The sheer volume of Spider-Man variants featured in Across the Spider-Verse is astounding. I didn’t spend much time keeping a count of exactly how many, but Comic Book Resources claims there are well over a hundred. At some point, I am certain an obsessed viewer will take the time to tally all the variants. For now, we’ll go with CBR’s rough estimate.
In true Spider-Verse fashion, the new faces took center stage in an amazing film. The fast-paced story, the plot’s emotional depth, and the beautiful animation spotlight an entire world of Spider-Folks. The film even managed to squeeze in a heartfelt origin story for Gwen Stacy, and I suspect we’ll get more origins in the follow-up movie. If it lives up to Across the Spider-Verse, we should all buy our tickets early.
With so many new characters, there is no way to chronicle each one in a reasonable fashion. Here we have four standouts that will tempt collectors with their first appearances.
SPIDER-MAN INDIA #1
Next to Spider-Punk, the most featured new variant happened to be Pavitr Prabhakar, otherwise known as Spider-Man India. Watching over Mumbai, he is thoroughly entertaining and had some of the funniest lines in the film.
With his expanded role helping Gwen and Hobie rescue Miles, we should see plenty more of Pavitr in the third movie. That will help keep this issue hot while buyers are still soaring from Across the Spider-Verse.
SPIDER-ISLAND: I LOVE NEW YORK CITY #1
Speaking of fan-favorite oddball variants, Spider-Cat was an absolute scene-stealer. Without saying a word, he pounced his way into our hearts. While I can’t see there being much more to the character besides him mauling faces and coughing up webbing, Spider-Cat will win over plenty of fans in short order.
That will keep his first appearance in Spider-Island: I Love New York City #1 on the hot seat for a time.
MARVEL SUPER-HEROES SECRET WARS #7
We only caught a glimpse of Julia Carpenter in her black-and-white Spider-Woman costume, but I predict we will see more of her going forward. Amy Pascal confirmed that a Spider-Woman movie is in the works, so we could see Julia in full costume in that flick.
Since we have no idea what will happen in the next Spider-Verse movie, she may have a larger role in store. One way or another, she is bound for more screen time, be it animated or live-action. That makes this an excellent long-term investment.
WHAT IF…? #105
Mayday Parker had the cuteness factor by far, but she could have more screen time in the future Spider-Verse movies? Yes, I said movies, plural. Let’s face it, this franchise makes too much money for it to end with part three.
Once the spinoffs start, we could see a teenage Mayday who takes up the Spider-Girl moniker as she did in What If…? #105. That will make this a great issue to buy in case that happens.
AND MORE TO COME
Two blogs just aren’t enough to cover all the variants from Across the Spider-Verse. Check back for another round of speculation and first appearances.
