Review: SPIDER-VERSE #1

Spider-Verse-01-Camuncoli-CoverSPIDER-VERSE #1
Written by Dan Slott, Skottie Young, Robbie Thompson, Katie Cook
Art by Humberto Ramos, Jake Parker, Denis Medri, Katie Cook, Tom Grummett
Published by Marvel Comics
Release Date: November 12, 2014

Spider-Verse junkies, you can get even more of your Spider-multiverse fix with this anthology featuring a look at what it means to be Spider-Man/Woman/Boy/Girl and the universal constants that all Spiders possess.

Let me kick off the writing discussion by saying each of these vignettes is well written. Slott, Young, Thompson & Cook all channel what it means to be a Spider/Parker very well, and each in their unique way. Slott has obvious mastery of all things Spider and each of the other stories bring something special to the table. There are characteristics that make Peter Parker who he is no matter the environment around him (or her) and that is very evident in these stories. More than anything, what surprised me was just how delighted I was by these tales. There is an immense amount of optimism within these pages, and the vibrant energy that all the Spider-characters possess is on full display here. These writers bring forth the goodness of the Parkers and for that, I applaud them.

The artwork in this anthology fits the tone of the short stories very well. Humberto Ramos is an obvious slam dunk, but I will admit the rest of the art stable surprised me more throughout the course of the issue. Jake Parker’s artwork is lively and fun and Katie Cook’s pencils are filled with an immense amount of heart. Each artist brings their own spin to the issue and their tales, due to the nature of the alternate universes, give them the freedom to really make the look and feel their own. These are not typical cookie cutter superhero stories and the art really brings the goodness of the tales to life. There is a warmth in the tone of (most of) the stories that both made me happy and made me dread what was coming for these characters down the line. A war is coming, and this feels like the calm before the storm.

Spider-Verse #1 is a very strong anthology that fleshes out even more of the Spider-Verse. While it does not necessarily strengthen specific characters like Edge of Spider-Verse did, it really drives home the core concepts that make a Parker a Parker. While I can’t really say this is essential reading to understand the Spider-Verse event, at least as we currently know about the event. Spider-fans will find a lot to enjoy in these pages, but those looking for the kickoff of an event will be much happier grabbing last week’s Amazing Spider-Man. You aren’t going to find Spider stories from these talented creators anywhere else, and that alone makes this comic something special.

The Verdict: 8.0/10

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