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Tag: Spider-Man
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Prequel Comic #2: What We Know
We’re back with Issue #2 of the Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man prequel comic! (Click Here if you missed the write-up for Issue #1!) Now we didn’t get as many reveals about this universe’s lore as we did in the first issue, but we got to see Spider-Man in action for more or less the first time. Without anymore delay, let’s get into it Brigadier!
We begin with the well known wrestling match between the new masked figure Spider-Man (in his OG wrestling outfit from Amazing Fantasy #15) and Crusher Hogan. But as we established last time, Uncle Ben is already dead and gone. So the placement of this historic match is definitely off course from the usual canon.
It’s being run by a rich kid named Trip in his parents’ backyard, who so aptly named it Trip’s Tournament of Titans. Peter reveals that he specifically wanted to be called Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man because people are scared of spiders, and he’s trying to be ‘approachable’ and ‘local’. Good to know they’re actually working the title into the plot as opposed to the fact that every other Spider-Man TV show and movie have taken all of the usual adjectives!
Peter mentions he’s fighting for back rent, remember last ish we established he’s dirt poor in this universe. After getting walloped by Crusher, Peter, determined to win the cash, decides to go all out and chucks the poor guy into the stratosphere.
Peter does catch Crusher, thankfully, and informs Trip to wire the winnings to an account he gave them, which is smart because that’s a problem Peter faced in the original books. Spider-Man once got a check he couldn’t cash because it was made out to Spider-Man, and the bank can’t do anything with that. After Crusher accuses the match of being rigged, Spider-Man deposits him into a trash can, and declares that until he figures out exactly how strong he is, it’s “Spider-Man no more”, leading to a clever little callback from the famous scene.
So after tossing around a couple of water heaters to test his strength and stick ’em powers, Peter brainstorms he needs a way to snag things out of reach, like Crusher was, and take down bad guys without hurting them. This of course leads him to developing the Web Shooters, with his chemistry nerd knowledge and a little left over cash from the match. First try is an explosive bust, which then gives him the idea for the self-dissolving agent…
… which he quickly discovers needs to dissolve faster than two hours because he hilariously ends up stuck to a criminal he takes down. I know it varies from iteration to iteration, but typically Spider-Man’s webs dissolve in one hour.
The next day Peter catches up with Nico at their new school. It’s called Rockford T. Bales High. Now I’m not sure if this is where he’s going to be in the show, but Midtown was destroyed in that mysterious battle, so if it isn’t repaired, this is where Pete and Nico are going to school. Peter already ends up on Trip’s bad side for no reason, he goes to the same school apparently. But Nico gets him to back off and the two agree that they’ll be unstoppable if they stick together. That was a sweet little moment solidifying their friendship, I think.
That night, Peter perfects the Web Shooters and hits the town, preventing a car accident and declaring himself officially Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. Which doesn’t make Silvermane very happy at all. So he makes good on the threat from last issue and calls in the infamous classic Spidey villains: The Enforcers! They more or less resemble their comic counterparts, and they fit very well with the 60’s-inspired aesthetic they say the show is going for.
Peter switches up his outfit a bit to the hockey jersey we see in the show, no emblem yet but he’ll figure out something that ‘says Spider-Man’ later. He finds that the web tank’s a bit big, having trouble fitting through the window, so that’s probably why he eventually goes for the horizontal design on his lower back we’ve seen in the trailers.
While on patrol he happens upon The Enforcers shaking down a shopkeep, noting he’s got an instinct, maybe a sense (get it?), to find people in danger. He gets into it with Ox and Fancy Dan, and I really like this fight. He starts strong, but Fancy Dan easily registers Spider-Man’s Thwipping gesture as a ‘tell’, and gets the drop on him, while Ox joins the walloping.
But Spider-Man adapts mid-fight. As he says, they’re pros, but he can do things they can’t. He relies on his Spider-Sense. He adjusts the kind of web he uses to catch Fancy Dan. He packs a bit more of a punch to pummel Ox. It’s really great stuff that makes watching Spider-Man fight so amazing!
Unfortunately, Montana gets involved, severing Spider-Man’s web tubes and letting The Enforcers get the upper hand once again.
The issue ends with poor Spider-Man, defeated, in the middle of the street, surrounded by The Enforcers. An honest-to-goodness “To Be Continued!” if I’ve ever seen one!
And that’s all we’ve got for this one. Big takeaways are notably designing the webs, the wrestling match, and his new, maybe permanent school. I didn’t mention earlier, but Aunt May shows up a few times, who Peter is becoming uncomfortable with lying to, the ease of it bothering him more than anything. But that fight between a novice Spider-Man and The Enforcers was the highlight of the issue for me. It was such a good comic book battle that took me back to the old days of reading Spider-Man! More of that, please, in the comic and the show!
Next issue the fight obviously continues, as he’s featured on the cover taking on the three troublemakers. Solicits have it dropping February 19, which is well after the show’s January 29th premiere date.
I don’t know if this was planned and coordinated with the show’s release schedule to add context or if it’s still supposed to be filling in that time gap they mentioned this story takes place in. But either way, I’ll probably still do a write-up. For the show itself I plan on doing a Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Aftershow on Thursdays, so stay tuned to Face Front’s YouTube channel for more info on that. I hope you guys are enjoying these, I can’t wait for the next issue, and of course the show! Until next time, Face Front True Believers, and I’ll see you in the Multiverse!
Spider-Man: Return to the Spider-Verse Episode 12
Whatever happened to Gwen Stacy? Watch below, and find out. But ONLY if you’ve seen every other episode of Return to the Spider-Verse! If not, please Click Here to watch those first. If you have, then proceed…
Well, that was a lot, wasn’t it? The twists, the turns, the reveals, the heartbreak! Oh my, it was nearly too much to bear! I hope this was as worth the wait for you as it was for me!
A lot of dots have finally been connected. All of those post credits scenes (you have been sticking around for those, right?) have been tied together. Gwen’s rise, or rather fall, to become the Master Planner revealed at last.
Bringing Gwen to life is the always incredible Eileen Nestman. Have I praised her enough? The answer is a big NO! I haven’t! Because I literally can’t for the heavy lifting she did in this episode. My goodness, Eileen always comes to play but I’ll tell you, True Believers, I think this was her BEST performance to date. She really sold Gwen’s descent into the Master Planner. Such raw emotion, I am so grateful every day that she’s my friend.
And a few months ago, you all helped thank her for her contributions to Face Front by voting her for Super Mom! She unfortunately didn’t win, but we helped get her up to 11th place! And as promised, I put the names of everyone who voted in the credits of this video. Let’s see them again:
The_Graytforever
Wars the Marvel
MrMisterMelon
The Amazing Gamer Djmc
Anselmo Gutierrez Pérez/SemISkUIZ
King VA ProductionsThanks again guys! Eileen and I really appreciate your support.
Rounding out the cast was Emily Tatsumi who never fails me as Peni Parker, and my sister Jaelen Westbrook, who gave me Lyla’s lines literally the night before the episode went live. Lyla’s role was so small I forgot she was in the video and had no one to voice her! Thank goodness Jaelen always comes through for me in a pinch.
Now, this video had a ton of references, homages, and Easter Eggs, so let’s not waste anymore time and get right to them.
Let Her Go
The video begins with some eerily familiar dialogue during the logo which then transitions into a recreation of the death of Gwen Stacy from The Amazing Spider-Man 2, everything down to the score. A cold open to be sure, but, I feel like from even the video thumbnail, you guys knew what you were in for.
The New Goblin
I put up a Friend or Foe poll a while ago and you guys voted to reveal a friend, after which I revealed Harry Osborn, the New Goblin, would be making his debut in the Face Front Universe. Harry arrives in Loomworld referencing the events of Spider-Man 3. From confusing Gwen with Bryce Dallas Howard’s version to the final battle of the movie, Harry makes it evident that he remembers everything up to his death. And look, his face is fine too! (I always personally believed the Goblin serum would fix that eventually.)
Unfortunately he freaks Gwen out, so he has to take off. But that just means that he’s out there somewhere in Loomworld. Maybe, just maybe, we’ll see him again…
The Rose
While Gwen is wondering through the Noir portion of Loomworld, she bumps into a rather polite masked man in a suit, who gifts her with a rose before leaving. Spidey fans know this man as Wilson Fisk’s son, Richard Fisk, aka, the Rose. What was he doing there, though? Who knows? Well, I do. Maybe you will too. Eventually…
Lyla
As mentioned earlier, Miguel O’Hara’s AI assistant Lyla makes an appearance in this episode. She collects a Spider-Bot that appears to be gathering data and reports to Miguel that there are quantum anomalies everywhere. A mysterious little cameo, that perhaps holds something further? Only time will tell.
Loomworld
Gwen names this new patchwork world she’s found herself in “Loomworld”. Fans with a sharp ear will have heard this before in Spider-Man: Web-Warriors episodes 3, 10, and Turning Point. But what exactly is Loomworld? Well, in the comics, it’s Earth-001, and HQ for the Inheritors, made up of worlds they conquered and pieced together. It was the location of quite a few battles in the original Spider-Verse comic, way back in 2014, and was at one time an access point to the Web of Life and Destiny. It’s been home to the Inheritor-turned-Master Weaver Karn, and the Web-Warriors from the comics.
In my series, Loomworld is this new world that’s been created out of pieces of different Spider-Man universes, apparently pulled together by our one and only MCU Peter. There are still many mysteries behind this world’s conception, but that is, at least for now, the gist of it.
Sandman
Flint Marko, aka Sandman, appears in Loomworld, confused and using familiar lines (No Way Home anyone?) This is indeed the Spider-Man 3 version of Sandman, as noted by his demanding where his daughter Penny is. Yes, that also means that Marko is hiding out there somewhere as well! By the way, Sandman was the Foe option for the Friend or Foe poll, in case you were wondering.
Daughter of Captain Stacy
Gwen mentions that she studied Captain Stacy’s suspects boards and knew how to get into the minds of criminals. This was a little tidbit I got from the Giant-Size Gwen Stacy comic book, which tells the story of Gwen before she meets Peter Parker. Surprisingly, that hadn’t been explored until that 2022 comic. Technically it began in 2020, but COVID paused it 2 issues in and they put out the Giant-Size two years later, finishing it. Which I was very grateful for, because I really wanted to know how that story ended. Doubly grateful, actually, because it was reading this comic that got me past a serious writer’s block I had writing this episode. Seriously guys, if you ever need inspiration for your stories, read the comics!
The Prowler
Prowler’s been working for the Master Planner since literally the post credits scene of episode 1. Now we finally see how that team-up came to be. Having just died saving Miles, Prowler’s now unemployed, and back in an unfamiliar world. Gwen’s offering him a chance to not only return to normalcy, but to save the nephew he gave his life to protect. Harry Osborn’s black card doesn’t hurt either.
The Web of Life and Destiny
When attempting to explain how Loomworld will inevitably be destroyed, Gwen uses a metaphor, a web that controls the life and destiny of all living beings in the multiverse. A not-so-subtle reference to the Web of Life and Destiny, the great web that connects all the Spider Totems in the Spider-Verse!
Amazing Spider-Man #121
When running failed Super Collider trials, Gwen gives up after 129. But the first number I have listed up there is 121, which is a reference to the issue of Amazing Spider-Man where Gwen Stacy was killed by the Green Goblin.
The Sinister Six
The “Special Projects” file on Oscorp’s computers is from The Amazing Spider-Man 2. The mystery man in the end of the movie who approached Harry in his cell was Gustav Fiers, someone called “The Gentelman”, as I subtly have Gwen state. They talk about turning a small group of men in to super criminals, stating everything they need is already at Oscorp. It doesn’t seem like their plan ever came to fruition, but Gwen dug it up, and reactivated it to form the Sinister Six.
Also note that a lot of the members, when being recruited, use lines from the previous movies. Mysterio’s capes and lasers rant from Far From Home. Electro’s “I got my body back” from No Way Home. Vulture’s comment about the food from Morbius (yeah, I know). And Doc Ock’s “NOOOOOO” from Spider-Man 2. Remember how in episode 7 Doc Ock said he heard the Master Planner’s voice on repeat, telling him to destroy Spider-Man? Yeah, now you know what that’s about. In addition to that, the same alarm sound was used in episode 2 to flip Connors into the Lizard, who Gwen finally got revenge on for killing her father.
Another callback, when recruiting the Spectacular Green Goblin, is from the Christmas episode, where he tells Spectacular Spider-Man he was approached by the Master Planner but refused, stating it would be “The end of everything”. The Dafoe Goblin, on the other hand, uses a line from the Spider-Man movie video game. When he kidnaps Mary Jane in a cutscene, he tells her “Put your heart into the screams my lovely girl! The better to bait my trap!” Of course, this is because he kidnapped Mary Jane to lure Spider-Man.
The Master Planner
Now in the comics, the Master Planner was an alias Doc Ock used to lure Spider-Man to his doom. I of course made it clear from early on that the Master Planner was someone completely different in this series. We finally got the reveal last episode, but now we know how she came upon the name! Granted, it was more or less an accident, but she owned it. Especially later in the video…
What the Heck was That!?
Okay, so Gwen definitely saw something here. What is it? Zoom and enhance! Turn up the brightness! Look closely.
Got a Minute?
Now, in Across the Spider-Verse, they recreated this moment where Gwen comes to get Miles. He’s listening to Hummingbird, she’s got a pink sweater, they’re both a bit older. But in Into the Spider-Verse, he’s clearly listening to Sunflower, and it’s not much longer after the first movie ends. And even back in 2020 when I made Return of the Sinister Six, I had always imagined that this is where Gwen picked up Miles before they arrived to help. So that’s when my version of the “Got a minute?” scene takes place.
Vanessa67
The Kingpin’s password to access the encrypted Collider file (which we never actually discovered in episode 4) is Vanessa67. This is a reference to his wife, Vanessa Fisk, and the year of Kingpin’s first appearance, 1967.
Christmas Records
When Prowler mentions he has some Christmas records from his brother, this is actually a reference from the Insomniac game Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. At one point in Miles’ apartment, you can play his father’s Christmas records. In the next game, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Miles hears the records playing downstairs and rushes down to find that Uncle Aaron is now in possession of them. While it’s technically a different version of Aaron Davis, we know from Into the Spider-Verse that he does own a record player, so it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility he got some Christmas record from Jefferson!
One More Day
When Prowler asks how close they are to completion, Gwen states that she needs one more day. This is a direct reference to the (universally hated) comic One More Day, where Peter infamously makes a deal with Mephisto and dissolves his marriage to Mary Jane, a decision that’s affecting Spider-Man comics nearly two decades later. Unfortunately. It’s also revealed after the credits of this video that the finale of Return to the Spider-Verse will be called One More Day! Now I’m not arrogant enough to state that I’m gonna do a better job than the House of Ideas, but I promise my One More Day at the very least won’t be universally hated!
The Night Gwen Stacy Died
Notice how this episode doesn’t have a title? That was intentional! In Amazing Spider-Man #121, they don’t have the title at the beginning of the book like they usually do because the story was called “The Night Gwen Stacy Died”, which was obviously a spoiler. So, as an homage to that, I gave episode 12 the same name, and revealed the title at the very end!
So there we have it. Answers, at long last! But more questions yet have arisen from this chapter in our tale. Why was Spidey in that void? What the heck happened around the 34:30 timestamp? What will happen to Loomworld now that the Master Plan has been initiated? Will the Amazing Friends be able to reconcile before it all goes boom!? All good questions. And they will be answered in Spider-Man: Return to the Spider-Verse Episode 13: One More Day. The finale. The end. Man, it’s frightening and exciting! I’ve had this planned for years, and to be so close… Thank you all for coming on this journey with me. Thank you all for watching, for supporting Face Front, I do this for you guys. I hope you enjoyed this episode, and I can’t wait for the next. Face Front True Believers, and I’ll see you in the Multiverse!
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Prequel Comic #1: What We Know
Hey there True Believers! While we impatiently await Marvel Animation’s Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, coming to Disney+ January 29, Marvel has so graciously decided to satiate us with a prequel comic series (by Christos Gage), of which I’ve read the first issue! What makes this special is that this is the first glimpse into the world of this new version of Peter Parker! I learned quite a bit from this issue, and there seem to be quite a few differences in the Spider-Man lore we all know. So, let’s break it all down.
We open with poor Peter getting tossed off a building by a man I immediately clocked as Man Mountain Marko (I was right, by the way, but I’ll get back to that). Pete’s in his Mk1 Spidey suit we’ve seen in promos and on the cover of this very comic. But before he meets his doom, we flash back…
… To Midtown High. Which has been destroyed. (This is probably the result of a battle between Dr. Strange and -maybe- Shathra, as described in the D23 footage.) The comic doesn’t tell us because the scene is clearly going to be in the show, we’re told as much in an author’s note. But in the aftermath, Peter meets Nico Minoru (from the Runaways), gets bitten by a spider, then passes out for a second.
Now here’s what caught my attention. Peter doesn’t want to go to the ER for money concerns (he’s broke, broke in this universe) and because he and May “spent enough time in hospitals”. After which May insinuates Ben is already dead (before Peter was bitten!), and that he would be upset if he was the reason Peter couldn’t take care of himself.
Not only this, but Peter later confides in Nico that at his old school, before High School (remember, the show was once called Freshman Year) he came to be known as “the poor kid whose uncle died”. So I’m guessing that Uncle Ben wasn’t murdered. I think he got sick, was hospitalized for a long time, costing the Parkers a lot of money, then died.
This is obviously a major departure from your standard Peter Parker Spider-Man fare, so I’m quite curious to see how this shakes out in forming his identity as a hero. Moving on, Peter and Nico decide to investigate the explosion at Midtown, which they discover happened after the chaos that brought the spider bite, and deduce it was likely caused by Silvio Manfredi (aka Silvermane), who’s been trying to buy up Midtown’s land.
I’m not sure if Silvermane’s going to carry over to the show, or be dealt with in the comic, but it’s good to see him included in some new Spidey media. After that, some cleanup guys show up to get rid of all traces to Manfredi, and end up chasing after Peter. He’d used his Spider-Sense and reflexes earlier to save a cat and catch Nico sneaking up on him, but now he really gets to use his powers.
First of all, I love how Silvermane’s guys are like, unabashed mobsters. Like, “shuddup” and “so long, sucker” mobsters. And second, Peter kind of fumbling through the fight but handing it to Silvermane’s guys was a good sequence. I can’t explain it, but Peter Spider-Manning in civilian clothes is always something I love to see.
After a narrow escape, he and Nico decide to keep quiet about Manfredi as not to endanger their families. Nico has a foster mom because I’m guessing she’s already run away (she mentions LA a lot) and the whole ‘Mom is a supervillain with the Staff of One’ is a lot of baggage to bring into what is ultimately Peter’s story.
So Peter decides that if he wants to pursue Silvermane, he’s got to be someone else… Spider-Man? Perhaps? The symbolic mask on the floor beneath Pete there seems to indicate so.
Meanwhile at Silvermane Hair Products for Men Inc. (which is a hilariously perfect front for Silvermane’s operation) Silvermane is appalled at the idea of a superhero in Queens. He mentions the Avengers stick to, essentially, Avenger-level threats, meaning they exist in this universe already (Peter is shown to be fond of Captain America). Then he mentions that he doesn’t want what’s happened in Hell’s Kitchen to happen on his turf. We know Charlie Cox is back and voicing Daredevil for the show, so not only is his reputation already up and running, but he’s become a problem for criminals by this point as well.
Silvermane then tells the man, the size of a mountain, named Marko (told you) that he needs Peter dealt with in a very public “send a message” kind of way. And he orders him to summon The Enforcers. The lasso wielding Montana, the dapper Fancy Dan, and the brutish Ox, for the uninitiated. So I’m pretty excited to see what they’re like in this new Spider-Man universe!
That’s where the issue ends, and we get a tease for the next issue of Peter in his wrestling outfit reminiscent of the one worn in Amazing Fantasy #15, fighting against presumably Crusher Hogan, but so many things have changed I don’t want to assume anything!
Uncle Ben dead before the spider bite. He’s best friends with Nico Minouru. He may not be going to Midtown (if Silvermane isn’t stopped and they can’t rebuild). So much to wrap my head around! Not having context for a lot of this made the story a little jarring, but this isn’t strictly a prequel. Christos Gage said on Twitter that they’re filling in a time jump that takes place in episode 1 of the show.
Word is Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #1 will get a second printing! Thanks to everyone who picked it up yesterday! Eric Gapstur, Jim Campbell, Joe Caramagna and I had a blast doing it. BTW it’s not entirely a prequel…there’s a time jump in episode 1, and we fill it in. https://t.co/qDyAhKCK7F
— Christos Gage (@Christosgage) December 12, 2024As our first little glimpse into this new Spider-Man world, I definitely have a lot of questions and am very curious to see the story they’re telling. I’ll let you guys know what I find out in issue #2 when it drops, and I can’t wait to watch the show when it comes out! Until then, Face Front True Believers, and I’ll see you in the Multiverse!
Spider-Man: Web-Warriors – Turning Point
Happy Spider-Man Day True Believers! Every year Face Front does something to celebrate the Web-Head’s special day, and 2024 is no different! This year, I’ve made a special video in the Return to the Spider-Verse canon, Spider-Man: Web-Warriors – Turning Point.
As the 90’s Spider-Man reaches his lowest point, he is approached from the shadows by the Superior Spider-Man…
Turning Point, a name referencing the episode of the 90’s animated series where Spider-Man lost Mary Jane, is a continuation of the story that began in Web-Warriors Episode 10, and a culmination of the series as a whole.
After Episode 10 of Web-Warriors, which ended with Otto, the Superior Spider-Man, accessing the Web-Warriors initiative, the biggest question I was asked was how Otto was going to assemble the Web-Warriors when Peter and the Amazing Friends couldn’t. This video is meant to show you how he’s going about it.
Otto is tactical, he studies his opponents, and potential allies, and targets their weaknesses. In assembling the Web-Warriors, Otto realizes that he needs to address the reasons each candidate initially refused, couldn’t join, or were turned away.
In Episode 3 of Web-Warriors, the 90’s Spider-Man made it clear that he wouldn’t join until after he’d found Mary Jane, with the help of Madame Web. In Turning Point, we discover that, while Madame Web has found her, MJ is tangled up in the Web of Life and Destiny. Otto sees his chance, and develops his Quantum Extractor, freeing Mary Jane and reuniting her with the 90’s Spider-Man.
Feeling like he now owed him a great debt, the 90’s Spider-Man offered himself in any way the Superior Spider-Man needed, which is exactly what Otto had planned. He has now taken his first step to usurp the Web-Warriors from under the Amazing Friends’ noses. And nothing will stand in his way.
So that’s it for Face Front Spider-Man Day 2024! Did you enjoy Turning Point? What else are you doing to celebrate Spider-Man today? Let me know below! Until next time, Face Front True Believers, and I’ll see you in the Spider-Verse!
Spider Man 2 Turns 20!
Spider-Man 2 came out 20 years ago, so in today’s Merry Marvel Mayhem we’re going down memory lane as I relive the full, authentic 2004 Spider-Man experience!
Spider-Man 2 was, is, and always will be, one of the greatest superhero movies ever made. You’ve heard my story, but what about you? Hit the weekly poll and let me know when you first saw Spider-Man 2!
That’s all I’ve got, see you next week for more Merry Marvel Mayhem! Until then, Face Front True Believers, and I’ll see you in the Multiverse!
Julia Carpenter Spider-Woman SAVED Uncle Ben!
Julia “Cornwall” Carpenter saved Uncle Ben in Madame Web. How do I know? Well, walk with me True Believer, and let’s find out together.
There is a scene in the end of the film where Madame Web see’s Julia’s Spider-Woman stopping a criminal who appears to be in the middle of breaking and entering.
First off, from the moment I saw the movie in theaters I clocked this guy as Uncle Ben’s killer. Why? Because he’s wearing the same getup usually seen on who is canonically called “The Burglar”. The brown jacket over a yellow shirt, green pants, and some form of cap. It varies, depending on the comic or iteration, but this is the base design.
Second, we can see in this shot (from the Blu-Ray extras, a scene not in the actual movie) Adam Scott’s Ben Parker coming home with groceries. Now remember, unlike in the Tobey and Andrew movies, in the comics Uncle Ben was killed in a home invasion. The layout of the house is not the same as earlier in the film, but that’s because he was staying in Mary Parker’s house while Richard was out of town, so it’s safe to say this is Ben’s house.
The important thing to note about this scene is that it takes place in the future. Ben is wearing glasses that he didn’t have in the film, and probably now needs because he’s older. And you’ll notice a flat screen TV, when earlier in the film we were looking at an old 4:3 television set. So definitely an indication that some time has passed.
But is this the house that Spider-Woman is in, stopping the Burglar? Well, yes. Let’s take a look at this shelf. In both shots you see this speaker, a trophy, and a photo on top.
You’ll also notice a flashlight on the floor. In the confrontation scene, when the Burglar stumbles over the couch, he’s got a flashlight that he appears to drop, as he’s only holding a gun in the next shot.
Still don’t believe me? Well, the last piece of evidence, which I probably should have looked up first, is a credit on IMDb that lists Michael Papajohn as “The Burglar”. The same man who played The Carjacker, aka Dennis Carradine, in Spider-Man (2002) and Spider-Man 3 (2007).
So there you have it! Spider-Woman saved Uncle Ben! What a cool detail. It probably explains why Spider-Man hasn’t shown up in any of these SonyVerse movies! Because Uncle Ben is still alive. Is that enough evidence? Do you believe me? Vote in the weekly poll below, and let me know any other theories you’ve got in the comments. That’s it for now, Face Front True Believers, and I’ll see you in the Multiverse!
EDIT: Yeah, so… I’m dumb. Julia Carpenter is in the room. This proves everything. Including that I wasted a lot of time…
Spider-Man Returns to Theaters!
That’s right True Believers, Spider-Man, the original 2002 movie, returned to theaters on April 25, 2024. And I finally got to see it for the first time on the big screen! I detailed my entire experience below in the first episode of Merry Marvel Mayhem!
I loved finally getting to see the movie that changed my life in an actual theater. I still have distinct memories of my time in the theater watching every other Spider-Man movie that swung into cinemas after the initial smash hit 22 years ago.
Since this was the film that kicked off my love for Spider-Man, I wasted no time ordering my tickets when Sony said they were putting it back out for a theatrical rerelease! Armed with the only Spider-Man 1 shirt I have that’s not made for a 9-year-old, my ToyBiz Super Posable Spider-Man, and a little plushie names Traveling Spidey I got years ago, I made my way to the cinema. Being surrounded by so many fans of Spider-Man simply there to celebrate his return to the big screen was such a magical experience!
What about you True Believers? Comment below your fondest memory of watching a Spider-Man movie in theaters. I’m also going to be doing a weekly poll! And for this week, the question is simple:
Spider-Man: Return to the Spider-Verse Episode 11: For the Love of MJ
It’s Peter B. Parker’s anniversary with his ex-wife Mary Jane! He’s trying to set things right, but the Master Planner’s forces will do anything to stop true love!
What an episode! Don’t worry, we’ll save THAT part for the end, make sure you watch the ENTIRE EPISODE before you scroll any further True Believers. You don’t want to be spoiled, do you?
Firstly I’d like to thank Face Front newcomer Rhema Thom for providing her voice to the iconic Mary Jane Watson! Rhema seemed like a natural, and delivered me a robust performance unlike any I’ve seen before!
Also for the first time on Face Front is my brother, Justin, who voiced Ned Leeds, with my mom and sister returning as Dr. Kafka and Michelle Jones respectively. Thanks fam!
Xavier Hernandez returns as Spider-Man 2099, and for the first time since episode 3, is actually able to have a conversation with Peter! Imagine that!
And then there’s Eileen Nestman. Not only did she once again provide the voice of Ghost-Spider to perfection, but she (with the help of sculpting artist Ashley Cazier) created the entirety of Aunt May’s house. More on that below. Eileen also pulled double duty in this episode, in a role we’ll discuss later…
But of course, what’s an episode of Spider-Verse without the Easter Eggs? So let’s go over them!
The Handshake
If you’ve seen any MCU Spider-Man movies, then you know Peter and Ned have a special handshake! I did the best I could to recreate it in figure form, it was actually kind of difficult if you can believe it.
The CEO
Um, Ned Leeds is the CEO of… well, if you know, you know. This is a family website!
A Good Dream
Small Easter egg here, but Peter telling Miles this time he was having a good dream is the last line from the comic Spider-Man: Life Story. And yes, the panel makes me cry every single time I read it.
The Photo
The Marvel Legends VHS line Wolverine came with a picture frame that had Scott and Jean in it so fans could recreate the now memed moment from the classic X-Men show. Fortunately, they made the frame so that you can stick any appropriately sized picture in there. So I swapped one redhead for another and recreated the meme with Peter B. Parker!
May Parker’s House
The aforementioned Eileen Nestman provided this episode with way more than just her voice. She and Face Front’s sculpting artist Ashley Cazier worked meticulously to recreate the version of Aunt May’s house seen in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which you all know is above the Spider’s Nest.
Everything from the retro TV to the pictures on the wall, this near 1:1 creation elevated this set to the next level, providing a wonderful centerpiece for the episode!
Jackpot!
For those who don’t know, Mary Jane’s first line to Peter in the comics (and last when their marriage was destroyed by Mephisto) was “Face it Tiger, you just hit the Jackpot!” Also, a fun coincidence, the Mary Jane figure used for this episode is basically in the same outfit she was wearing in the comic. A near perfect recreation of Peter and MJ’s first meeting! Well, with the exception of the door being slammed in her face…
Birthday!
When Tony gives Peter the Spider-Mobile and wishes him a happy birthday, Peter corrects him, stating that his birthday is August 10th. This is Peter’s birthday in the MCU, as seen in a deleted scene in Far From Home, and it’s also the day in 1962 that Spider-Man first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15.
Underoos
Did you notice that when Peter is on Tony’s HUD he’s listed as Underoos? A nod to the nickname Tony gave him in Captain America: Civil War.
Ezekiel Stane
While never appearing in the MCU, Ezekiel Stane in the comics is the son of Obadiah. Ezekiel is a genius, rivaling even Tony, and an enemy of Iron Man. He makes his debut on Earth-84061, taking up the mantle of Iron Monger to avenge the death of his father at the hands of Tony Stark!
Upgrades
Ezekiel mentions he solved several problems on the Iron Monger suit, all of which Tony used to beat Obadiah in the first Iron Man movie, most notably the icing problem. He mentions he picked up an Arc Reactor from Coney Island, which was a result of a plane full of Stark tech crashing there during Peter’s climactic battle with the Vulture at the end of Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Watching You
MJ sneaks into the fight against Iron Monger to observe Spider-Man. At this point, she’s suspicious that Peter is Spider-Man (at least 70% sure) but just needs that last bit of confirmation.
Really Old Movie
Thanks to AV club, Peter has seen a lot of really old movies, which has led to the defeat of foes such as Giant-Man, Ebony Maw, and now Iron Monger! In Robocop, the titular hero is faced with this menacing, unstoppable death machine. However, when he flees down the stairs, the robot trips, falls, gets stuck on its back, and is ultimately defeated.
Goblin Gas
The line about the “odorless, billowing gas” is exactly how Spider-Man described the gas Green Goblin uses to take his Spider-Sense in the comics. The gas that Peter’s been doused with since Episode 9!
The World Will be Yours and Mine
This line Goblin says to Norman is a deep cut. He never said it in the movie, but the old Toybiz chair with the Goblin mask utter the line, along with “Can Spider-Man come out to play?” and the classic Goblin laugh.
Okay, now I’m only going to say this once: SPOILERS AHEAD! DO NOT KEEP READING IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE EPISODE! TURN AROUND, AND COME BACK LATER!!!!
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You know what, just scroll back up and watch it again, just to be sure.
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Alright, here we go:
The Amazing Spider-Man first found a hint that his Gwen Stacy was alive way back in Episode 2, and has been searching for her ever since. He finally found her, but much to his surprise, it turns out that the love of his life, Gwen Stacy, is the Master Planner.
Screenshot That felt so weird to type, I’ve been keeping it a secret for years! Finally, the truth revealed! Not only that, but Peter now knows his world is gone! Yeah, sorry if I stopped your heart several times in the end there.
Things are getting real, and with all of the Amazing team-ups done, the Master Planner, aka Gwen Stacy, is preparing to initiate her Master Plan.
But how is she alive? Why did she become the Master Planner? What is her master plan? All in due time. But this is certainly a twist that (I hope) no one saw coming!
Hats off to Eileen for playing the Master Planner reveal to perfection. And in case you’re wondering, no, she had no idea she would be voicing the big villain of the show! That was a fun script read. She was simply floored, and I hope you all are too!
The next episode is 12. I usually reveal the titles of the episodes, but this one is different. Guess you’re just gonna have to wait and see! Thank you for sticking with me on Spidey’s journey through the Spider-Verse. Needless to say the show is reaching its climax. I just hope you’re ready!
Until then, Face Front True Believers, and I’ll see you in the Spider-Verse!
The Irredeemable Spider-Man
Spider-Man finally crosses the line. There may be no redemption for Peter Parker after this…
Marvel Legends Retro Card Spider-Man Wave Showcase
I got a full wave of new retro carded Spider-Man figures from Hasbro Pulse! Below you’ll find a video showcasing all of them with some pretty sweet intros, and a closer look at the pictures I took of each along with a short review.
Last Stand Spider-Man
The Last Stand Spider-Man figure is the one that comes with the least accessories, but I feel like he doesn’t need many. In his debut appearance, he was backed against Aunt May’s grave, surrounded by armored enforcers, and threw down with nothing but the hands. Fists and open hands are perfect for this version of Spider-Man.
The jacket does limit articulation, he can’t really bend or twist in his torso area. So you’ll have a hard time getting those real Spidey poses out of him, but he’s an old man I guess, so maybe he doesn’t need to move as much. Other than that, the figure looks great and I’m glad to have him in the collection. His unique look makes him stand (get it?) out on a shelf full of other Spider-People!
Jack O’Lantern
I have two other Jack O’Lanterns, a ToyBiz one and the early Hasbro one. I have to say, this guy is the best. Opposite Last Stand Spider-Man, he came with the most accessories. His hover disk is so versatile. You can plug the little dreidel piece in at the bottom and it’ll make him look like he’s leaning. Or you can remove it and it’ll keep the disk flat. You can also plug in a glider stand if you have a spare one from the likes of the No Way Home Green Goblin or Hawkeye Skycycle.
He’s got little (definitely not pumpkin) bombs on his waist, one of which is removable and fits nicely into his hand. I also like that it clips onto the belt securely so it doesn’t constantly fall off. The pumpkin head and scale armor are some very well-done deco. I think he might just be a little too broad, but that’s a nitpick. This is undoubtedly the best Jack O’Lantern figure ever made.
Scarlet Spider
Now my main concern going in with this figures was Ben’s hoodie. It’s a separate piece, and I felt initially that it would limit articulation like Last Stand Spider-Man’s jacket. Previous Scarlet Spider figures had the hoodie sculpted on a with an ab crunch segmenting it. So this definitely looks better aesthetically.
And, I’m pleased to announce that Ben can still strike as many poses as your heart desires. The major factor in this is that he’s built on the Renew Your Vows Spider-Man buck, so he’s got that waist bend that lets him get into any Spidey pose he needs to. And I’m also pleased to announce that he’s got a full set of hands, fists, wall-crawlers and Thwip hands! Unfortunately, it’s a crapshoot lately on whether or not Hasbro will equip a full set of Spider-Man hands, so I’m glad they decided to do so for what is probably going to be become the quintessential Ben Reilly figure.
Hallow’s Eve
Of course Ben is going to need his partner in crime! Even though this version of Janine Godbe pairs better with the previously released Chasm figure! She looks great, honestly, right off the page. She’s one of those characters that has such a unique design that even those who may not know much about her (she’s a relatively new character) may want to pick her up!
She’s got some pretty vibrant colors and two of her power-granting Halloween masks with her. She’s popped up in quite a few issues of Amazing Spider-Man and even had her own book for a bit, so she’s definitely making her mark in the Marvel Universe. It’s kind of cool they’ve already got a figure for her!
Spider-Shot
This morally bankrupt version of Peter Parker is pretty great in figure form. The most unique accessory he’s got is his finger guns that actually allow you to slot in a gunshot effect. It doesn’t exactly go straight (maybe I put it in wrong?) but it’s still cool nonetheless. He doesn’t have open hands, but he’s got Thwips and fists, so that’s fine. Articulation is great, he’s got some sculpted pouches, and the deco is on point. He’s not the most recognizable version of Spider-Man, but if you know his story he’s a pretty cool figure to have.
Tombstone
Lastly is Tombstone. And he is 100 times better than the Vulture wave attempt from 2017. (Seen taking on Miles Morales in Spider-Man: Return to the Spider-Verse Episode 9: Leap of Faith!) He’s TALL! Not too much, but as much as Tombstone realistically should be. He’s got an alternate set of hands and an extra head (the first one had neither). And on top of all that, he’s got a crowbar!
The other major difference is that this one’s in a suit. Now yes, this did hamper him articulation-wise, but Tombstone is at his best when he’s standing tall like a stone slab (get it?). Now I’m not sure why they went with a whole neck piece instead of just an interchangeable head, but it didn’t cause any problems so I’m not complaining. All in all, this is definitely a superior version of Lonnie Lincoln!
And there you have it! Six brand new retro-carded Spider-Man figures! I love all of these guys, and definitely want to use them in some future videos! If you have a chance to get your hands on these figs, I highly reccomend them. I hope I’ve helped inform your decision if you were on the fence. As mentioned, I got mine from Hasbro Pulse. They’re the most reliable when it comes to Legends, so always preorder from there! Face Front True Believers, and I’ll see you in the Multiverse!
