Review: Superior Octopus #1, will Otto get redemption?

Ahead of Spider-Geddon, this issue reminds audiences the story of Elliot Tolliver and proves why he’s considered the Superior Octopus. Read our spoiler-free review below!

Spider-Geddon is nearly upon us, and that means its time to try an learn the most we can of the many Spider-Men that exist in the universe. And believe me when I tell you that Otto Octavius (A.K.A Elliot Tolliver, A.K.A Superior Octopus) is one of the most interesting Spider-Men ever created. As audiences know, Doctor Octopus was a villain (and a pretty good one to say the least). So what happens when he, a villainous mastermind, wants to do the right thing?

Superior Octopus #1: The good

Superior Octopus is a flawed character. He has committed many crimes before, but now he wants to get past those mistakes. He’s trying to be a good guy, but sometimes he’ll do so with some morally-incorrect tactics. And that’s why Elliot Tolliver is such a good character. He’s trying to save the world even when he still thinks like a super-villain. That makes for an interesting character-arc that can lead to both redemption or failure. Maybe even both. And that’s the strongest feat of this issue. It shows Elliot really struggles with his inner demons, but also that he has a lot of heart. Don’t get me wrong, though, he’s also a force to be reckoned with.

That leads us into the action segments of the issue. To put it simply: they are great, and they look even better. There’s something really cool about seeing someone like Spider-Man fight but with four extra arms. Also, the coloring is amazing too. You can tell the artist put a lot of effort into every illustration. And the good thing is that it paid off brilliantly.

Superior Octopus #1: The bad

Trying to tell the complete story of a particular character in just one issue can be a tricky thing, especially with the dialogues. Sometimes the characters will say things that feel forced for a certain situation just to let the reader know what is happening. And that can either feel like a little issue or like something completely cheesy. It’s just like that time in The Amazing Spider-Man 2‘s ending when Paul Giamatti screamed in the middle of the street “I am the Rhino”. Sure, it let audiences know who that character was, but it made the moment feel off. And that’s just the case in some scenes here too.

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Also, if you expect this issue to set up a lot of things for Spider-Geddon, you’ll be disappointed. Just look at it as a stand-alone experience that tries to tell the story of a man who is looking for redemption in both a heroic and a villainous way. If you do that, you’ll enjoy it a lot.

Related Story. Review: Spider-Geddon #0 is the start of something big. light

Overall, this issue was pretty good. Had it not been for its sometimes cheesy dialog, it could’ve gotten a perfect score. But aside from that, there’s nothing readers won’t enjoy in this story. Elliot Tolliver is a great character that has a lot of dimensions to him. While he’s not the best hero ever, you can tell he’s trying his to be just that. And that’s much more than any other “villain” will ever do.

. Superior Octopus #1. A-. . Christos Gage, Mike Hawthorne, Wade von Grawbadger, Jordie Bellaire, VC’S Clayton Cowles, Travis Charest

Do you like Otto Octavius as Superior Octopus? Let us know in the comments below! And stick around with Whatever A Spider-Can form everything Spider-Man related.

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