Get Ready For Marvel’s ‘Dark Web’ This December
by Tony Thornley
The Amazing Spider-Man and the X-Men are some of the closest superhero friendships in comics. Unfortunately, that seems to be extending to their foes this winter, as Ben Reilly and Madelyn Pryor team up to take some… frustrations out on our heroes.
We’re incredibly excited about this upcoming event. While Spider-Man’s Clone Saga is much reviled, Ben Reilly is a fan-favorite character. It’ll be fascinating to see where he goes in a much more antagonistic role. Meanwhile, Madelyn Pryor has enjoyed a renaissance and a reevaluation of her actions. Teaming the two jilted clones together might seem strange at first, but it makes a certain sort of sense.
And let’s be real, it’s always Inferno, and this is just a Spider-Man themed Inferno sequel. Add current Spider-Man mastermind Zeb Wells as the event’s head writer- who also was at the head of Maddie’s reintroduction to the Marvel Universe- and we’ve got a recipe for success. In other words, for long-time X-Men and Spider-Man fans like myself, this story has the potential to break through the event fatigue and be a lot of fun.
Check out the covers and solicitations from Marvel for December’s tie-ins and be sure to check back in right here for more on this wild crossover.
The saga will be bookended by two one-shots, subtitled Dusk and Dawn, written by current Amazing Spider-Man scribe Zeb Wells and drawn by superstar artist Adam Kubert. Dark Web #1 will reveal the true scope of Madelyne and Ben’s wicked alliance, what it means for Spider-Man and the X-Men, and the surprising role Venom will play. The sun is setting, dusk is approaching, and it’s going to be a long night.
Zeb Wells will continue the story in Amazing Spider-Man #15 and Amazing Spider-Man #16 with legendary artist Ed McGuinness. Peter Parker will have his hands full with back to back showdowns, starting with Venom. Find out exactly why Venom is helping Chasm and then, it’s time for the main event. That’s right, it’s Peter Parker vs. Ben Reilly, no-holds-barred in the craziest battle you’ve ever seen! Chasm secures his place in Spidey’s rogues’ gallery…as the one who finally vanquishes Peter Parker?!
December will also see the launch of Dark Web: X-Men, a three-issue limited series by X-Men writer Gerry Duggan and acclaimed New Mutants artist Rod Reis. In Dark Web: X-Men #1, chaos reigns in the streets of New York City as demon hordes pour forth from the realm of Limbo…a realm that until recently was ruled by Magik. A realm now ruled by Cyclops’ ex. Also, Havok’s ex. Also, a clone of Jean. The X-Men wade into the fray by taking on some of their darker history as the Goblin Queen returns for vengeance! The not-so-happy reunions continue in Dark Web: X-Men #2. Some reunions – like those with an evil ex who rules a dimension of demons – are not so great. Sometimes even having your AMAZING FRIENDS at your side isn’t enough to save things.
“You can’t go wrong with the X-Men and their Amazing Friend, Spider-Man. Limbo is attacking NY and threatening to ruin the holidays. Come for the Inferno, stay for Rod Reis!” Duggan told ComicBook.com.
Currently a supporting character in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man, Ms. Marvel will also have a significant story arc during the event in her own limited series, Dark Web: Ms. Marvel. From Sabir Pirzada, known for his work on Marvel’s Voices and Ms. Marvel on Disney+, and artist Francesco Mortarino in his exciting Marvel Comics debut comes a bold and badass new vision of Ms. Marvel! Fresh off her first few weeks working as an intern at Oscorp, Ms. Marvel finds herself as the last line of defense against a bunch of deadly and dangerous experiments going haywire thanks to Maddie and Ben’s demonic machinations! Things get even worse when Kamala finds herself in Limbo, with no choice but to fight her way out!
“I could not be more thrilled to return to Kamala’s world after writing her in Marvel’s Voices: Identity and getting a chance to help introduce her to the small screen on Disney+,” Pirzada told Newsarama. “This time around, Kamala’s facing a new challenge: the dangers of Limbo! And a few familiar faces – friends and foes – are bound to make some surprise appearances on this adventure!”
In Al Ewing and Bryan Hitch’s Venom #14, secrets are revealed! Madeylne Pryor has plans for Eddie Brock and the symbiotes he can control – in this issue, she and her new ally CHASM bring them all to bear! Unwittingly turned into a slathering and terrifying monster you might recognize, Eddie Brock’s fears from the last year stand fully realized in this turning point for Al Ewing, Ram V, and Bryan Hitch’s enthralling run on the title!
Writer Christopher Cantwell and artist Lan Medina continue to explore Norman Osborn’s heroic journey in Gold Goblin #2. The thought-provoking limited series will prove that being a super hero isn’t for everyone… After facing Chasm in Dark Web #1, Norman Osborn will have to face another terrifying opponent in this issue who might cut Norman’s new super hero career short!
Announced last month, two of the greatest loves of Peter Parker’s life are in for a Dark Web adventure of their own in Mary Jane & Black Cat. After taking the character of Black Cat on a whirlwind of adventures in recent years in back-to-back solo series and the current Iron Cat limited series, Jed MacKay will now continue his transformative work on Marvel’s premier super thief and this time, he’s taken MJ along for the ride! MacKay will be joined by artist Vincenzo Carratù—an up-and-coming talent making his exciting Marvel Comics debut. In this explosive and kick-ass limited series, Mary Jane Watson and Felicia Hardy find themselves thrown into one another’s paths and then into LIMBO! But SOMETHING HAS CHANGED WITH MJ! And she’s not the only one keeping secrets – Felicia’s got a guilty conscience and it’s playing havoc with their escape plan!
The Dark Web is spun! Check out the complete event checklist and stay tuned for more Dark Web news in the weeks ahead!
