A new issue of Spider-Verse heroes among many returning favorites. Marvel's Voices: Spider-Verse #1 is an comic that will spotlight a diverse range of heroes from the fan-favorite multiversal alliance. This continues a new approach to this particular comic line, which has previously focused its specials on heroes from specific marginalized groups.
In April, Marvel's Voices: Spider-Verse #1 will feature original stories and art from a diverse group of creators. The issue will also feature the debut of two new characters: Spider-Friend and Recluse. Recluse will introduce a reality where Electro rules the world, while Spider-Friend is from a reality where sit-com clichés are an everyday part of life. Spider-Friend (Peter Park) is created by Jason Loo, while Recluse's debut comes from Cheryl Lynn Eaton, Julian Shaw, and Andrew Dalhouse.
Marvel Celebrates the Spider-Verse's Diversity
The characters shared in previews from Marvel include Miles Morales, Web-Weaver, Misty Knight, Silk, Spider-Punk, Spider-Friend, and Recluse. The creative teams include Vita Ayala, Alberto Alburquerque, Rachelle Rosenberg, Steve Foxe, Luciano Vecchio, Ruth Redmond, Cody Ziglar, Jahnoy Lindsay, Java Tartaglia, Jeremy Holt, Eric Koda, Erick Arciniega, J. Holtham, Ken Lashley, Ceci de la Cruz, and Leinil Francis Yu (in addition to those mentioned above). This is likely to be an exciting entry in Spider-Verse storytelling, ahead of the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse movie, which releases in June.
Spider-Friend & Recluse Debut, But No Sun-Spider
While Spider-Friend and Recluse are welcome additions who celebrate the endless potential of the Spider-Verse, it's peculiar to see some formerly introduced spider-heroes absent in favor of far more established heroes. For example, Sun-Spider is nowhere to be seen. The character is slated to be in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, but presently isn't in the preview pages, revealed variant covers, or marketing images for this anthology - it's an unusual and noteworthy choice for a Marvel's Voices Spider-Verse special to seemingly ignore one of the few queer, disabled Spider-Verse heroes when such an obvious opportunity presents itself.
The Spider-Verse Is an Unexpected Take on the Promise of Voices
The Marvel's Voices line began as a podcast in 2018 and in recent years has expanded to an anthology comic line. It has included Women of Marvel (2021 & 2022) and specials including Pride (2021 & 2022), Communidades (2021 & 2022), Indigenous Voices (2020), Legacy (2021 & 2022), Identity (2021 & 2022), and Heritage (2020 & 2022). These issues have brought historically underrepresented comic creators and characters to the forefront, spotlighting AAPI, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and LGBTQIA+ heroines, villains, writers, and artists. This year has also seen the addition of franchise-centric specials, including Marvel's Voices: Wakanda Forever #1 and soon, Marvel's Voices: Spider-Verse #1 - interesting takes on the initiative, but with a murkier mission statement in of what Marvel is committing to in of showcasing its universe's diversity and representation in action.
Of course, Marvel's Voices: Spider-Verse #1 will speak for itself when it arrives in April, adding characters who promise to make the Spider-Verse even wider and more inclusive, but also lacking some who fans might have expected to see again given Marvel's Voices history.
Marvel's Voices: Spider-Verse #1 releases April 12 from Marvel Comics.
Source: Marvel Comics
