Writers: Dan Slott
Artists: Luciano Vecchio
Colorist: Edgar Delgado
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artists: Mark Bagley & Edgar Delgado; Luciano Vecchio; Peach Momoko
Publisher: Marvel
Price: $4.99
Release Date: August 16, 2023
Spider-Boy claims he is Spider-Man’s sidekick. Peter Parker doesn’t remember him. Can he trust the boy who protected him from Electro’s lethal attack? Let’s fwip into Spider-Man #11 and find out!
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Story
The Spider-Man of our universe got erased from the Web Of Life And Destiny. His multiverse counterparts returned him to Earth-616. Along with Peter came others, including a young boy. Bailey Briggs can’t web-sling, but he can spring into action, wall-crawl, and monster-out. (He’d prefer not to do the latter). He claims Peter rescued him from Madame Monstrosity (last seen in Amazing Spider-Man #31). Even though Peter doesn’t remember him, all Bailey asks is that Spider-Man gives him a chance.
To make his case, Bailey shares tales of their adventures. These stories cover his training, Murderworld, and saving someone dear to Peter’s heart. The more spectacular his exploits, the more Bailey peels away Peter’s objections. Spider-Man is all about embracing responsibility. But how would any mature adult feel about putting a ten-year-old child in harm’s way? How would you? Spider-Man #11 is a talky story, giving readers plenty to read. For some, the dialogue may prove excessive. Still, action-packed scenes enliven as Spider-Boy helps Peter Parker—and readers—learn more about him.
Art
Luciano Vecchio takes up the pencils and brushes as Spider-Man #11 picks up where the last issue ended. Spider-Man is lean and muscular. He displays a thoughtful but commanding presence. In the present, his reserve melts as Spider-Boy relates their history as he remembers it. In the past, Spider-Man helps him defeat androids, monocyclists, and ninjas. Whether fighting foes or each other, they fwip, fly, and leap through New York City in highly detailed scenes, making a seamless transition from Mark Bagley’s masterful art.
Edgar Delgado’s fully-loaded palette provides bold colors and rich shading, making Spider-Man #11 a pleasing and immersive experience. He applies highlights and shadows to ground characters and shows movement and depth with water. The Spidey-Duo’s eyes glow, and their suits grow vibrant after dark. When Bailey removes his mask, his face radiates wonder, uncertainty, hope, and warmth.
Joe Caramagna’s uppercase black letters in white dialogue balloons are easy to read. Inflection makes words bold, grow, and change color. Sound effects help us hear laser fire and web shooters and feel the motion and impacts as we accompany Spider-Man and Spider-Boy on their adventures. But did they take place on Earth-616? Does it matter?
Final Thoughts
Spider-Man #11 is a delectable anthology-in-miniature, wrapped in the candy coating of Peter Parker’s dilemma. While the stories entertain, they also set the cornerstone for later adventures. I look forward to seeing what Dan Slott and Paco Medina build atop this foundation in their upcoming Spider-Boy series.