Marvel’s Half of the Superman/Spider-Man Crossover Has a Lot of Surprising Firsts
Marvel and DC’s new crossover comics have felt like nothing short of a miracle. The two publishers joining forces, first on a pair of stories involving Batman and Deadpool last year, has already brought some greatness into the superhero space. This year, the trend will continue with Superman and Spider-Man, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their first meeting in 1976’s Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man.
After DC unveiled the first look at their half of the new crossover equation, Superman/Spider-Man #1, last month, it’s now Marvel’s turn. On Wednesday, Marvel shared the first look and details around Spider-Man/Superman #1, ahead of its debut in comic shops this April.
The main story for Superman/Spider-Man #1 will be written by comic writer and bestselling author Brad Meltzer, who is known for his stints on JLA and Identity Crisis, in his first full-length story for Marvel. Meltzer’s story, with art by Pepe Larraz, unites Spider-Man and Superman against a villainous alliance of Lex Luthor and Norman Osborn, but that’s only the beginning…
“I’ve been waiting fifty years to write this book,” Meltzer said in a statement. “Superman and Spider-Man have affected me more than most real people. I carry them with me everywhere — and our story cuts to the core of what it means to be a good person. I’m honored that Nick Lowe and everyone at Marvel even asked. Just wait until you see Pepe’s work. Get your capes and web-shooters ready…”
“Everyone here at Marvel is excited to be re-teaming with our friends at DC for another colossal crossover, this time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our two icons, Spider-Man and Superman, first teaming up!” echoed Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski. “I can’t wait for fans of every generation to read these spectacular stories that our titanic talent are telling, featuring all-new, easily accessible stories about the ever-growing Spider-Man and Superman families meeting for the first time.”
Spider-Man/Superman’s Backup Stories
Spider-Man/Superman #1 will feature a main cover by Pepe Larraz alongside variant covers from Sara Pichelli, Walter Simonson, Greg Capullo, Marcos Martin, Ryan Stegman, Peach Momoko, Erik Larsen, Jerome Opeña, Russell Dauterman, plus a wraparound cover by Kaare Andrews, a foil cover by Mark Bagley, and a Logo Mash-Up Variant.
Additionally, Spider-Man/Superman #1 will feature a number of backup stories from powerhouse creative teams, which you can check out an early list of below:
- Dan Slott and Marcos Martin send Spider-Man Noir into the shadowy 1930s to meet the Golden Age Superman.
- Geoff Johns returns to Marvel for his first story in more than 20 years, reuniting with Gary Frank for a Super- and Spider-family clash sparked by Mysterio.
- Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman stage an epic showdown as symbiotes swarm Metropolis in a tale featuring Jane Foster’s Mighty Thor, Wonder Woman, and more.
- Louise Simonson and Todd Nauck pit Steel against the Hobgoblin.
- Joe Kelly and Humberto Ramos deliver a campus crossover starring Gwen Stacy and Lana Lang.
- Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli reunite Miles Morales with Superman in a team-up fans won’t want to miss.
While this list might not be on the level of the Jimmy Olsen/Carnage crossover we’re getting in Superman/Spider-Man, there’s still a lot of potential. The Wonder Woman and Mighty Thor team-up is sure to be one for the ages, especially with Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman contributing to the tapestry of Jane Foster’s Thor for the first time in years. And I’m, personally, very curious about how the Gwen Stacy and Lana Lang crossover is going to go, given both women’s place in the histories of their respective love interests.
Spider-Man/Superman #1 will be released wherever comics are sold on Wednesday, April 15th.
(featured image: Marvel Comics / DC)
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