Superior Foes of Spider-Man #1

Writer:  Nick Spencer

Art:  Steve Lieber

Peter Parker may no longer be in the driver's seat, but readers are being treated to unprecedented levels of diverse comics in the Spider-Man universe.  While there have been multiple concurrent Spidey titles in the past (I'm looking at you, mid-90s Marvel), they have traditionally been centered on the core Spider-Man characters.  Superior Foes of Spider-Man #1 is the first of two new titles debuting this month focusing not on the wall-crawler himself, but rather his extended universe.  This is a strong step in the right direction, supporting an ever-improving Superior Spider-Man and standing alongside other solid titles.

Nick Spencer delivers a great approach to some "B" and "C" tier villains that was really fresh.  The story centers on the misadventures of the newest incarnation of the Sinister Six.  This adds a new spin on the classic team-up story and readers will see these characters in a brand new light.  While Spencer pokes fun at the status level these villains command (the only people who respect them less than the public are each other), he raises an excellent point.  I know nothing about the man behind the Boomerang mask.  Showing these villains as people resonated with me.  The same desires are there in their characters as there are in the heroes.  There is a daydreamer, a speaker, the distracted guy.  They all want to make something of themselves.  The Sinister Six's course just involves a lot more unlawful activity.     I wasn’t wild about the nod to Instagram, though.  It took me out of the world of the book, and I doubt it will hold up to the test of time.  Leave that stuff to Young Avengers.

Lieber's work here is very solid.  He nails facial expressions which really helps avoid the monotony of dealing with multiple maskless (at times) characters while keeping everything very clean and simple.  This installment was really light on the action, so I'm looking forward to seeing how he can handle the characters in those situations.  Martin’s cover work is great as well.  I love the switch in roles between the hero and the villains.  

There will be comparisons to Fraction and Aja's Hawkeye title.  The "day in the life" approach that Spencer employs broaches similar ground, and there is nothing wrong with having your title likened to an existing top-shelf work like Hawkeye.  This is a great little corner of the universe that Marvel is telling.  No giant stories with the existence if the universe hanging in the balance.  Save that for your Avengers and X-titles.  Keep bringing in fresh voices that are killing it with character-based stories that allow the writing and art to shine.  I love that Marvel is taking a chance with books that approach the superhero/villain identity in this manner.  This isn’t something I would have expected from them ten years ago, and I love the direction some of their titles have been taking.  Without getting too into the politics of the comic industry, all I’ll say is DC should take some notes.

If you're digging Spencer's writing, be sure to check out his work over in Avengers with Hickman on the build-up to Infinity.  Also, check out Image's Morning Glories.  I've been a fan for a while, and that's where I first came across Spencer.  I'm new to Lieber, but would love some recommendations on his work.  Contact me at @mahargen on Twitter to share your suggestions!