A Familiar Hero Becomes ‘Uncanny Spider-Man’ From Spurrier & Garbett This September
by Tony Thornley
Kurt Wagner has been on a hell of a journey since House of X/Powers of X. In August, that journey takes him to New York City, and a familiar identity.
A five-issue limited series, Uncanny Spider-Man will see Kurt Wagner transform into the latest hero to bear the mantle of Spider-Man thanks to writer Si Spurrier, interior artist Lee Garbett and cover artist Tony Daniel! That means relocating to New York, facing foes familiar to the Web-head and BAMFing his way to heroic stardom! But is Kurt Wagner truly stepping into the light or is he just hiding from the darkness that has enveloped Krakoa?
Nightcrawler is probably the X-Man in my opinion that’s most deserved a heroic career of his own. Stepping into Spidey’s webs is a natural fit, even if the two heroes (surprisingly) haven’t teamed up much. Kurt’s natural charm and powerset makes him a great choice to potentially fill Peter Parker’s shoes (or at least sneakily BAMF them away when Peter isn’t looking). We also love the mash-up between Kurt’s classic look and the hallmarks of Spidey’s design.
Escaping the turmoil of FALL OF X in a flash of smoke and brimstone, it’s time for Nightcrawler to play the swashbuckling, devil-may-care hero he was always destined to be! A potential new lover, battling some of the most iconic members of Spidey’s rogues gallery, and saving civilians, mutant and human alike—Kurt is having the time of his life! But it’s not all fun and games… Nightcrawler will also be a lone soldier on the frontlines of mutantkind’s upcoming war with Orchis. Throughout the saga, he’ll also confront a long-simmering mystery surrounding his mother, Mystique, as Spurrier’s bold transformation of the character approaches a startling climax!
“What we’ve got here is a spectacular new beginning – which, yes, is code for ‘perfect jumping-on point’ – which leans hard into heroic, joyful, street-level action,” Spurrier explained. “Writing Kurt has always been an exercise in heart. He was the first to feel the cracks in Krakoa… and the first to try and do something about it. Unfailingly loyal to his people, his friends and his responsibilities, he’s gone through a lot. What’s been missing for him is the joy. The freedom. The thrill. And that’s where we find him now. In a restyled Spidey Suit, BAMFing across New York and rubbing shoulders (and butting heads) with the best heroes and villains of the Manhattan milieu…but of course it’s not quite that simple. Is Nightcrawler really doing this for the thrill? Or is he hiding? Is it easier to put on a mask and punch some villains in the nose than it is to stare trauma in the eye…?
“For me this series is a dream come true. A chance to write what my various briefs have never before allowed: pure, joyful, bold, fun superheroic action. And thanks to Lee, it looks astonishing.”
Uncanny Spider-Man #1 debuts on September 6th. Watch for more news about the limited series and Fall of X coming soon!
