Tai Freligh reviews Spidey #1 Halloween ComicFest Edition…
Think you know everything about Peter Parker’s early days? Think again. It’s action, adventure and a rip-roaring romp in classic Marvel style as Spidey swings onto shelves this winter! Featuring adventures from throughout the web-slinging wonder’s younger years, it’s a return to the days of overdue homework, not knowing how to talk to girls (or anybody, really) and just a plenty of danger. Witness some of Spidey’s earliest tangles with the likes of Doc Ock, Sandman, and a host of other unexpected guests!
I really enjoyed this quick moving romp through classic Spider-Man villains and supporting characters. Spidey battles Doc Ock and previews villains yet to be in Sandman and the Green Goblin. There’s Peter Parker making money at wrestling. There’s Peter Parker letting a thief get away only to kill his Uncle Ben and set him on the path towards becoming a hero. Here’s the nervous teen getting bullied and the boy who never has the right words when trying to talk to his girl crush Gwen Stacy. A visit to Oscorp with his friend Harry foreshadows darker things to come.
The artwork is fantastic with a fast-moving storyline that manages to touch on all the nostalgic things about Spider-Man’s origin story as well as some of the friends and foes he has dealt with over the years. Spidey slings his trademark zingers like a standup comedian and it gives me all the feels. There’s even a creative little bit poking fun at all the different names for Spider-Man over the years, from Spectacular to Amazing. While the Spider-Man story has been done to death, this issue manages to present it in a refreshing way that might turn a new generation onto the Amazing Spectacular Spider-Man.
Spidey #1 is available in comic book shops on October 29th for free.
Rating: 10/10
Tai Freligh is a Los Angeles-based writer and can be found on Twitter.
Originally published October 29, 2016. Updated April 15, 2018.
