It is not uncommon for comic publishers to create new comics based upon upcoming film adaptations. Indeed, Marvel usually does this, hoping to turn MCU movie fans into comic book readers. Given that, long-time fans of Peter Parker might be forgiven for dismissing Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day as a simple movie tie-in. While it is that, it is also a retro story set in one of the most divisive eras of Marvel Comics‘ history.
The opening pages quickly recap the current status quo of Peter Parker’s life. Not only how he got superpowers from a radioactive spider bite, but also the events of Civil War and One More Day. The practical upshot is that nobody knows Peter Parker is Spider-Man and the wall-crawler is trying to get his house in order.
This status quo may sound somewhat familiar to those who only know Spidey from the MCU movies. However, it is based on how things were during the Brand New Day comics of 2008. Yet it may also seem familiar to fans of the Spider-Man video games published by Insomniac Games. This is largely due to Peter’s taking on a new volunteer job at FEAST and his encounter with a new crime-boss called Mister Negative.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is new-reader friendly
Longtime Spider-Man writer Dan Slott does a fantastic job spinning a lot of plates in this first issue. Despite throwing out a lot of Easter eggs to his original Brand New Day comics, Slott’s script keeps things accessible. That being said, he does indulge himself somewhat by sneaking his creations into the narrative. Beyond Mister Negative and Spidey’s contact in the NYPD, Detective Yuriko Watanabe, there’s also a cameo by Bailey Briggs before he became Spider-Boy. There are also nods to Brand New Day movie, with Spidey having to work around The Punisher, in addition to Mister Negative.
Marcus To does his usual stellar job on the artwork. The action scenes are smooth as spider silk. However, there’s a unique sense of motion to even the most basic panels of people simply talking. The flashback pages are equally well-illustrated by Marcos Martin and Muntsa Vicente. The colors by Alex Sinclair are appropriately eye-catching. And the letters by Joe Caramagna simple sing.
Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day #1 is one of those rare comics with something for everyone. For established Spider-Fans, it’s a welcome retro story. For newcomers, it’s an good place to start reading. It’s only flaw is that some may find it overly familiar and repetitive of earlier stories. Despite that one issue, it is still a great read.
Grade: 9/10
Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
