Marvel: Illustrated Guide to the Spider-Verse review

In the Spider-Verse, each Spider-being is as fascinating as the last, promising an adventure like no other, and this guide does do it justice.

Ready to take a thrilling expedition through the captivating realms of Marvel’s Spider-Verse?

Mark Sumerak’s Marvel’s Illustrated Guide to the Spider-Verse, which chronicles the vibrant lives of its dynamic web-slingers is narrated by none other than Ghost-Spider herself, Gwen Stacy. Our journey through dimensions is teeming with familiar faces and unexpected surprises, with over 60 iconic Spider-Verse characters brought to life through stunning, original illustrations.

From the familiar streets of Peter Parker and Miles Morales to the satirical world of Spider-Ham and the future-tinged realities of Spider-Man 2099, this book offers a vibrant journey into the heart of the Spider-Verse. Each turn of the page reveals another profile, illuminating these diverse heroes in vibrant detail—an unforgettable feast for Spider-fans and arachnophiles!

The Illustrated Guide to the Spider-Verse is akin to a delightful coffee table book that is perfect for your beloved comic aficionado. While it might not offer an easy-to-follow narrative for casual readers, it does present an exciting opportunity to dive into the rich multiverse lore. True enjoyment comes from savoring every backstory and appreciating the diversity that makes up the Spider-Verse.

This guide provides a fascinating study of multiverse theory, exploring how writers have manipulated, enhanced, and subverted the Spider-Man formula to create something fresh. Each version of Spider-Man shares some common threads—Peter Parker, a radioactive spider, or the constant malevolence of Norman Osborn—but this tour also showcases how unique elements make each character and their story intriguing.

The impact of the infamous Clone Saga from the 90s is visible across the Spider-Verse, with the lingering shadow of Ben Reilly extending far beyond Reality-616. Spider-lore enthusiasts may encounter familiar elements such as the Web of Life, Spider-Totems, Morlun, and the Inheritors, all of which play significant roles in the Spider-Verse.

I do think it’s a crime to make us readers wait until the end of the book to even see any mention of Spider-Ham, though. The final five pages surprise us with this endearing, undeniably awesome Spider-Man and, while it may seem like a joke, there’s a delightful sincerity about Spider-Ham that elevates him above most Spider-Men, save perhaps for Peter Parker, Miles Morales, and our guide, Ghost-Spider.

In the Spider-Verse, each Spider-being is as fascinating as the last, promising an adventure like no other, and this guide does do it justice.