Spider-Man’s Web of Responsibility

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In the concluding scene of Amazing Fantasy #15 from 1962, Peter Parker, a shy teenager, discovered a profound truth: “With great power comes great responsibility.” This lesson was penned by co-creators Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, who later introduced the character in the Amazing Spider-Man series, which has been published continuously since 1963 with a total of 965 issues. Marvel Comics has rebooted this book only a few times, first in 1999 and most recently in 2022, but the core message endures: With great power, there is also a heavy burden of responsibility.

Approaching its 1,000th issue, the creative team behind The Amazing Spider-Man understands the weight of this milestone and is taking it seriously. Joe Kelly, who played a significant role in rebooting Spider-Man for the Brand New Day era in 2008, has assumed scripting duties from Zeb Wells starting with the 8 Deaths of Spider-Man storyline in November’s Amazing #61. After wrapping up the volume with March’s Amazing #70, Marvel Comics reintroduced the title yet again with this week’s The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Vol. 7).

In a letter addressed to fans within “The Spider’s Web” section of the debut issue, Kelly expresses that “The Amazing Spider-Man” was the first comic book they recall reading, and that Spider-Man has been their favorite superhero since then. They describe Spidey as a guide in learning to read, a steadfast companion in their imagination, dreams, and sketches. As they grew older, they learned from Peter Parker that everyone experiences feelings of powerlessness, frustration, guilt, and sadness at times, even when circumstances should suggest happiness. However, they also learned from him how to persevere, even when life has dealt them hard blows or taken away irreplaceable things.

Kelly goes on to express their immense gratitude for being given the chance to write the ongoing adventures of such an influential character, and considers this opportunity one of the greatest blessings they’ve ever received. They further declare that “this character means the world to me.” In a pledge to fellow Spider-Fans, they vow, “For as long as I’m allowed to sit in this chair, I promise to do my utmost to tell a story worthy of our hero and all the brilliant creators who have provided us with thrills and chills for the past 63 years.

Working alongside Nick Lowe, Kaitlyn Lindtvedt, Tom Groneman, the exceptional team of artists Pepe Larraz and John Romita Jr., and colorist Marte Gracia, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the incredible talent and passion they bring to our project. As fellow Web-Heads, let’s embrace the fun together, donning our costumes with pride and keeping our hearts boldly displayed on our red-and-blue sleeves. Here’s to a joyful journey ahead!

Larraz, lauded by Kelly as a “genre-bending” artist famous for his work on the X-Men’s Krakoan era and the groundbreaking Blood Hunt event, reminisced about growing up in Spain and encountering unadorned Spider-Man comics. The series, debuted by writer-artist Todd McFarlane in 1990 and later taken over by writer-artist Erik Larsen, left a profound impression on him, as he penned that “this American comic book creation astounded me.” He further explained that the idea of creating American comics seemed so distant and almost legendary. It was inconceivable for him to draw American comics at that time.

Larraz found inspiration in McFarlane, then Larsen, and the artist of Amazing Spider-Man, Rick Leonardi. Later, the late Carlos Pacheco (Fantastic Four), Salvador Larroca (X-Men), and Pasqual Ferry (Heroes for Hire) followed, artists who “opened the doors of America to us, the young artists across the sea. All of a sudden, a Spaniard could create American comic books.

Larraz explains, “When I landed the job and began learning about this field from within, it felt like I was merely climbing a hill to catch a glimpse of the mountain. It dawned on me how far I was from achieving the goal of drawing The Amazing Spider-Man. That was the summit, the pinnacle. For someone like me who was just starting out, it seemed unattainable to draw The Amazing Spider-Man. And here we are.

In his own words, Larraz expresses his joy about working on a script by Kelly that he finds outstanding, touching, and entertaining. He adds that it’s a privilege to collaborate with one of the industry’s best editors, Nick Lowe, who has been an invaluable source of knowledge. He also mentions working with writer Joe Kelly, whose work he’s admired since his teenage years, as well as renowned comic book creator JRJR. Moreover, he’s grateful to have his brother Marte Gracia on colors again. Lastly, he thanks his studio companions, particularly Kenny Ruiz and Salba Combe, because without their assistance, the book would be significantly less impressive. In closing, he asserts that they aimed to create the best Spider-Man comic they could and hopes the readers will enjoy it just as much as they did.

Amazing Spider-Man #1 is on sale now from Marvel Comics.

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2025-04-10 02:13