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Spider-Man (2022)
Spider-Man, Vol. 2: Who is Spider-Boy?
Collects Spider-Man (2022) #8-11. The Spider-Verse event has ended, and Spider-Man must pick up the pieces. But Peter Parker has changed. His powers are super-charged, enabling him to be the best Spider-Man he can be - but can his all-too-human body take the strain? Meanwhile, Electro has also leveled up - and he's out to shock his old foe to death once and for all! And Norman Osborn is about to do something that may put an end to his new amicable relationship with Spidey. Spinning out of the restored Web of Life and Destiny, the spectacular Spider-Boy returns! But who is this spunky sidekick who nobody remembers, and what is his connection to Spider-Man?!
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
6 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Dan Slott
2,025 books456 followersDan Slott is an American comic book writer, the current writer on Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, and is best known for his work on books such as Arkham Asylum: Living Hell, She-Hulk, Silver Surfer, The Superior Spider-Man, and Ren & Stimpy.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 30, 2023
At the end of the previous volume of Dan Slott’s current run on Spider-Man, the Spider-Verse event may have ended, but a new character calling themselves Spider-Boy and is roaming around in Peter Parker’s world, this new mystery sets up the next arc in Slott’s run.
While the mystery of Spidey-Boy goes on, Peter goes through some troubles of his own, as during a building on fire, Spidey saves all but one, leaving him distraught and realising that his spider-sense is not enough. Despite the reluctance from his boss, Norman Osborn, Peter insists on an experimenting to alter his biology, so that his spider-sense can be greater and hopefully save many more lives, but what about his own life?
Oh, and Electro is planning a huge heist, which feels more like a footnote, albeit a funny one as he initially sets to do the heist himself, only to realise he needs more than himself to steal the tons of gold in the vault. Considering that the story here is smaller compared to the multiverse shenanigans from the previous arc, Slott wanted to tell a story about Peter relearning that “with great power comes great responsibility”.
As much as Peter sees his powers as a gift, this desire to be greater ultimately not only influences him as Spidey where he is more efficient in lifesaving but has no personal interactions in his life as Peter Parker. He has been told this numerous times, starting with Norman Osborn, a man who is still seen by many as a monster, and then Spider-Boy, who has proclaimed to be a sidekick who has seen the highs and lows of Spider-Man.
Taking place around the same time as Zeb Wells’ current run on The Amazing Spider-Man, Slott and artist Mark Bagley are taking cues from that other comic, particularly the dynamic between Peter and Norman, in which the former has his own Spider-Glider, whilst the latter rids off the green to become the Gold Goblin. While there aren’t multiple Spider-people thrown into every panel as before, Bagley continues to shine with art that looks both classic and modern, with some stunning pages that showcase Peter’s out-of-control spider-sense.
The final issue answers the question, “who is Spider-Boy?” as Peter confronts the sidekick he never knew he had. The idea of Spider-Man having a sidekick isn’t a new one, but Slott makes Bailey Briggs a fun presence that interacts with a variety of characters in the Marvel universe, from Daredevil to the Fantastic Four. That sense of fun is also apparent in Luciano Vecchio’s art, which looks appropriately more cartoony due to the focus on this young superhero, who has fought the likes of Arcade and Big Wheel.
As these issues marked the end of Dan Slott and Mark Bagley’s Spider-Man run, this does not conclude their time with the web-slinger as the two will be reviving The Superior Spider-Man, whilst Slott will be writing Spider-boy's solo series. Given the controversy that has been going on with Marvel’s flagship Spider-Man title, the secondary titles have been more successful with Peter Parker and his world.
While the mystery of Spidey-Boy goes on, Peter goes through some troubles of his own, as during a building on fire, Spidey saves all but one, leaving him distraught and realising that his spider-sense is not enough. Despite the reluctance from his boss, Norman Osborn, Peter insists on an experimenting to alter his biology, so that his spider-sense can be greater and hopefully save many more lives, but what about his own life?
Oh, and Electro is planning a huge heist, which feels more like a footnote, albeit a funny one as he initially sets to do the heist himself, only to realise he needs more than himself to steal the tons of gold in the vault. Considering that the story here is smaller compared to the multiverse shenanigans from the previous arc, Slott wanted to tell a story about Peter relearning that “with great power comes great responsibility”.
As much as Peter sees his powers as a gift, this desire to be greater ultimately not only influences him as Spidey where he is more efficient in lifesaving but has no personal interactions in his life as Peter Parker. He has been told this numerous times, starting with Norman Osborn, a man who is still seen by many as a monster, and then Spider-Boy, who has proclaimed to be a sidekick who has seen the highs and lows of Spider-Man.
Taking place around the same time as Zeb Wells’ current run on The Amazing Spider-Man, Slott and artist Mark Bagley are taking cues from that other comic, particularly the dynamic between Peter and Norman, in which the former has his own Spider-Glider, whilst the latter rids off the green to become the Gold Goblin. While there aren’t multiple Spider-people thrown into every panel as before, Bagley continues to shine with art that looks both classic and modern, with some stunning pages that showcase Peter’s out-of-control spider-sense.
The final issue answers the question, “who is Spider-Boy?” as Peter confronts the sidekick he never knew he had. The idea of Spider-Man having a sidekick isn’t a new one, but Slott makes Bailey Briggs a fun presence that interacts with a variety of characters in the Marvel universe, from Daredevil to the Fantastic Four. That sense of fun is also apparent in Luciano Vecchio’s art, which looks appropriately more cartoony due to the focus on this young superhero, who has fought the likes of Arcade and Big Wheel.
As these issues marked the end of Dan Slott and Mark Bagley’s Spider-Man run, this does not conclude their time with the web-slinger as the two will be reviving The Superior Spider-Man, whilst Slott will be writing Spider-boy's solo series. Given the controversy that has been going on with Marvel’s flagship Spider-Man title, the secondary titles have been more successful with Peter Parker and his world.
August 14, 2025
I enjoyed this well enough. It was interesting exploring a Peter who's been ripped out of a different life where he was never Spider-Man and Uncle Ben was still alive. I also liked the central conceit of him turning his spider sense up to 11 and dealing with the overload. Bailey was a fun addition, too.
October 25, 2024
I loved this volume and its so cool focusing on Spider-man and really changes his world like we have him discover he had a new/old sidekick and where has been and relearning his entire history and Electro is back meanwhile he has also upgraded his powersets and he can sense whenever anyone is in trouble and thats challenging him as its going into over-drive and thats kinda cool though.
We see the return of Electro and probably one of the better battles between him and Spidey and well the focus on Spider-boy and how Pete and him take the villain down and an important lesson for Pete about excess responsibility and whatever is going on with Gold Goblin and then we see the origin of SPIDER-BOY and where has been and its really well done, standard origin and new powers.. some of which looks interesting.
I like the line "Spider-man doesn't need a sidekick but this sidekick needs a Spider-man" and that was enough to sell me on the character and I love it. Seriously cool origin and how it weaved in other heroes to his origin was super cool and another new spidey character added to the marvel mythos and thats kinda awesome. Plus the art of Bagley <3!
We see the return of Electro and probably one of the better battles between him and Spidey and well the focus on Spider-boy and how Pete and him take the villain down and an important lesson for Pete about excess responsibility and whatever is going on with Gold Goblin and then we see the origin of SPIDER-BOY and where has been and its really well done, standard origin and new powers.. some of which looks interesting.
I like the line "Spider-man doesn't need a sidekick but this sidekick needs a Spider-man" and that was enough to sell me on the character and I love it. Seriously cool origin and how it weaved in other heroes to his origin was super cool and another new spidey character added to the marvel mythos and thats kinda awesome. Plus the art of Bagley <3!
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March 27, 2024The notion of introducing new characters, and then claiming they'd always been around but everyone had forgotten them for one or another reason, was fun for a while. But like so much of the 'everything you know is wrong' toolkit, it's worn thin from overuse. Lost kid sidekick Spider-Boy wasn't even the best new Spider introduced in the previous volume of this series, but he's the one Marvel are determined to make happen, so we get to go tick all the obvious boxes again here, woven around a story where Peter decides he doesn't have enough of an impossible guilt complex so amps his spider-sense* up to crippling levels. As my dad once asked, is his superpower being able to kick himself in the balls? The one bright spot is the relationship between Jonah Jameson and Norman Osborn, both on Spidey's side at the moment but far from the best of friends with each other.
*Still not a thing actual spiders have, of course, given how often I find one scuttling straight for my size 10s or otherwise utterly failing to note the approach of a destroying giant.
*Still not a thing actual spiders have, of course, given how often I find one scuttling straight for my size 10s or otherwise utterly failing to note the approach of a destroying giant.
November 10, 2023
An experimental treatment sends Peter's spider-sense into overdrive, and the only person who can save him is his mysterious new sidekick. But Spider-Boy's going to be tested more than ever before, as Electro chooses that very moment to strike!
End Of The Spider-Verse was a weird arc. Who Is Spider-Boy? is also a little weird. The spider-sense story feels like something Slott did before over in Amazing Spider-Man (Danger Zone, perhaps?), and it's all really just a prelude to bringing Spider-Boy into the fray. He's certainly a more interesting character than the last time Spidey got a sidekick (let's all forget about Alpha, shall we?), and I'm intrigued by the new villain he's bringing with him, even if she seems like Cruella De Vil meets the High Evolutionary (but I dig that, apparently). Oh, and Mark Bagley's art is flawless as always, because he's Mark fucking Bagley, nearly forgot that.
Decent, probably more of a 3.5, but we're rounding up today.
End Of The Spider-Verse was a weird arc. Who Is Spider-Boy? is also a little weird. The spider-sense story feels like something Slott did before over in Amazing Spider-Man (Danger Zone, perhaps?), and it's all really just a prelude to bringing Spider-Boy into the fray. He's certainly a more interesting character than the last time Spidey got a sidekick (let's all forget about Alpha, shall we?), and I'm intrigued by the new villain he's bringing with him, even if she seems like Cruella De Vil meets the High Evolutionary (but I dig that, apparently). Oh, and Mark Bagley's art is flawless as always, because he's Mark fucking Bagley, nearly forgot that.
Decent, probably more of a 3.5, but we're rounding up today.
April 7, 2024
At this point it feels like I've got a permanent mental block when it comes to enjoying Dan Slott stories. I feel mean spirited when I say that I haven't enjoyed a story he's written since probably 2019. I don't enjoy the Spider-Boy stuff. I don't need a Spider-Man sidekick. The thing is this isn't even bad in an interesting way, its just boring. I will, against my better judgement, check back in for the Superior Spider-Man book because I did enjoy Slott's work there but at this point it feels like anything else is a waste of time.
I'm giving this 2 stars because Bagley is one of my favorite Spider-Man artists and I love that he's still able to pump out a monthly book. That he's being wasted here I'm just going to ignore.
I'm giving this 2 stars because Bagley is one of my favorite Spider-Man artists and I love that he's still able to pump out a monthly book. That he's being wasted here I'm just going to ignore.
January 21, 2024
4 stars for the Bagley art...
and knock it down a star for ANYTHING with 'Spider-Boy' in it
This is wrapping up the end of the Spider-Verse things. Peter has to cope with having had a taste of a reality where Uncle Ben was still alive. Add to that, he has to wrap his brain around the new fact that there's a 10 year old 'Spider-Boy' who claims to be his sidekick. Maybe if Parker can upgrade his spider-sense, he can do the most good. If history is any indication, that's PROBABLY not in the cards.
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A 10 year old sidekick to Spider-Man? Ummm...
I don't care what 'monster of the week' villain you create to make it possible. This entire premise rubs me the wrong way.
and knock it down a star for ANYTHING with 'Spider-Boy' in it
This is wrapping up the end of the Spider-Verse things. Peter has to cope with having had a taste of a reality where Uncle Ben was still alive. Add to that, he has to wrap his brain around the new fact that there's a 10 year old 'Spider-Boy' who claims to be his sidekick. Maybe if Parker can upgrade his spider-sense, he can do the most good. If history is any indication, that's PROBABLY not in the cards.
========
A 10 year old sidekick to Spider-Man? Ummm...
I don't care what 'monster of the week' villain you create to make it possible. This entire premise rubs me the wrong way.
March 5, 2024
Solid read, but with the long running "Amazing Spider-Man" title, where is this one going? Will it continue?
Two basic plotlines here: 1) Spidey alters his DNA again and super charges his Spidey Sense to the point where he is overwhelmed and can't put the villains he is fighting "in danger" either. He needs Norman's help to stop. AND 2) Spider-Boy has come ?back? in the 616. Why can't anyone remember him? He works fine with Peter by the end, and has unique abilities (no web shooters, but multiple eyes and a paralyzing spider-bite), but we really only get started learning about him. When will that continue?
Overall, a good read, but a short one. Recommend.
Two basic plotlines here: 1) Spidey alters his DNA again and super charges his Spidey Sense to the point where he is overwhelmed and can't put the villains he is fighting "in danger" either. He needs Norman's help to stop. AND 2) Spider-Boy has come ?back? in the 616. Why can't anyone remember him? He works fine with Peter by the end, and has unique abilities (no web shooters, but multiple eyes and a paralyzing spider-bite), but we really only get started learning about him. When will that continue?
Overall, a good read, but a short one. Recommend.
October 11, 2024
So chronologically this takes place before "Spider-Boy" Vol 1, which I've already read.
I like the concept of Spider-Boy, but it's still really hard to believe Spider-Man is cool with putting a ten year old boy in danger. That's really more of a Batman thing.
I know they address it directly, but I still don't quite buy it. Ultimately it's not a big deal because kid sidekicks in comics have been around for almost a century.
There's a bunch of other stuff happening with Spider-Man guilting himself into thinking he's not doing a good enough job but I found that less interesting that a character who the whole universe forgot.
I like the concept of Spider-Boy, but it's still really hard to believe Spider-Man is cool with putting a ten year old boy in danger. That's really more of a Batman thing.
I know they address it directly, but I still don't quite buy it. Ultimately it's not a big deal because kid sidekicks in comics have been around for almost a century.
There's a bunch of other stuff happening with Spider-Man guilting himself into thinking he's not doing a good enough job but I found that less interesting that a character who the whole universe forgot.
August 29, 2023
Перша арка в серії "Spider-Man" від Дена Слотта мене відверто розчарувала, все таки сюжети про Спайдервьорс в коміксах виходять не дуже. Тож давайте дізнаємося чи вдасться Слотту та Баґлі виправити ситуацію у другому сюжеті.
Номери з 8-10 розповідають про те як Пітер вирішує прокачати своє павуче чуття, щоб вчасно рятувати людей, але в результаті воно починає працювати 24/7. Не дивлячись на те, що така зав'язка здається вже була в якомусь сюжеті (вроді як раз у Слотта), мені цей сюжет дуже сподобався. Історія читалася досить легко, Норман навіть у цій серії примудрився порадувати і у нього була досить непогана взаємодія з Джоною, навіть було декілька смішнявок від Електро. Також сподобалося те, що Пітер зберіг спогади про життя з дядьком Беном з минулої арки. Щодо малюнку то тут Баґлі постарався і видав, скоріш за все, свою найкращу роботу за останні декілька років.
В 11 номері Павуче Хлоп'ятко, який був у минулих номерах, але з важливого тільки допоміг побити Електро, розповідає історії Паркеру про їх спільні пригоди. Бейлі робить це щоб переконати Паркера щоб він дозволив йому супергеройствувати. Загалом вийшов досить милий і хороший номер, в якому Слотт також відповів на деяку критику в бік персонажа.
І на цьому ��се, цю серію тепер замінить онґоїнґ Суперіора, а історія Бейлі продовжиться в його власній серії. І якщо чесно то трохи навіть обідно, я би хотів щоб Слотт ще трохи пописав про пригоди Пітера, все та��и коли він старається то історії про Павука у нього виходять круті. Якщо ж підводити підсумки відносно цієї серії то я би порадив прочитати п'ятий номер і одразу перейти до другої арки.
Номери з 8-10 розповідають про те як Пітер вирішує прокачати своє павуче чуття, щоб вчасно рятувати людей, але в результаті воно починає працювати 24/7. Не дивлячись на те, що така зав'язка здається вже була в якомусь сюжеті (вроді як раз у Слотта), мені цей сюжет дуже сподобався. Історія читалася досить легко, Норман навіть у цій серії примудрився порадувати і у нього була досить непогана взаємодія з Джоною, навіть було декілька смішнявок від Електро. Також сподобалося те, що Пітер зберіг спогади про життя з дядьком Беном з минулої арки. Щодо малюнку то тут Баґлі постарався і видав, скоріш за все, свою найкращу роботу за останні декілька років.
В 11 номері Павуче Хлоп'ятко, який був у минулих номерах, але з важливого тільки допоміг побити Електро, розповідає історії Паркеру про їх спільні пригоди. Бейлі робить це щоб переконати Паркера щоб він дозволив йому супергеройствувати. Загалом вийшов досить милий і хороший номер, в якому Слотт також відповів на деяку критику в бік персонажа.
І на цьому ��се, цю серію тепер замінить онґоїнґ Суперіора, а історія Бейлі продовжиться в його власній серії. І якщо чесно то трохи навіть обідно, я би хотів щоб Слотт ще трохи пописав про пригоди Пітера, все та��и коли він старається то історії про Павука у нього виходять круті. Якщо ж підводити підсумки відносно цієї серії то я би порадив прочитати п'ятий номер і одразу перейти до другої арки.
December 24, 2023
A big improvement over Slott's shallow "final" Spider-verse story. And that's because it's all about character, especially the interactions between Norman and Peter (which continue to be great) and Peter and Spider-Boy (which turns out to be unbelievable even after Slott spends the entire arc trying to convince us it's believable). The Electro storyline that acts a foundation for much of this is nothing new.
After reading this, I can't say I'm too interested in reading Slott's Spider-Boy comic, which is an unfortunately damning commentary on the story itself. [3+/5]
After reading this, I can't say I'm too interested in reading Slott's Spider-Boy comic, which is an unfortunately damning commentary on the story itself. [3+/5]
January 26, 2024
This just hasn't hit the highs of Slott's first go around with Spider-Man. It's OK. Spider-Man supercharges his Spidey sense which causes him to save people nonstop. Spider-Boy is running around in the background trying to adjust to no one remembering him. Electro's in the picture as well and he's just really uninteresting at this point. Unfortunately, I just can't find myself caring about this series too much. Bagley's art is great though.
February 9, 2024
Liked this better than the End of Spiderverse, but it's still kind of a strange arc. Who is this new Spider-Boy that no one remembers? Spider-Man manages to extend his Spidey-Sense to the point where he can pick up on others in danger, but it proves to be too much. Then, Electro makes an appearance. And we get just a bit of back story on Spider-Boy. The art is good.
February 22, 2024
Collects Spider-Man (2022) issues #8-11
Volume 1's "Spider-Verse" event led straight into a mystery that I'm all in on. Who is Spider-Boy? We get a lot of answers here, but the story potential that exists with the creation of this character is the most exciting thing to me. Dan Slott does it again!
Final rating = 4.5 stars
On a sidenote, I like the new costume design.
Volume 1's "Spider-Verse" event led straight into a mystery that I'm all in on. Who is Spider-Boy? We get a lot of answers here, but the story potential that exists with the creation of this character is the most exciting thing to me. Dan Slott does it again!
Final rating = 4.5 stars
On a sidenote, I like the new costume design.
January 19, 2024
Classic Slott Spider-Man. Interesting characters that are well-written. Loved the sequence with Spider-man hurting himself every time he punches someone. Still not entirely sold that he wouldn’t stop a ten year old from fighting crime, but it’s fun so whatever.
January 19, 2024
Okay I guess
Never a massive fan of lore retcon tbh. Could have been done worse but also could have been done better. Wish they would stop adding new characters and just retcon one more day instead.
Never a massive fan of lore retcon tbh. Could have been done worse but also could have been done better. Wish they would stop adding new characters and just retcon one more day instead.
September 26, 2024
I am eternally annoyed by characters being retconned into the past. It's unnecessary.
And I'm still feeling like these characters are being created by the writers for nothing more than royalty reasons.
I did really like the art though.
Overall - 3/5
And I'm still feeling like these characters are being created by the writers for nothing more than royalty reasons.
I did really like the art though.
Overall - 3/5
November 27, 2024
I'm not sure what Slott is getting at with introducing this new alt timeline Spider-Boy (his previous attempt at a Spider-man sidekick was the weakest part of his original run), but I'm here for the ride.
October 30, 2023
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
January 8, 2024
Hi my name is Oprah and dis is my review
PERIOD!!!!!!
PERIOD!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2024
A good graphic novel.
January 29, 2024
Spider sense on overdrive. Spider-boy really is too young to be fighting crime.
May 2, 2024
I’m not quite on the Spider-boy wagon yet.
I get how Slott is giving us an adventure and then origin. But like Pete I don’t remember the kid.
I get how Slott is giving us an adventure and then origin. But like Pete I don’t remember the kid.
July 22, 2024
It’s alright as a back door introduction of Spider-Boy. Art is good
June 5, 2025
A fun read on an interesting arc with Spiderman enhancing his spider sense.
December 31, 2025
I like this Spider-Boy character, and seeing how the "erased history" looks from a new character's POV is fun.
January 17, 2026
es medio relleno pero amo a spider boy
March 9, 2024
This was a really fun read. Most Spider-Man books from the last decade I've read are SpiderVerse or other massive stakes deals so it was a nice change of pace to have a standard three issue story where Spidey has to fight a goon like Electro while something is up with his powers. It was low stakes, but in a way which felt deliberate and made for some fun super hero fight scenes.
The introduction of Bailey as Spider Boy is really exciting however. I like how much his character is a deliberate statement on the idea of Spider-Man having a sidekick and I think the character so far has been incredibly fun to see.
Mark Bagley delivers some stunning art, which is to be expected of the best (in my opinion) Spider-Man artist ever.
I look forward to seeing where things go in the Spider Boy book.
The introduction of Bailey as Spider Boy is really exciting however. I like how much his character is a deliberate statement on the idea of Spider-Man having a sidekick and I think the character so far has been incredibly fun to see.
Mark Bagley delivers some stunning art, which is to be expected of the best (in my opinion) Spider-Man artist ever.
I look forward to seeing where things go in the Spider Boy book.
April 3, 2024
Solid stories. And Spider-Boy is actually growing on me.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews