Barack Obama-era optimism when Geoff Johns was the hottest writer in the game. So, yeah, we’ve got ourselves another sermon, but it’s cool to see Gary Frank and Anderson draw all those heroes and villains punching each other.
Despite the trendy-ish slang name, “Ghosting” is an old-fashioned science and magic team-up as Steel tries out some new tech while fighting the Hobgoblin with the help of guest star, Thor. (Of course, they touch hammers.) Louise Simonson, Todd Nauck, and Rachelle Rosenberg infuse this story with plenty of fun banter, superpowers, and page-shattering action. There’s a lot of detail and power in Nauck’s art, giving it a nostalgic feel. Also, it’s nice to see Steel get a “W” by himself without the Man of Steel assisting. Stephanie Phillips and Phil Noto go more contemporary in Spider-Man/Superman‘s 6th story: a team-up between Ghost Spider and Supergirl against Livewire. The story is a meta-commentary on how more recently created or reinvented characters get sidelined and stay static. Ghost Spider and Supergirl have been drawn and written by iconic creators and even gotten some big screen time, but sometimes they feel like another Spider- or Super-person. However, in the space of a few action-packed pages, Phillips and Noto remind me of what badasses they are while being a little stubborn and plant the seeds of a friendship that I wouldn’t mind seeing develop. (Sophie Campbell would slay on the art!)
Next, “The One Thing…” reunites Miles Morales co-creators Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli for a conversation and team-up between Spider-Man and Superman. Seriously, this story genuinely has good advice set against a background of masks, capes, and a world-ending magic meets science crisis. (Shout out to the psychedelic color palette from Federico Blee). Bendis has a strong handle on both characters’ voices building a rapport between them before imparting wisdom that could apply to anyone. Too bad the comic cuts off before we get to see them punch out Brainiac and Dormammu.
If “The One Thing” was simple, beautiful character work, then “The Wondrous and Worthy” is epic moments, intricate world building, and yes, touching emotion from the iconic Thor team of Jason Aaron, Russell Dauterman, and Matthew Wilson. First, this story successfully combines the world of Asgard, the Fourth World, and a touch of the Venom symbiotes and Amazons to set up the ultimate fight. But it resonates because of the bond between Wonder Woman and Jane Foster Thor. With Odinson off being unworthy like in that part of the Aaron run, she is the defender of Earth against Darkseid and acquits herself nicely despite anxious thought bubbles and her cancer diagnosis. In a pivotal scene, Jane offers her hammer to Diana after a speech full of admiration, but then Diana plays an Uno reverse card and praises Jane’s heroism leading to a team up for the ages. This might be my favorite story in Spider-Man/Superman, but I kind of hate that they keep cutting off the story’s endings before the big battles. I’m definitely more of a fan of Jason Aaron’s vision of a Marvel/DC crossover than Geoff Johns’, especially since it flows out of such a great Thor run and bridges two of Jack Kirby’s finest creations: Marvel’s Asgard and the Fourth World.
Spider-Man/Superman wraps with a simple three page conversation between its two leads penned by Jeph Loeb with art by Jim Cheung and Jay David Ramos. It’s a solid little short that cements the mentor/young hero throughline of Superman and Spider-Man that has threaded its way through this one-shot. Superman gives Spider-Man great advice about dealing with grief, loss, and guilt, and there’s a little humorous fanboying at the end. It’s kind of a perfect way to end a pretty good series of crossover stories and put a smile on my face. It’s interesting that Marvel still sees Spider-Man as a youthful hero even though he’s been married and had children in the “Renew Your Vows” and Hickman Ultimate Spider-Man run. If Spider-Man represents my inner anxious, yet brave and sarcastic child, then Superman is the kind of person I would turn to when I need a “real adult” to talk to.
Spider-Man/Superman #1 has a couple of stinkers, but overall, it’s a decade-spanning homage to heroism from a diverse group of creators that explores what makes Spidey and the Man of Steel tick as well as their roles in their respective universes. My three favorites were the Dan Slott/Marcos Martin Spider-Man Noir/Golden Age Superman story, Jason Aaron/Russell Dauterman Thor/Wonder Woman crossover extravaganza, and the Brian Bendis/Sara Pichelli Miles Morales and Superman heart-to-heart, and I was also impressed by the main Brad Meltzer and Pepe Larraz story that balanced blockbuster action and heartfelt moments, which are why these characters are still so dear to me.
Story: Brad Meltzer, Dan Slott, Joe Kelly, Geoff Johns, Louise Simonson,
Stephanie Phillips, Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron, Jeph Loeb
Art: Pepe Larraz, Marcos Martin, Humberto Ramos, Gary Frank,
Todd Nauck, Phil Noto, Sara Pichelli, Russell Dauterman, Jim Cheung
Colors: Matthew Wilson, Muntsa Vicente, Edgar Delgado, Brad Anderson,
Rachelle Rosenberg, Federico Blee, Jay David Ramos
Letters: Clayton Cowles, Joe Caramagna
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Marvel/DC: Spider-Man/Superman #1
Following last year’s Deadpool/Batman and celebrating the 50th anniversary of Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man, the first-ever Marvel/DC crossover, Marvel and DC unite again this April in Marvel’s Spider-Man/Superman #1! Like last year’s crossover, fans can look forward to a double-dose of history-making comic book storytelling with DC publishing a separate one-shot, Superman/Spider-Man, in March.
The lead story where Spider-Man and Superman join forces will be written by New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer in his first full-length Marvel Comics story, and drawn by one of Marvel’s most acclaimed artists, Pepe Larraz. In addition, the one-shot will feature various bonus stories by a monumental lineup of industry talent, each co-starring Marvel and DC characters, including a few surprises readers will be talking about for the next fifty years!
Here’s what to expect:
Spider-Man/Superman will include a main cover by Pepe Larraz and an assortment of stunning variant covers by top artists, some of which reflect the one-shot’s bonus stories. Fans can check out variant covers by Sara Pichelli, Walter Simonson, Greg Capullo, Marcos Martin, Ryan Stegman, Peach Momoko, Erik Larsen, Jerome Opeña, Gary Frank, and Russell Dauterman along with a wraparound cover by Kaare Andrews and a Foil Cover by Mark Bagley. A Logo Mash-Up Variant Cover will also be available as well as covers by Ivan Talavera, E.M. Gist, Adam Hughes, Skottie Young, Frank Miller, Humberto Ramos, David Marquez, and Sanford Greene.
Swing into Blokees with Marvel Hero Galaxy Series Vol. 5. The series features heroes and villains from Marvel’s Spider-Man!
We open up our first box and it’s Mysterio!
Finally, one of the Ultimate Universe books sticks the landing, and of course, it’s the flagship title Ultimate Spider-Man with Jonathan Hickman, Marco Checchetto, David Messina, and Matthew Wilson concluding the series on a suitably heartfelt note. The strength of this series has been its focus on the web (Pun intended) of relationships between Peter Parker and his family and friends, and the extra pages in Ultimate Spider-Man #24 gives plenty of space for character-driven grace notes as well as an exciting battle royale against Kingpin, Mr. Negative, Mysterio, and Earth 6160’s Anti-Venom, who is a gnarly love child of Todd McFarlane spaghetti webbing and John Romita Jr. bulky design with a sleek high tech Hickman twist.
To use a vastly different comic as a metaphor, Ultimate Spider-Man #24 has a nice balance of love and rockets. Checchetto and Messina draw some big, physical action sequences especially when an enhanced Wilson Fisk is involved. However, they and Hickman also make a flashback to when Mary Jane realized she was pregnant with Richard end up becoming the crux of the issue and probably the whole run. There’s a clear throughline to Peter unexpectedly becoming a father and also obtaining superpowers, and it’s been cool to see his relationship with his son Richard develop throughout the series as he takes on the mantle of Spider-Man, er, Venom. (I was kind of sad to see Peter’s interactions with May kind of tail off because her being the only one to know he was Spider-Man was an adorable highlight of early Ultimate Spider-Man issues.) Richard levels up and has a big damn superhero moment in Ultimate Spider-Man #24, but it’s nice that the comic doesn’t end with some big blast of energy instead giving the Parker family some time to breathe and reflect before leaping headlong into the action of Ultimate Endgame in which Peter plays a key role.
Ultimate Spider-Man #24’s excellent rounding out of character arcs doesn’t just apply to the Parkers, but to their friends the Osborns as well. Harry Osborn wants to be a heroic figure like his friend Peter Parker, but he’s caught in the middle between his wife who has merged with four other people to be Mysterio and his father Norman, who taunts him via AI. So, he doesn’t really do anything in the big final battle except watch the Maker’s Council try to rebuild and watch Mysterio consolidate power and not resemble the woman he married in the slightest. These scenes and Harry’s whole arc in Ultimate Spider-Man explore what if your family was a negative influence on you as a hero instead of giving you something worthy to fight for. This search for motivation is what ends up being the last stop for Harry in Ultimate Spider-Man (I’m sure we’ll see him in Endgame.), and it’s cool seeing Peter take up a mentor role in his life as well as being his best friend. In a positive way, it reminds me of Peter and Harry’s relationship in the Sam Raimi Spider-Man films sans the James Franco smarminess and with more cool tech because this is in fact a Jonathan Hickman comic.
Without gratuitous guest stars and through an epic broadcast/monologue from those truth-searching newspapermen Ben Parker and J. Jonah Jameson, Hickman, Marco Checchetto, and David Messina align Ultimate Spider-Man with the anti-fascism and capitalism of Deniz Camp and company’s The Ultimates. The narrative captions add a heft and relevance to the book’s extended fisticuffs/whatever is going on with Richard Parker’s web fluid/symbiote. You can see why these characters play a key role in Ultimate Endgame, but as I mentioned earlier, Jonathan Hickman doesn’t focus on big political statements, but every day resistance through the lens of an iconic superhero and his supporting cast.
Ultimate Spider-Man #24 succeeds because it brings all of what made this book great to a crescendo. There’s the action against colorful, tech savvy, ultracapitalist villains, a grounding in family and friends, and even some romance, both mature between Peter and Mary Jane and developing between Richard and Black Cat. Add the gorgeous art from Marco Checchetto and David Messina and solid coloring from Matthew Wilson (He nails the flat colors for the Venom/Anti-Venom fight scene.), and this is a memorable final chapter in this superhero comic for grown-ups that still know has to have fun and will go down as an evergreen run for Marvel’s mighty webslinger.
Story: Jonathan Hickman
Art: Marco Checchetto and David Messina
Colors: Matthew Wilson Letters: Cory Petit
Story: 8.6 Art: 8.6 Overall: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
Meet Blokees Champion Class Marvel Rivals 06 and 07 – Spider-Man and Venom! Blokees are model kits where no tools or glue are needed.
Two Marvel icons, one epic moment.
Spider-Man and Venom are ready for action!
Following last year’s Deadpool/Batman and celebrating the 50th anniversary of Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man, the first-ever Marvel/DC crossover, Marvel and DC unite again this April in Marvel’s Spider-Man/Superman #1! Like last year’s crossover, fans can look forward to a double-dose of history-making comic book storytelling with DC publishing a separate one-shot, Superman/Spider-Man, in March.
The lead story where Spider-Man and Superman join forces will be written by New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer in his first full-length Marvel Comics story, and drawn by one of Marvel’s most acclaimed artists, Pepe Larraz. In addition, the one-shot will feature various bonus stories by a monumental lineup of industry talent, each co-starring Marvel and DC characters, including a few surprises readers will be talking about for the next fifty years!
Here’s what to expect:
Spider-Man/Superman will include a main cover by Pepe Larraz and an assortment of stunning variant covers by top artists, some of which reflect the one-shot’s bonus stories. Fans can check out variant covers by Sara Pichelli, Walter Simonson, Greg Capullo, Marcos Martin, Ryan Stegman, Peach Momoko, Erik Larsen, Jerome Opeña, and Russell Dauterman along with a wraparound cover by Kaare Andrews and a Foil Cover by Mark Bagley. A Logo Mash-Up Variant Cover will also be available as well as covers by Ivan Talavera, E.M. Gist, Adam Hughes, Skottie Young, Frank Miller, Humberto Ramos, David Marquez, and Sanford Greene.
In Sam Raimi’s groundbreaking Spider-Man (2002), Peter Parker faces his greatest challenge when the maniacal Green Goblin forces him into a brutal final confrontation.
Inspired by this intense scene, the Spider-Man (Battle Damaged Version) 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure brilliantly captures the web-slinger in his most vulnerable and heroic moment.
This detailed figure includes one battle-damaged headsculpt wearing a ripped mask with a shattered lens, revealing Tobey Maguire’s likeness beneath. A brown fringe crafted from hair-like wool material has been meticulously implanted to add remarkable realism. Additionally, a newly developed masked head is included for interchangeable display options.
The expertly tailored red and dark blue Spider-Man suit is fashioned from elastic fabric material, designed to enhance articulation while showcasing extensive battle damage throughout. Multiple torn sections reveal the underlying body and painted blood effects, authentically capturing the intensity of the fierce battle with Green Goblin. Six strings of spider web in varying shapes and lengths are included for a variety of dynamic posing options.
Spidey comes with a battle-damaged Green Goblin helmet, plus a specially designed diorama figure base featuring a heavily weathered remnant of a Goblin Glider and destroyed red brick walls, allowing collectors to recreate the dramatic showdown.
Add the Spider-Man (Battle Damaged Version) 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure to your Marvel collection. Available to pre-order.
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