Summary
Sony’sSpider-ManUniverse, home toVenomand later this year,Kraven the Hunter,welcomes its newest hero on February 14th with the release ofMadame Web.Dakota Johnson will be portraying the titular hero, originally a side character in a number ofSpider-Mancomics.
Created by writer Denny O’Neill and drawn by artist John Romita Jr., Web is a clairvoyant who often advises Spider-man thanks to her ability to see into the future. It seems likely that the film will pull characters and plot points from anumber of classic Web comicsin an effort to satisfy fans of this beloved character.
Artist
John Romita Jr.
While not often cited asa definitiveSpider-Manstory, this issue is unavoidable for anyone looking to readMadame Webdue to it being the introduction to her character. Immediately, readers will notice how different the character looks and behaves when compared to the upcoming movie, as in the comic, she is older and seems to already be an established oracle of sorts.
The story is still interesting, with Spider-Man visiting Web’s hideout and learning that she is both blind and fixed inside a large construction of webs that keep her alive. She helps Spider-Man with her powers, and the two end the issue with a strange budding friendship.
The second appearance of Madame Web is very similar to the first, only without the need for introductions. Spider-Man receives a warning that an assassination is about to take place but doesn’t know when or where, so he calls his recently acquired ally for help.
It’s a condensed summation ofthe Madame Web characteras a whole and what her role would be in relation to the many heroes she would go on to help in further issues and series.
Clayton Crain
This issue is part of a semi-larger arc that is mostly worth noting for its massive roster of characters. Mr. and Mrs. Fantastic, Puma, Black Cat, Vulture, Lizard, and, of course, Madame Web all make appearances.
The character jamboree is a blast, and seeing Web as a supporting character with so many other hard hitters makes her feel like a bigger deal than many of her smaller appearances manage to. The art style for this one is also great, as Web has arguably never looked better.
Bart Sears
A new spin on the character has Web organizing a new team of heroes, including Julia Carpenter and Jessica Drew, both as different versions of Spider-Woman. This new take has Web working as a pseudo-leader of the team, playing a more decisive role than someone who only offers help when sought out.
Add on the fact that Web only gathered the Spider-Women to stop her own granddaughter, and this issue becomes vital to understanding her character. Plus, it appears to be one of the direct influences on the upcoming film, considering that bothDrew and Carpenterwill be characters.
Michael Gaydos
A deviation from the typicalSpider-Manassociation, this cameo is in an issue of theJessica JonesseriesAlias.It also implies that Web has been helping Marvel characters all over New York and not just waiting on Spider-Man’s infrequent visits.
Although she doesn’t influence the plot too much in this issue, it’s a great Web appearance due to her interaction with Jones. The two have the closest thing to witty banter they are capable of, which ends abruptly when Web reveals that she can see Jones' tortured past, sending Jones storming out.
In thisaction-packed crossover, Madame Web contacts Spider-Man to let him know that she senses an unstoppable monster is coming for her. Her premonition comes true in the form of theX-Menvillain Juggernaut.
The powerful mutant believes he can kidnap Madame Web and force her to use her powers against the X-Men. Once he has her, Spider-Man must get to them as fast as possible, as every second she is out of her web brings her closer to death.
Artists
In this issue, Spider-Man attempts to deal with Venom while simultaneously worrying about a hospitalized Aunt May. It’s a great story of Peter Parker having to balance too many plates, and it’s also a vitally important Madame Web story.
When Peter looks to her for help, she reveals she can not only look into the future but can also create links to the past. She then uses this newly discovered power to allow Peter to talk to a past version of Aunt May.
Norman Felchie
One of the most interesting angles to involve Madame Web, this issue focuses on the tragic nature of her existence and then offers her a potential way out. Norman Osborn wants her to use her powers against Spider-Man, claiming he can heal her if she does.
Taking her semi-omnipotence and turning it against Spider-Man is a brilliant decision. There is plenty of expected gray area as Web tries to decide if she truly has it in her to turn to the dark side or if she will help Spider-Man after all.
Humberto Ramos
In this mind-bender,New York is destroyed, and although he doesn’t know why, Spider-Man knows it was his fault. Luckily, he suddenly has 12 hours to stop it from happening.
It makes sense that if time hi-jinks are afoot, Madame Web is going to pop in to offer some advice to Spider-Man. In this story, she shows up early to attempt to make sense of the time travel situation. She guarantees Spider-man that if he doesn’t heed her warnings, the destruction of New York will happen again.
Michael Lark
This arc follows a nasty and recently resurrected Kraven the Hunter as he seeks revenge against Spider-Man. His first stop on this new rampage is Madame Web’s lair, as he thinks getting to her will lure out his real prey.
This arc is a must-read for multiple reasons. It featuresgorgeously dark artworkand a storyline bordering on horror. More relevantly, it is crucial to the Madame Web story, as it shows just how her powers end up transferring to Julia Carpenter.
