Written by Andrew Fontana
Otto Octavius’ tenure as the “Superior” Spider-Man is arguably the most interesting take on the webslinger in recent years. Â The concept of Superior Spider-Man was convoluted, and more than a little ridiculous (even for comics), but it’s exploration of power and the responsibility that comes with wielding it marks Superior as one of the best modern Spider-Man stories.
That too short run proved that Otto Octavius was capable of finding redemption, and solidified his status as one of Spider-Man’s best supporting characters. Christos Gage and Mike Hawthorne is able to mine the best of that run in his Superior Octopus one-shot, and if this book is any indication, their months away relaunch of Superior Spider-Man is in very capable hands.
Superior Octopus #1 has the duel task of tying into the larger Spider-geddon event and setting up Otto’s own book in December.  It achieves both of these objectives while crafting a self-contained tale that has humor and heart. Gage’s script goes full throttle  this issue, bookending some great character work with two action set pieces that really sells Otto’s particular brand of heroism.
The inaugural round of fisticuffs between Otto and washed out super villain outfit The Night Shift especially make uses of the former’s past of misdeeds in a clever way that bodes well for the Superior Spider-Man book coming in December.
Mike Hawthorne’s pencils captures these dynamic set pieces with pencils that keep the action moving panel to panel. Hawthorne’s work is less stylized than the usual art on a Spider-Man book, but it succeeds in giving Superior Octopus it’s own distinctive flare.
The boilerplate Spider-Geddon backup fares less well than the A story, unfortunately, besides laying some necessary groundwork for next week’s Spider event. Jed McKay and Mark Bagley aren’t given much to do here besides set up. The backup does lay the groundwork for what comes next, but little beyond that. Bagley himself is an old hand at drawing Spider-Man, so it’s a shame that his considerable talents are put to little use here.
Rating: 8.0
The Superior Octopus #1 is now available at comic book retailers everywhere.
