Edge of Spider-Verse #1 Review

Writers: David Hine & Fabrice Sapolsky

Artist: Richard Isanove

SPIDER-MAN NOIR 

Here it is! The first installment in the Edge of Spider-Verse mini series featuring the Noir crime-fighting Spider-Man. We are back in the 1930’s sometime after Spider-Man Noir: Eyes without a Face. Peter and his family are enjoying the mystical magician show starring MYSTERIO?! He seeks the Spider-Man but for what gains? and who is that man from the future? Hint:….it’s not Marty…

The Ups: David Hine and Fabrice Sapolsky,the creators of Spider-Man Noir, are back together to bring another chapter in 1930s Peter’s life. I was ecstatic to hear that this character was being part of the Spider-Verse event since he is one of my favorite alternate version. Hine and Sapolsky pick up from the last Noir mini series but it also reads like a stand alone which is a good jumping on point for new readers. Hine and Sapolsky introduce you to Spider-Man Noir with minimal back story and they use a 1930’s film style to fill you in on the need to know. It did not feel like I was hearing an origin story which is an efficient introduction. What was very noticeable about this issue is that we get more on some supporting character like Aunt May and Mary Jane. It was nice to see that Mary Jane was an empowered woman of that era who fought with the Abraham Lincoln International Brigade. For those who have read the series before, you will see some elements from the previous series and you will be happy to see developments with Felicia Hardy. Mysterio is one of the featured villains in the issue who uses magician tricks instead of illusions as his weapons which is a nice touch of the 1930s. The writers seamlessly connect the story to the Spider-Verse event and you’ll have to read it to find out!

When it comes to who I think would make the perfect artist besides Carmine Di Giandomenico to draw this series, 3 artists come to mind: Steve Epting, Jae Lee, and Richard Isanove. Isanove use of heavy dark lines complement the Noir atmosphere. Looking at the pages you can feel the grittiness, darkness, and dirtiness of the streets that you can envision yourself there. Isanove also uses an interesting pallet of colors. I enjoyed the orange and fuchsia colors that meet when the sun hits the horizon or the apartment lights seen from the background of the dark alley that add to the elements of this time period.

The Downs: There was not much in the action department but it is a small price to pay for a great story issue.

Overall: Hine and Sapolsky start Edge of Spider-Verse with a fantastic issue that will not disappoint new and old fans. They provided a perfect example of a jump on point into an established universe. This issue will also increase your desire to continue reading Spider-Verse and finding what the next part of this story is. Isanove’s art is gorgeous and he truly brings the Noir world alive. A must have if you’re a comic fan!

Grade 5 of 5