Having been around since 1962, Spider-Man has appeared in his fair share of comic books over the last 60 years. Being one of the most popular superheroes of all time, a lot of Spidey’s most iconic comic book storylines have already been adapted into movies, TV shows, and video games. These range from the classicSymbiote Suit and Venomrun to the Ultimate series of comics all the way up to modern stories like Spider-Verse. But there’s one relatively recent comic run that still hasn’t made its way outside the pages just yet, andMarvel’s Spider-Man 2might want to look to it for inspiration.
Slated for a Fall release,Marvel’s Spider-Man 2is still shrouded in mystery. With just one trailer and a handful of developer comments to go off, details surroundingMarvel’s Spider-Man 2’s storyare scarce, with fans only really knowing that Kraven the Hunter and Venom will play a primary role in the narrative. Aside from that, it’s unclear just howMarvel’s Spider-Man 2will play out or what characters will be used, but there’s one cult Spidey comic run that could be set up during the game.
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Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 Could Draw Inspiration From the Superior Spider-Man Comic
Debuting in March 2013, over 10 years ago now, theSuperior Spider-Mancomic run sees Otto Octavius steal Peter Parker’s body and become the titular Superior Spider-Man. In the final issue of theDying Wishstory, Otto uses his mind-swapping technology to trap Peter Parker in his own dying body. Unable to get back into his own body due to his frail state,Peter Parker dies, though not before transferring his memories to Otto. In seeing Peter’s memories, Otto Octavius realizes that he’s gone too far, and promises on the memory of Peter Parker that he’ll be a better Spider-Man than he ever was, a Superior Spider-Man.
The rest of theSuperior Spider-Mancomic run follows the Otto-controlled Spider-Man as he attempts to finally rid New York City of crime altogether, no matter the means. Though his actions start noble, such as breaking offSpidey’s relationship with MJin order to protect her, the Superior Spider-Man quickly returns to Otto’s villainous roots - albeit with a more just cause in mind. Over the course of the run, the Superior Spider-Man not only savagely beats up minor villains like Screwball, but publicly executes Alistair Smythe, among other villains. TheSuperior Spider-Manrun eventually ends with Peter regaining control of his body, having returned from a manifestation in Otto’s mind, and Otto Octavius willingly sacrificing himself, agreeing that Peter is the only one capable of being Spider-Man.
TheSuperior Spider-Manarchas been a fairly divisive one since its initial release back in 2013. For some fans, the concept of a villain trying to outdo a hero by becoming an even better version of them is enough of a unique hook alone to warrant a read, while other fans feel as though the run felt like more of a cheap gimmick that wasn’t properly thought out beforehand. But regardless of its reception, the groundwork is already there for Insomniac Games to adapt this comic run forMarvel’s Spider-Man.
The firstMarvel’s Spider-Mansees Doc Ock’s gradual descent into madness and villainy, and the story wraps up with a climactic battle atop Oscorp Tower, where Peter reveals his identity to Octavius in a heart-wrenching speech about how he worshiped him and his mind. After their battle, Otto Octavius is shipped off to The Raft, where he’s assumedly still sat, planning his revenge. While Doc Ock might not play a prominent role inMarvel’s Spider-Man 2, his return could be teased toward the end of the game, and his plan of revenge could involve swapping bodies with the hero - something that makes even more sense given his declining health. Then, inMarvel’s Spider-Man 3, Otto could take full control of Peter’s Spider-Man, leaving Miles as the only one who can take him down.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2is scheduled to release in fall 2023 for PS5.
