MARVEL/DC: SPIDER-MAN/SUPERMAN #1 (MARVEL COMICS/DC COMICS)
The crossovers continue for the big 2!
Seeing Marvel and DC working together in this fashion has been a real win for the fans. It unlocks a true forbidden door and offers match-ups only dreamed of.
The latest crossover reconnects a pair of heroes that made history when they crossed paths. Clark Kent and Peter Parker are no strangers for fighting the good fight.
For this first round, DC lead them into battle against Dr. Octopus and Brainiac. Now it’s Marvels turn to take the wheel and drive to the finish line.
MARVEL/DC: SPIDER-MAN/SUPERMAN #1 by Brad Meltzer, Pepe Larraz, Matt Wilson,Clayton Cowles,Dan Slott, Marcos Martín, Muntsa Vicente, Joe CaramagnaGeoff Johns, Gary Frank, Brad Anderson, Jason Aaron, Russell Dauterman, Louise Simonson, Todd Nauck, Rachelle RosenbergJoe Kelly, Humberto Ramos, Edgar Delgado, Brian Michael Bendis, Sara Pichelli, Federico Blee, Stephanie Phillips, Phil Noto, Jeph Loeb, Jim Cheung, & Jay David Ramos sets forth an all new set of adventures.
Let’s take a deeper dive into this part of the crossover.
MARVEL/DC: SPIDER-MAN/SUPERMAN #1 by Brad Meltzer, Pepe Larraz, Matt Wilson,Clayton Cowles,Dan Slott, Marcos Martín, Muntsa Vicente, Joe CaramagnaGeoff Johns, Gary Frank, Brad Anderson, Jason Aaron, Russell Dauterman, Louise Simonson, Todd Nauck, Rachelle Rosenberg, Joe Kelly, Humberto Ramos, Edgar Delgado, Brian Michael Bendis, Sara Pichelli, Federico Blee, Stephanie Phillips, Phil Noto, Jeph Loeb, Jim Cheung, & Jay David Ramos (Marvel Comics/DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The issue has a compilation of multiple stories. Due to the amount, the overview of each tale will be shorter than usual reviews.
“Spider-Man & Superman” by Meltzer, Larraz, Wilson, & Cowles
Meltzer taps into the strengths and guilt of both during a death trap. The writing hones in on their unbreakable wills to keep moving forward. There is plenty of fun banter between both. When push comes to shove, both heroes kick things into a whole other gear. It provides a deeper insight into why they do as they do. Once truths come to light, events shake loose. The action picks up. Fans will rave at how events are stacked here. Even more impressive is the epilogue. The parting pages tie a nice bow onto a very impressive story.
Larraz and Wilson make the most of the dark lighting to craft a bleak scenario to start. Once the Goblin Kryptonite comes into the mix do things light up. It leads into a few iconic shots of Spidey in action. A bold full image causes some havoc before moving the fight into a new locale. A phenomenal two page spread shows one of the wildest action moments you will see. This carries momentum into the eventual comeback. Another strong full page ends the major threat. It’s complemented by a smaller half panel. Events calm with reflective closing pages. It captures the heartfelt images before closing this exciting chapter for now.
“Metropolis Marvels” by Slott, Marcos Martín, Vicente, & Caramagna
Slott throws Superman back into the 1940’s with a dance partner ready to swing. Martin’s visuals speed up the anticipation while Spider-Man Noir goes after his intended target. There’s an homage panel that you wont see coming to conclude the drama. The parting page covers up the loose ends while gifting some parting jabs on this fun throwback tale.
“Sweethearts” by Joe Kelly, Humberto Ramos, Edgar Delgado & Caramagna
The worlds of Gwen Stacy and Lana Lang in college collide! Kelly sees the pair conversing about their current beaus with a unique insight. Ramos and Delgado drop a few superb full pages showcase each at work. It closes with a steady point while adding in some humor on the way out.
“Identity War” by Johns, Frank, Anderson & Caramagna
This is arguably the best mini story in the book. 3/4’s of Ghost Machine’s “Geiger” team tackle a battle between Superman and Hulk through Ben Grimm’s eyes. Johns pens a heavy look through Grimm’s eyes at the chaos around. The manipulations of Mysterio play a deadly game with the Hulk as a pawn. This leads to a deeper struggle within for both him and Grimm. It’s an excellent set-up for Superman to show his compassion to all. It works itself into a deeper understanding of the Man Of Steel’s views. Events cap off with a hearty gut punch of emotions as a talk commences that is long overdue.
Frank and Anderson pull out all the stops on this one. The full page opening for Grimm kicks off the action. As more players enter the game, events get more wild. Mysterios’s use of a red lantern only spells more disaster. This leads to an usual attack form Superman. The art closes in on his eyes reading the room. It results in a shocking finish. A 9 grid page leads into the strong ending. The final page hits readers with a combo of panels that tug at the emotions. This was so well done.
DON’T MISS PART 1 OF THE CROSSOVER!
“Ghosting” by Simonson, Nauck, Rosenberg & Caramagna
Steel and Thor team up to take down the Hobgoblin. Simonson pens a very straight forward story. Dialogue is on point with Hobby taunting Steel the entire time with no breaking of Irons’ focus. The use of new tech provides a nice touch to the overall battle. Nauck and Rosenberg stage the action very well. It all starts with a great full page image. Thor’s involvement is brief but an effective co-sign. Honestly wish this went longer than it did. Definitely wouldn’t mind seeing this ran back.
“Remarkable” by Stephanie Phillips, Phil Noto& Caramagna
Ghost Spider tries etting an autograph from Superman. What she gets in return is a run-in with Supergirl. Phillips is no stranger to the world of Spider-Gwen. Her banter with Kara hits on every level. Noto delivers on fun interactions between the pair while they try stopping Livewire. It ends with a mutual understanding of both heroes. A very quick tale that hits the landing.
“The One Thing...” by Bendis, Pichelli, Blee, & Caramagna
Miles Morales’ creators return as he teams with Superman! Their encounter is one of great challenge. The banter is one of Miles learning some lessons from Clark and vice versa. Even with the use of Magic involved, neither will back down. Pichelli and Blee lock in on their deep talk and expressions. It serves as a lead-up of a fight that unfortunately we don’t see finished.
“The Wondrous and the Worthy” by Jason Aaron, Russell Dauterman, Wilson & Caramagna
Jane Foster - Thor’s creative team reunites to pair her with Wonder Woman. Fans watch as the two heroines break down their battle with Darkseid. The writing dives into Lady thor’s identity while presenting an offer of great importance. The result speaks volumes of the character as the battle is ready to go. There’s plenty of excellent art to go around as Wonder Woman dives into the mystery of Lady Thor. Another fun match-up for fans to enjoy.
“One of Those Days” by loeb, Cheung, Ramos & Caramagna
The two page story caps off events as Peter heads back to the bridge where Gwen Stacy died with Superman finding hi. The talk is brief but effective in demonstrating Superman’s view of hope. The art locks in on Peter listening to every word with some quick one-liners ready. The final panel sums up the journey readers have been on and hopefully there’s more to come.
FINAL GRADE: 9.4
The latest challenge for Spidey and Big Blue pushes both to address fears and fight through it to a thunderous win! Meltzer & Larraz deal a winning hand in this game of superhero struggles. The back-up tales are shorter than expected but provide some interesting looks at other pairing in this monster crossover. Seeing these icons team up gives a much needed shot of excitement into readers collections! Don’t miss it!
Let me know your thoughts on MARVEL/DC: SPIDER-MAN/SUPERMAN #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
