Behold! Marvel and DC just unleashed the Superman mash-up of our nightmares

Image: Russell Dauterman/Marvel Comics/DC Comics

The latest inter-publisher event from Marvel and DC has arrived, and it arguably stands as their most compelling collaboration to date. Following last autumn’s one-shots that paired Batman with Deadpool, this spring brings together the web-slinger and the Man of Steel for a monumental encounter. Spider-Man/Superman #1 delivers a poignant, character-driven narrative, though it isn’t afraid to take a few wild, unexpected turns along the way.

[Ed. note: The following contains spoilers for Spider-Man/Superman #1.]

Penned by Brad Meltzer with art by Pepe Larraz, the primary narrative finds our protagonists confined within a cavernous prison. Their chemistry is immediate; Superman finds genuine amusement in Spider-Man’s trademark quips, a stark contrast to the annoyance the wall-crawler typically inspires in his peers. However, the levity is short-lived as a Green Goblin pumpkin bomb—packed with lethal Kryptonite—detonates, threatening to crush them like a trash compactor. As Spider-Man struggles to hold back the collapsing ceiling, the pair engages in a heartfelt exchange. It’s a beautifully written sequence that touches on the lingering weight of Uncle Ben’s death, efficiently peeling back the layers that define these two iconic figures.

They manage a narrow escape, only to discover their confinement was no ordinary trap: the entire facility is a construct of the Venom symbiote, which immediately seeks out a new, powerhouse host. Yes, we are witnessing the terrifying arrival of a Venom-infused Superman.

Image: Brad Meltzer, Pepe Larraz/Marvel Comics, DC Comics

The sight of a symbiote-bonded Superman is as delightfully absurd and imaginative as the previous Green Lantern Rocket Raccoon team-up. Larraz excels at capturing the kinetic intensity of the sequence, particularly as a monstrously enhanced Superman relentlessly pursues Spider-Man. While the transformation is brief, it serves as a high-octane centerpiece for the issue.

Once the dust settles, the heroes return to their civilian personas for a final, meditative conversation. The contrast between Clark Kent’s unwavering optimism and Peter Parker’s reflexive melancholy is handled with nuance. Between this title and last month’s Superman/Spider-Man #1, the two have established such a captivating dynamic that one can’t help but wish these two universes collided with more frequency.

Beyond the headline act, the anthology’s supporting stories are equally impressive. Dan Slott and Marcos Martin’s short featuring Spider-Man Noir and the 1938 iteration of Superman is a personal highlight. Despite its brevity, it is packed with charming historical nods, including a recreation of the legendary Amazing Fantasy #15 cover and a clever acknowledgment of the fact that the original Superman lacked the ability to fly.

Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman contribute a gripping story pitting Jane Foster’s Thor against Venomized Parademons. It captures the essence of Foster’s character—she is clearly outmatched, yet she refuses to yield, proving exactly why she remains such a compelling heroine. Finally, Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli craft a touching moment where Miles Morales seeks guidance from Superman, reinforcing the core theme of the issue: what it truly means to bear the mantle of a hero.

Ultimately, Spider-Man/Superman #1 stands as a brilliant conclusion to this era of crossovers. It celebrates the heart of these characters while proving that when creators are untethered from continuity, they can produce some of the most innovative and entertaining work in the medium.

Spider-Man/Superman #1 is available at comic retailers now.

 

Source: Polygon