Murderworld: Spider-Man #1 is the next part of a crossover published by Marvel Comics, written by Jim Zub and Ray Fawkes, art by Farid Karami, colours by Chris Sotomayor, and letters by Cory Petit. After the first protagonist dies in a Murderworld inhabited by robotic superheroes, the survivors move on to the next stage, hunted by Spiders.
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The twisted series continues, quickly carving through the bodies whilst also keeping the plot moving forwards. The first issue had the element of surprise and confusion that mystified us as the slaughter commenced. That same brutality is in Murderworld: Spider-Man #1, but the workings and manipulations of Arcade are being explored more. The broader situation is a reminder that Murderword is an encased game show of sadistic proportions. Arcade’s actions have not gone unnoticed; he just needs finding.
This is a comic that makes sure it doesn’t stay in one location or setting for long, throwing the readers and the victims through the wringer. The action at the start is similar to the last part of the crossover: all chaos and running. Regular humans are under attack by beings they can’t hope to defeat. After that, though, the story turns into Arcade messing with their heads, creating conflict and sowing doubt into the participants, with a large grenade thrown into the room that might change things completely.
The previous issue lacked personality in the characters due to just how many bodies were involved, and the only possible protagonist that was being created was murdered on the final page. This comic shifts to a new main character, one with a very different mindset. The woman is a fighter and has already developed a tactical mind, willing to sacrifice and control others to gain an advantage. Around her, the other victims are showing intelligence and awareness. Hints at their backgrounds and what they can bring to the table give a lift to them, but that doesn’t spare anyone in the slightest. The main character of this issue may be better than Paul, the poor soul in the last issue, in both power and distinction. But the murder of a mutant might just have brought attention to Arcade. It is the first sign of outsiders, but it is a small inclusion at first, which keeps the tensions high.
The art is excellent and atmospheric. Karami’s inking is fantastic and leads to some incredible, haunting locations. Every character has their own design, and the line weights change to make very specific facial expressions and structures. This creates true individualism in each human involved, with a broad spectrum of people crowded together. The Spiders in this issue are based on some of the friendliest and most heroic-looking characters ever created, and yet they are presented as monstrous and fearsome and do genuinely look terrifying. And this is done with masks, not faces, demonstrating how the slightest adjustment can completely change the context of the situation. The violence has altered too. It isn’t centre-stage extremism but figures being dragged up and away, which could be considered to be much scarier than the alternative.
The colours are awesome. They are brilliant for setting the location, with three hugely contrasting areas being explored. From a jungle awash with greens and browns to a desolate snowy mountain to the interior of a cave system, it adds a variety of tones that keeps the comic even more interesting. The tones on the faux superheroes are flawless. The lettering includes some famous sound effects that turn horrifying when used in such nefarious ways.
Murderworld: Spider-Man #1 brings more of a story to the bloodbath. Whilst the barbarism remains and the creators seem to delight in murder, there are other elements being introduced that twist the horror of the book. As the group has been thinned, the games have started to come into effects that are more terrifying than the straight slaughter. It’s constantly energetic, and with the rest of the Marvel Universe starting to get involved, the potential for disaster has escalated.
Murderworld: Spider-Man #1 is available where comics are sold.
Murderworld: Spider-Man #1
TL;DR
Murderworld: Spider-Man #1 brings more of a story to the bloodbath. Whilst the barbarism remains and the creators seem to delight in murder, there are other elements being introduced that twist the horror of the book. As the group has been thinned, the games have started to come into effects that are more terrifying than the straight slaughter. It’s constantly energetic, and with the rest of the Marvel Universe starting to get involved, the potential for disaster has escalated.
