Spider-Man: Spider’s Shadow by Chip Zdarsky is one of the first books that is launching
Marvel’s new What If line. This is the only title in the new line,
at this point, due to delays caused by the Covid pandemic.
The what if question here is simple: what if Peter Parker
became Venom? In this read, it ties into a series that had Peter Parker fight
off world and then return to Earth with what he thought was clothing from alien
technology that was actually a symbiote. In that other series, he eventually
figured out he had a symbiote and he was able to get rid of it. This book takes
us back to that storyline and postulates the idea that the symbiote is Venom.
Peter Parker has been having nightmares and is increasingly
under stress. After a personal attack by the Hobgoblin, Peter Parker succumbs
to the influence of the symbiote, aka Venom, and decides to take a more violent
approach to fighting crime. Who will be able to stop an unhinged Peter Parker
from dispensing justice, as he sees it, under the influence of Venom?
Spider-Man: Spider’s Shadow by Chip Zdarsky is a very violent and dark read with pretty
good art work that is heavily influenced by the original story. Since it is
based on the original story, only characters who were active during that time
period are featured so there are a smaller number of heroes in this book. I enjoyed this mature read even though I wish
it was longer so the impact of the events could be better explored. There are
multiple deaths, maimings, and lots of violence. This tale sets up a rather
interesting universe if there is a sequel.
My reading copy came from the Timberglen Branch of the
Dallas Public Library System.
Scott A. Tipple ©2022
No comments:
Post a Comment