Warning: contains possible spoilers forSpider-Verse vs Venom-Verse#3!
AsSupermaninspires people all over the world this summer,Spider-Manhas developed the perfect response. James Gunn’sSupermanmovie is a certified crowd-pleaser, with a message resonating deeply with society. InSpider-Verse vs Venom-Verse#3,one member of the Spider Family lays out what makes them special, and it is similar to what drives the Man of Steel.
Spider-Verse vs Venom-Verse#3 is written by Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom and drawn by Jim Towe and Rachelle Rosenberg. Spider-Man has been captured by a group of symbiotes. As he taunts them, he calls them “bullies,” who feel a need to lord their power over people.
Spider-Man then tells them that he and the rest of his family fight bullies.
Spider-Man and Superman Both Have Unbreakable Moral Codes
Both Superman and Spider-Man Have Lost Families, and This Informs Their Careers
Spider-Man is one of comics’ most moral heroes. After gaining his powers, Spider-Man was forced to deal with tragedy: the death of his Uncle Ben, brought about by his inactivity in stopping a criminal earlier. The trauma of losing his father figure sent Peter Parker down the path to becoming Spider-Man.
Much like Spider-Man,Superman is also one of the most morally upstandingcharacters in comics. Sometimes referred to as “the Big Blue Boy Scout,” Superman is possessed of a strong moral code that has helped make him one of comics’ greatest heroes. Superman possesses a lot of power, but chooses to use it for good.
The World Is Currently in Awe of Superman, Thanks to His Morality
David Corenswet Has Created a Superman For a New Generation
Although Superman’s “Boy Scout” label is often used derogatorily, the morality that inspired it is one of his greatest assets, and at last mainstream audiences are latching onto this aspect of the Man of Steel. Gunn’sSupermanmovie, more than any recent filmed adaptation, nails the essence of the character and what makes him great.
Although Superman’s “Boy Scout” label is often used derogatorily, the morality that inspired it is one of his greatest assets, and at last mainstream audiences are latching onto this aspect of the Man of Steel.
And these mainstream moviegoers are responding well to this comic accurate view of Superman. The internet is currently awash in memes about “kindness is punk rock,” an allusion to a line in the movie. Critics and fans have praised David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman, with many considering him the best to take up the mantle since Christopher Reeve.
Much like Reeve, Corenswet taps into the wide-eyed and optimistic spirit that is one of Superman’s hallmarks. Whereas Zack Snyder downplayed this in the DCEU, Gunn leans into it heavily, even taking “goofier” elements, such as Krypto, and making them work. Fans are currently eating it up, making the film number one in the world.
Spider-Man is Not an Inspiration to the Average Person Like Superman
Yet Spider-Man Continues to Fight the Good Fight
As one of Marvel’s pillars, it is fitting that Spider-Man came up with the perfect “clapback” to Superman’s vision.Spider-Man cannot stand bulliesand those who exploit people. InSpider-Verse vs Venom-Verse#3, he sees the symbiotes as falling into this category. Spider-Man’s brag about “we fight bullies” is not unlike that of Superman’s “kindness is punk rock.”
Spider-Man and Superman were the subject of the first intercompany crossover between Marvel and DC in the late 1970s.
The key difference between Spider-Man and Superman is public perception. While Superman’s reputation takes a beating in the new movie, he is by and large loved by the public. Spider-Man, on the other hand, is viewed at times as a hero and other times as a criminal, which means he does not inspire confidence the same way Superman does.
Spider-Man Has a Moral Code, But He is Not Always “Kind” Like Superman
Spider-Man Fights With Words As Well as Brawn
Spider-Man has put his own spin on the “kindness” aspect of Superman’s personality. Spider-Man will stick up for those being preyed on, but he is not necessarily “kind.”Spider-Maninsults his foes as a means of psychological warfare, often getting under their skin.Superman, on the other hand, attempts to understand his opponents and de-escalate a situation.
Spider-Verse vs Venom-Verse#3 is on sale July 23 from Marvel Comics!
