Warning: spoilers for Edge of Spider-Verse #4!It may surprise fans to learn that look no further than Spider-Ham, one of Into the Spider-Verse’s breakout stars. In Edge of Spider-Verse #4, on sale now in print and digital, Spider-Ham duplicates Deadpool’s schtick in a family-friendly manner.
Talking animal equivalents of superheroes were nothing new when Spider-Ham swung onto the comics scene in 1983’s Marvel Tails one-shot, but Spider-Ham marked Marvel’s entry into this genre. Residing on Earth-8311 in Marvel’s multiverse, Peter Porker actually began life as a spider, but in a parody of Spider-Man’s origin, he was bitten by a radioactive pig; the incident turned him into a pig, but left him with the proportional strength of a spider. Taking the name Peter Porker for a civilian guise, Spider-Ham encountered funny animal versions of Marvel’s greatest characters. Spider-Ham languished in limbo for years, but returned to the Marvel Universe during the epic Spider-Verse event of 2014, which united all spider-powered characters against a common foe. This in turn led to the character’s inclusion in 2019’s smash hit Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which sent him into the mainstream; he is slated to return for the sequels. Spider-Ham’s adventures, at least on his own Earth, are light-hearted and fun–and make a perfect all-ages version of Deadpool.
The story in Edge of the Spider-Verse #4, titled “The Last Laugh,” finds Spider-Ham stuck once again on Earth-616–and he is not happy about it. As he broods over the New York City skyline, he ruminates on whatever major threat is heading their way. He then begins breaking the fourth-wall, saying, “There’s another crossover on the horizon. New I.P. to be made.” He also wonders if whatever is coming will lead to “senseless spider-deaths to cliffhanger on.” Spider-Ham then hears someone call for help. Leaping into action, Spider-Ham comes across a gang of hoodlums mugging a woman, and before he pounces he says, “There’s only so long I can hold this pose and leap through this .” The story is written by Jordan Blum, illustrated by Michael Shelfer, colored by Rico Renzi and lettered by Joe Caramagna.
Spider-Ham losses Spider-Ham has experienced in the past few years, may not be the best story to start children with, it still points to the qualities he shares with Deadpool–qualities that make him great.
After the release of Deadpool 2, 20th Century Fox was acquired by Disney. The studio has stated Deadpool’s third cinematic outing will be grounded in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What this means for the film’s rating is not known at this time, but it could lead to it getting a PG-13 rating, which would increase the potential audience greatly. However, if Disney opts to go with a R-rating for Deadpool 3, parents searching for a family-friendly alternative should look to Spider-Verse’s breakout star Spider-Ham.
