Spider-Verse (The Amazing Spider-Man #s 7 to 11, Superior Spider Man #32 and 33)
(writer) Dan Slott
(artists) Olivier Coipel, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Humberto Ramos, Adam Kubert (with various inkers)
(colorist) various
The biggest Spider-Man event of 2014 (next to Peter Parker's return, of course), kicked off in earnest last month, and unfortunately, I wasn't around for it, unfortunately, but I have since caught up, and boy, am I glad I did. This won't really be a proper review, given the sheer number of issues involved, but I would like to share some impressions on what is shaping up to be a pretty big milestone for Spidey.
Writer Dan Slott, this time joined by the magnificent Olivier Coipel, having brought Peter Parker back from the dead, now pits him against a foe that has actually almost killed him twice, the energy vampire Morlun. To ramp up the stakes, Slott introduces a whole family of "Morluns," a family of centuries old energy vampires known as the Inheritors. The good news, though, is that Peter won't be facing them alone; he'll have help from Spider-Men from universes all over the multiverse. The question is, will even their combined strength and brains be enough to conquer a foe that lives solely to consume them?
The thing about Morlun, as a character, is that there really wasn't all that much to him in terms of back story in both the times that he fought Spider-Man. He was, most likely by design, shrouded in mystery, and Slott has seen this as an opportunity to build a whole world around him. Of course, a lot of these narrative innovations could very well create retroactive plot holes in Morlun's previous appearances, but I will give Slott high marks for his sense of scope. He really is turning out to be quite the Ringmaster of the Spidey circus; since he took over solo writing duties back in 2010 he's churned out quite a "event" storylines like "Spider-Island," "The Ends of the Earth," and, of course "Superior Spider-Man," probably the story for which he will be best remembered.
The best part of this new story arc, however, is far and away artist Olivier Coipel, who brings a dynamic look this book hasn't enjoyed since Stefano Caselli left the Spider-books some years ago.With due respect to series regulars Humberto Ramos and Giuseppe Camuncoli, who also turn in some work here, Coipel brings his "A" game to these pages, and elevates the entire story in the process. His take on Spider-man, from his size, to his body language, to the ever present web swinging, proves that Coipel is a natural fit for this title, which makes it all the more regrettable that Camuncoli will be alternating on art duties for at least two issues. Coipel is a true superstar, and I hope he comes back to the book after this story wraps up early next year.
Welcome to Spider-Verse Peter Parker and friends! Hope you survive the experience!
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