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Edge of Spider-Verse #4
- Writer:
- Jordan Blum, David Hein, Dan Slott, Tee Franklin
- Artist:
- Michael Shelfer, Luciano Vecchio, Ty Templeton, Jethro Morales
- Letterer:
- VC's Joe Caramagna
- Cover Artist:
- Josemaria Casanovas
- Publisher:
- Marvel
- Price:
- $4.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-09-21
- Colorist:
- Rico Renzi, Brian Reber, Dono Sánchez-Almara, Chris Sotomayor
The next installment of the Spider-Verse series is poised to be the final iteration with an ominous title, the End of the Spider-Verse. Before the event gets underway, Marvel familiarizes readers with all the players on board, introducing new Spider-themed heroes while reintroducing the obscure ones. As readers get a peek into the daily lives of alternate versions of Spider-Man, something dark festers in the Great Web that looks to spread across all worlds. Edge of Spider-Verse #4, written by industry stars like Dan Slott and Tee Franklin with artwork from Michael Shelfer, Luciano Vecchio, Chris Sotomayor, and many more, creates a unique mix of fantasy and reality.
Edge of Spider-Verse #4 collects four stories, each focusing on obscure characters who deserve their time in the sun. The previous few issues may have hinted at the big bad and the rising stakes of the upcoming event and grown the ever-expanding cast of web slingers. As each creative team makes the story their own, bringing fresh ideas to the iconic character. "Heroes come in all shapes and sizes" is an understatement in this vibrant issue that blends humor and action, love and duty in equal measure.
The first story features a brooding Spider-Ham making self-aware meta-commentary on his dark predisposition through food allegories that is worthy of a chuckle or two. Written by Jordan Blum with art from Michael Shelfer, "The Last Laugh" is all fun and jokes, giving Peter Parker a socks-and-crocs-wearing, dad-bod spin until the moment when the characters get to show their true colors. Rico Renzi's colors pierce through the moody atmosphere created by Shelfer's various ink shades. "Once Upon A Time: The Spinstress Princess" by David Hein and Luciano Vecchio introduces readers to the first Spider-Princess, who sings and talks to animals in pure Disney style. While the creators have fun incorporating elements like an overprotective Queen mother, they also add an underlying layer of sadness to the tale. Like master tailors, Vecchio and colorist Brian Reber prepare a shining gown with Spider motifs, for the princess to feast, kick butt and take names when the need arises.
Next up, Dan Slott takes the book to the world of anthropomorphic cars, akin to Pixar's Cars franchise, as he depicts the daily adventures of Peter Parkedcar in the most over-the-top fashion possible. In the short page count, Slott tells a well-rounded story that highlights everything that makes Earth-53931 amusing while showing the fearlessness of Spider-Mobile. But more than anything, it is the presentation from artists Ty Templeton and Dono Sánchez-Almara that makes the whole enterprise ridiculous and entertaining. The final segment comes from Tee Franklin, with lively artwork from Jethro Morales and Chris Sotomayor, telling a powerful story about a superhero with disabilities. Charlotte Webber likes to swing by as the hero Sun-Spider, but the uphill battle she has to face from her wheelchair as someone with EDS makes her feel invisible. But Franklin gives the protagonist an indomitable spirit, ending the issue with a character-driven focus.
In a sprawling multiverse of extraordinary Spider-People, only the heroic at heart gets to feature in Edge of Spider-Verse #4. From everyday folks spewing the worst dad jokes possible to charming royalties yearning to explore the world, these Spiders all have their hearts in the right place, which counts the most. Admittedly, some are the most outrageous and wacky variants to grace the Spider-Verse, while others bring visibility and representation to people with disabilities everywhere in the most uplifting manner. With multiple creators and artists using their powers to tell colorful stories about great responsibilities, the adventures bring contrasting tones and lessons to the table, with a single binding thread of selfless heroism connecting them. As Edge of Spider-Verse #4 continues its recruiting campaign to the farthest and newest reaches of the multiverse, the novelty of discovering new iterations is as fun as ever.