Superior Spider-Man, Vol. 1: My Own Worst Enemy (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
Apart from the fact that this is only 120 pages, this volume is a compelling masterpiece. This is the first Spiderman book I have read, and before reading this he was nowhere close to my favourite hero. I actually thought he was pretty annoying, but alas I have opened my eyes and seen the error of my ways!The thing I loved the most out of this book was how dark the new Spidy is. With Otto Octavious in the drivers seat, after switching minds with Peter Parker, it makes for a completely different hero. I know it sounds far fetched, but it works extremely well. Especially for the fact that good old Peter is still trapped in his mind too, so he's left being the audience in his own life. Surprisingly Otto is doing a remarkable job as the web-slinger, and Peter even admits it in some moments. He is far more calculated and precise than Parker ever was, and it would seem he really is the superior Spiderman. Somehow though I think things are going to go downhill at some point, cause ya know, it is Otto Octavius in control. Already people are noticing the fact that the neighbourhood Spiderman isn't so friendly anymore. I'm looking forward to his eventual confrontation with the Avengers as well.I loved the fact that I came into this with pretty much zero knowledge of the Spider-verse, but at no point was I confused at who was who. Which is a credit to Dan Slott for some excellent writing. We get some all out action, while other plots are starting to brew up. The art is also commendable. Spiderman's new costume design looks awesome, adding black over the traditional blue gives him a much darker edge. Not to mention the claws and eyes, it really helped set him apart from his predecessor. This is an excellent start to the series and I can't wait to read more of this goodness. If your a Spiderman fan then you'll no doubt be frothing at the mouth over this. If your not, give it a go anyway cause it's a damn good book. I knew the basic premise here, that a dying Doctor Octopus has taken over Peter Parker's body, and through a melding of the minds, and memories, decided to do a better job at being Spider-Man than Peter ever did. I also knew that it had some pretty creepy bits where Doctor Octopus in Peter's body goes after Mary Jane, and other such things. Reading this, it was kind of creepy, but it was also kind of the point. It was an interesting change, and I am interested to see where it goes after this... particularly since I know it went on for a reasonably long time, but doesn't last forever. If nothing else, it's an interesting, different take on Spider-Man, and that's pretty cool.
What do You think about Superior Spider-Man, Vol. 1: My Own Worst Enemy (2013)?
Different, yet very enjoyable. I am looking forward to seeing where they go with this story-line.
—rach
definitely not the twist that is going to get me to start reading spiderman.
—Gin
Inventive, funny, subversive, delightful. I want so much more of this.
—Reader86
