Marvel Comics begins Spider-Man’s Gan War with the death of one of his most annoying villains.
The Marvel Comics crossover Gang War was heavily promoted. Normally, trailers and comic-con announcements are reserved for Earth-shattering moments like Secret War or a major death. After the first issue, Gang War appears to be as important as Marvel is making it out to be.
The villains
With Madame Masque being killed and Tombstone incapacitated (Amazing Spider-Man No. 31) and Silvermane and Count Nefaria being killed (Amazing Spider-Man No. 38), three major territories were up for grabs.
During Amazing Spider-Man: Gang War No. 1, all of the crime bosses meet to discuss what’s next. Of course, everyone wants the available land and they’re willing to fight and kill to get it. This is exactly what the person behind Gang War wants. That person is Madame Masque.
Let’s be honest, there was no way someone like Hammerhead was taking out Madame Masque. She’s too smart and he’s, well, Hammerhead. She staged her death to get close to Hammerhead. Once he outlived his usefulness, she beat him to death. With him dead, another area was up for grabs. As Madame Masque predicted, the criminals realize no one’s territory is safe and they start fighting. However, Madame Masque pointed something else out. This is a war that all the criminals wanted.
Spider-Man and company
Normally, this wouldn’t be a big deal. The street villains are tough, but they’re not in the same league as Dr. Doom or Mr. Sinister. The problem is vigilantes are illegal in New York (read Devil’s Reign for more on that). Randy Robertson was trying to get the law repealed, but he was attacked by Hammerhead’s goons. This sends Spider-Man into a place that should terrify criminals. Peter’s friend was hurt and may die. The jokes are done. It’s time for a serious Spidey. When he’s like this, Peter’s more dangerous than ever.
Spider-Man goes to Mayor Luke Cage and says that he’s going to build a team. Despite Luke being mayor, he does the same. He knows that risking his job and prison is worth it. He did it during Civil War and Dark Reign. Why wouldn’t he now?
Cage recruits Cloak and Dagger and Peter enlists Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew). This is only the beginning. More heroes will follow in the upcoming weeks. According to the trailer, we can expect to see Miles Morales and Tombstone. Knowing Marvel, some surprise heroes will pop up as well.
Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow to see who they are and if the Fisk Law is repealed.