Superman/Spider-Man #1 Review: Bigger DC-Marvel Crossovers Teased

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The most appealing aspect of Superman/Spider-Man #1 is its ability to leave readers eager for more. This is largely due to the high quality of the eight stories within this new team-up between DC and Marvel. Occasionally, though, the stories feel like the beginning of larger, future crossover events.

The story kicks off with a fun premise by Mark Waid and Jorge Jiménez: a world where DC and Marvel heroes share the same universe. We find Peter Parker working as a photographer and teaming up with Clark Kent on an assignment. Their investigation quickly turns into a classic hero pairing when they realize Brainiac and Doctor Octopus are working together.

As a big comic book and movie fan, I really enjoyed how Mark Waid writes both Superman and Spider-Man so well, and he throws in some fun references to classic comic book moments. Plus, Jorge Jiménez’s artwork is just stunning! The first issue of Superman/Spider-Man mostly delivers self-contained stories, little adventures that feel like they genuinely take place in this cool, combined world.

However, the stories “Pages” and “Beyond the Cobwebs of Tomorrow” appear to be hinting at a larger, upcoming event. “Pages,” created by Priest and Daniel Sampere, shows Superboy Prime recruiting black-suited Spider-Man for a reality-saving mission. Meanwhile, Sean Murphy’s “Beyond the Cobwebs of Tomorrow” introduces an adventure to protect multiple timelines, starring Spider-Man 2099, the 30th-century Superboy, and Batman Beyond. This could be a way for Marvel and DC to gauge interest in potential future team-ups.

Superman/Spider-Man #1 is full of action, heart, and laughs

The first issue of Superman/Spider-Man isn’t just about a team-up; it explores the common ground between these two iconic heroes. The story “The Bridge,” by Jeff Lemire and Rafa Sandoval, beautifully illustrates this by showing a touching conversation between Spider-Man and Superman about the father figures who raised them – Pa Kent and Uncle Ben – and even features a surprising scene with both fathers together.

Humor is a key ingredient in many of the stories within Superman/Spider-Man #1. While most include funny moments, some are outright comedies. The type of humor varies quite a bit – Matt Fraction and Steve Lieber deliver a darker tale featuring Jimmy Olsen and Carnage, while Gail Simone and Belén Ortega create a lighthearted, chaotic story where Power Girl’s terrible date is surprisingly rescued by The Punisher.

The weakest part of the collection is the team-up story featuring Mary Jane Watson and Lois Lane, written by Tom King and illustrated by Jim Lee. King has faced criticism for not writing compelling female characters outside of romantic relationships, and this story seems to support that argument. Lois and MJ spend much of their time discussing how appealing it is to be needed by a man, almost as much as they need him. What’s worse, a key heroic moment – the two saving a bus full of children – happens before the story even begins! Lee’s artwork also feels uninspired and lacking effort.

Superman/Spider-Man #1 is a fantastic read for any superhero enthusiast. The characters all feel true to themselves, both in how they’re written and how they’re drawn, with just one story feeling a little off. Hopefully, even if the hinted-at future stories don’t get their own series, this comic will pave the way for more team-ups between DC and Marvel characters.

Grade: 8/10

Superman/Spider-Man #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.

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2026-03-25 19:07