REVIEW: ‘Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Issue 1

Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics and written by Dan Slott, with art by Marcos To, colors by Alex Sinclair, and letters by Joe Caramagna.

Spider-Man’s fight with Mister Negative is interrupted by The Punisher.

Whilst this is very clearly a tie-in to the Spider-Man: Brand New Day movie, the comic actually ties into the mid-2000’s era of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The book takes place just after Spider-Man removes his identity from everyone’s minds on the planet. Slott was the original writer of the series, so he perfectly understands where and how to place Peter Parker back in that point in time. It starts confidently with a confrontation with Kingpin that shows where Spider-Man is and the power he possesses.

But then comes a period of uncertainty in Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day Issue 1, including his job, his friends, and his partnerships. These storylines are all reignited, and the energy feels just as fresh as it did in the original series. But this time, Frank Castle is in the story too. He attaches himself, using Spider-Man as a guide to his prey.

There are multiple action sequences in this first issue, and all are very different, creative, and extremely fun. You don’t need to have read the original series because Slott is retelling it once again, explaining the most important elements. The final part of the issue uses one of the era’s most iconic villains to generate a terrific surprise, complicating what was about to be a classic team-up.

The personalities in Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day Issue 1 are phenomenal, resetting to match the era’s tone. This storyline occurred in the wake of a very disturbing and distressing time for Peter Parker, and the opening scene reflects that. The darkness radiates in the way he speaks to Kingpin, with a threatening, violent tone. But he also seems refreshed and reinvigorated, no longer worrying about his secret identity.

There are other concerns, and those can be found in his conversations with Robbie Robertson and Aunt May, but they seem more in tune with the parts of Peter’s life he’s always dealing with. Striving for money is part of what makes him a relatable, working-class hero. In costume, Slott captures the dialogue perfectly. The quips are just as free-flowing as always, whilst the narration is fantastic for establishing his relationships with others. His working relationship with Yuri Watanabe, a cop, is very specific to this point in the Spider-Man mythos, and the comic brilliantly revisits the chemistry.

There is also a different kind of chemistry with Castle. Where Spider-Man is hectic and uncertain, the Punisher is unerring in his conviction. He’s determined and resolute about killing anyone who commits a crime. His fatal approach to fighting doesn’t quite work against this particular gang of villains, however, as they are members of Mister Negative’s Inner Demons gang. Martin Li posed as a philanthropist whilst also operating as a dangerous, merciless crime boss and was perhaps the most integral enemy of Spider-Man at that time. And his abilities make his minions very hard to kill, providing a challenge for Castle and a reprieve for Parker.

The art is terrific, unleashing some incredible set pieces. The first is a dark, intense fight against the Kingpin, and the size difference is fantastically established. To make Fisk huge and strong, towering over Spider-Man. And yet the Kingpin can’t land a glove on the wall-crawler. Spider-Man’s speed is phenomenal, leaping around and throwing punches from all sides.

The second fight is much more chaotic and comical as Spider-Man swings around in woolly clothes. It’s even more creative in how Spider-Man fights, attacking the Eel and a selection in a fast-paced battle. It’s not just an all-out fistfight like the one with the Kingpin; it features more elements and powers, culminating in a slapstick ending that is funny and unexpected.

The last part of the issue is the most extreme and extensive, with so many moving parts and bodies included in the action. To’s line art is very thick, which helps define and detail the most intense action. There’s not just Spider-Man swinging out in his very unique dynamism; you also have the brutish force of the Punisher. He’s just this explosive behemoth of bullets and firepower, and the effect it has on the Inner Demons is fascinating.

Those henchmen are among the best designs in all of comics, because they are just so interesting. Their demonic masks and flaming swords are always captivating and exciting. There is also a fusion of multiple facets of Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day Issue 1 into something very new. The comic also features guest art by Marcos Martin and Muntsa Vicente for the catch-up pages that provide context for what happened in the lead-up to the comic. Martin’s work can always be recognized when Doctor Strange is involved, because it’s such a specific design.

The colors are intriguing because this brand new day actually includes a lot of darkness. Many of the character designs, such as Punisher and Mister Negative, feature jet-black designs. It increases the amount of black in the book with a heavy emphasis on shadows and nighttime action, creating a darker atmosphere. In many of these occasions, Spider-Man represents the brighter, more vibrant shades. The lettering is smooth and consistently brilliant, considering Caramagna has diligently worked on Spider-Man for so many years.

Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day Issue 1 is a very creative crossover between the comics and cinematic universe. Whilst it’s obviously parallel to the MCU entry of the same name, Slott connects to the comic character’s history, not the movie’s. It revisits the previous story as a reminder of the premise of Brand New Day, with a fresh start for the web-slinger that also features the Punisher. Slott places the comic neatly within the original continuity, so it doesn’t feel out of place or like it’s stepping over any existing work. It’s telling an exciting and entertaining story that superbly explores the fractious joint adventures of Frank and Peter.

Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.