Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse features a myriad of unique, alternate Spider-Man characters, all of whom have had their fair share of page time in the comics -- with one noteworthy exception. Few are familiar with Peni Parker, who was co-created by writer Gerard Way and artist Jake Wyatt for 2014's Edge of Spider-Verse event.
Despite appearing in an Oscar-winning animated film and debuting in one of the largest Spider-Man events ever, Peni Parker is a relatively unexplored character. She and Earth-14512 have only appeared in 17 issues and one movie. However, her anime-inspired world has arguably the most creative interpretation of Spider-Man lore. Peni Parker deserves her own comics series.
Comics Vs. Film
In Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Peni Parker is a hyper-active super-genius who pilots a giant spider robot known as the SP//dr, kept alive thanks to a super-powered spider living within it. Her late father was a great scientist who designed the spider. However, Peni carried on her father's legacy by fighting crime in his steed.
The comics iteration of Peni Parker is very similar. Her father was the original SP//dr, but thanks to being bitten by the spider at the robot suit's core, she was bound to control the mechanical, nine-foot suit herself. She sets out to fight villains such as Mysterio and M.O.R.B.I.U.S. She works alongside her Aunt May and Uncle Ben, while sharing a somewhat tense rivalry/partnership with Addy Brock, the pilot of the Sym Engine mecha known as VEN#m.
In both the movie and the comics, Peni's primary role is in supporting the Spider-Army in Spider-Verse affairs. There are very brief glimpses into her world through her spin-off side-titles. Comics Peni is visibly influenced by mecha anime -- most notably, Neon Genesis Evangelion. Contrary to the short and grounded shapes that comprise both Peni and SP//dr in Into the Spider-Verse, comics Peni is slight and petite, accompanied by a kaiju-esque giant robot that bears a stark resemblance to Evangelion Unit-01. The influence is so overt that we even see kids resembling Shinji Ikari, Asuka Langley Sohryu, Rei Ayanami, and Kaworu Negisa from Evangelion in her classroom, as well as Simon from Gurren Lagann and Kei from Dirty Pair.
The Potential of a Peni Parker Spin-Off
Peni Parker is an extra appealing character for potential spin-offs because her world is so unique. From a rivalry between Addy and Peni to multiple Spider-Man villains being reinterpreted as colossal, earth-shattering mecha adversaries, there is so much potential here to explore.
The short trips to Peni's world on the fringes of bigger Spider-Verse events have introduced audiences to fascinating and compelling plot points, with bizarre and unique character interpretations that are unseen in the rest of the Marvel Universe. A long-form exploration of Peni's life could offer creators a chance to reinterpret Spider-Man lore while also exploring Marvel as a manga.
Peni Parker isn't just the cute, over-the-top character fans might know of from Spider-Verse. There's a great deal of dark, surreal intensity to her world that could very well open the door to tons of fantastic, imaginative stories. It's unfortunate she hasn't had a solo comics title yet, but hopefully she will soon. Perhaps upcoming Spider-Verse events will feature her more prominently.