REVIEW: ‘Radioactive Spider-Man’ Issue 1

Radioactive Spider-Man Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics and written by Joe Kelly, art by Kev Walker, colors by Chris Sotomayor, and letters by Joe Caramagna.

This is part of the Age of Revelation crossover. Spider-Man is still in New York and has to use radiation to prevent infection from the X-Virus, which is affecting his body.

This tie-in may have integrated Spider-Man into this X-Men crossover, but it does not reflect the tone often associated with the character. Radioactive Spider-Man Issue 1 is scarier and more sickly than expected. It’s a sinister, science-based horror issue. Spider-Man’s situation is grim and disturbing, having to dose himself with radiation to survive.

Aided by his lover and the famous healer, Cecelia Reyes, he combines his powers, unique physiology, and Cecelia’s help to stop the poisonous X-Virus from completely overwhelming him. But it has caused hideous side effects, including extra limbs that can barely be considered human.

The first action sequence is energetic, feeling like the most classic Spider-Man part of the issue. The rest of the opening turns more insidious and grim, as it becomes clear that Peter is just torturing himself and putting off the inevitable. But he is trying to do good as well. The last portion of Radioactive Spider-Man Issue 1 is where the horrific nature of the comic really reaches its pinnacle.

When Spider-Man’s hideout is invaded, he desperately tries to ward off the intruders. Because of the location, it’s easy to think that Spider-Man is trying to protect the attackers from the reactor, which might be causing the radiation or something else. But the truth is much worse, and is the most horrifying reveal and consequence of the entire crossover. It’s a staggering reveal that takes the issue to a new, disturbing level.

The characters are creepy, and Kelly delivers haunting dialogue. For much of Radioactive Spider-Man Issue 1, Peter has that signature wit. He quips and looks after those being hunted and oppressed by Revelation’s forces. But he’s masking pain and twisted trauma. The things he’s had to do to protect others are awful and hideous. He can withstand the radiation that he’s exposing himself to, but it’s still killing and changing him.

Pairing Spidey with Cecilia is unexpected, especially given how close they are. Not only does Reyes help with his intensive radiation treatment, but they are a couple. Cecilia clearly despises the plan, but aids Peter anyway. The faux humor vanishes in the second half of Radioactive Spider-Man Issue 1.

Instead, Spider-Man is in a frantic panic to get the intruders out. Seeing him so chaotic and desperate is rare, and it soon becomes clear why. Kelly keeps his cards closer to his chest for as long as possible, making the unveiling even more painful. The last conversation is deeply harrowing.

The art captures the horrific and sickening visuals brilliantly. In the costume, this version of Spider-Man looks incredibly cool, with added limbs and additions to his body. But when the outfit comes off, we get a better look at the gruesome changes.

It really is a body horror comic, considering that Peter has done it to himself. The added limbs aren’t fully formed, appearing as lumps on his body, and he looks sick. After a dose of radiation, blood trickles out of everywhere. By the end of the chapter, Peter is sobbing and distraught. But he’s not the most monstrous-looking thing in this comic. 

The colors are pivotal to the story. When in his iconic red costume and swinging around the city,  Spider-Man is as vibrant as ever. There are nodes on his body that glow green, as do the eyes on his mask. Much of the rest of the comic sees Peter almost named, revealing the changes in his body in gory detail. Red rashes and bloodstains dusted across his pink skin make his body look extra sore and unpleasant. The lettering has so much creativity and energy in the fonts.

Radioactive Spider-Man Issue 1 is a true dystopian horror story. Spider-Man often goes well with horror, and this is another example of the merging of genres. For the mutants, many involved in Age of Revelation have either dealt with it or even been rewarded. But everyone else has had to resort to terrifying means. This science horror comic is even more devastating when it’s the kindest characters known for positivity.

The tone descends into a harrowing pit of pain. The pairing of Cecilia and Peter is inventive and unexpected, as is every part of this town tie-in. It’s not for the faint of heart, but not because it’s particularly gory, but because it’s so sad.

Radioactive Spider-Man Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.