Marvel Comics Review: Spider-Man Black Suit and Blood
#marvel #blacksuitspiderman #anthologyseries
Hey, guys, it’s Chris. Over the course of 40 years, Peter has rejoined the Symbiote or worn the black suit; these are some of those untold tales. This is Spider-Man: Black Suit and Blood. This anthology is part of the Black, White, and Blood series, featuring various stories involving the Black Suit. It celebrates the 40th anniversary of the black costume, which was in 2024, and offers different perspectives on the iconic hero from J.M. DeMatteis. This anthology series has some fun tales, so let’s talk about my favorites.
In Issue One, my favorite stories are Dysmorphia and Fade to Black. In Dysmorphia, Peter is being chased by the Symbiote. It’s a short story, but it shows us that Peter can’t hide from the Symbiote. He can’t escape what is already part of him. In 'Fade to Black,' Halloween marks the anniversary of when Spider-Man was on Battleworld. During the events of 'Secret Wars,' Peter bonded with the Symbiote. Over the years, it took Peter some time to lose the Symbiote, but he eventually did. It was never truly gone; it remained in Peter’s DNA, waiting to wake up. You could see this Symbiote as a backup code for the Black suit. The Symbiote is here to give Peter power, authority, and freedom from guilt. Peter says no because the suit changed him too much. The Symbiote only offers this because he doesn’t want to die alone, and Peter knows that. Peter can never go back. He embraced the suit because nerds want to feel badass sometimes, too.
In Issue Two, my favorite stories are The Edge of Rage, Burgers, Fries, and Blood, and Shock and Awe. In The Edge of Rage, Black Suit Spider-Man fights Morbius, the living vampire. This story really showcases the visually striking black, white, and blood artwork. Plus, we see Spidey beat up Morbius with brutal effectiveness. Even after a confrontation with Flash, we already see the Symbiote changing Peter’s personality. In Burgers, Fries, and Blood, Spider-Man is trying to enjoy his dinner on the rooftops during a winter night in a snowstorm when he hears that Daredevil is chasing Bullseye. Spider-Man and Daredevil team up to defeat Bullseye. During the fight, Daredevil believes Spider-Man is shot by Bullseye and falls off the rooftops. Daredevil sees his bloody Spider-corpse, but thank god it was just ketchup, and the two heroes defeat Bullseye. This is another story that showcases the artwork's visual flair. The snow fills the pages, and the chaotic nature of both heroes fighting Bullseye is interesting and feels right out of a Daredevil comic book. In Shock and Awe, Spider-Man is knocked unconscious during a fight with Shocker. The Symbiote takes control of Peter’s body while he watches from his mind. The Symbiote wants to kill Shocker, but Peter reminds him that we fight the bad guys, we don’t execute them. If you have access to my memories, you know everyone has hope. Spider-Man does not kill. Spidey regains control and lets Shocker go. Unfortunately, his partner was not so lucky. We see his corpse in a bush, strangled to death.
In Issue Three, my favorite story is What Happened to Master Blood. Centuries ago, Master Blood was a supervillain who Beyonder took to fight in the first "Secret Wars. He tries to be part of something greater, Master Venom. He bonds with the Symbiote, but is erased from time by Kang, and the Symbiote is left behind for Spider-Man. Master Blood being erased from time wouldn't alter the timeline, and when history is written in black and white, you can’t change that. Now, Issue Four doesn't have stories that really stand out to me. Honorable mention goes to Cornerstone. Spider-Man fights Mysterio during a complex dream sequence.
Spider-Man: Black Suit and Blood features some great standalone stories. The striking artwork is unique and adds creepy elements to Spider-Man and the Symbiote. Some of my favorite stories explore the psychological themes of rage and the Symbiote's impact on Peter's personality. The Symbiote is truly evil at its core. While part of the Black, White, and Blood series, most stories lack blood, violence, and graphic content. They feel safe, like they do not want to push the limits too far. This anthology series respects the black suit and its legacy, and it really showcases to us why we fell in love with it 42 years ago.
I’m Spider-ManChris, and I will see you in the next one!