Spider-Boy was first introduced in 1996 as part of the Amalgam Universe, a collaborative foray between Marvel and DC in which the publishers merged their heroes.
Both Marvel and DC have had a storied rivalry since the mid 20th-century. However, the two titans of the American comic book industry have crossed paths a couple of times in the past, beginning with crossover event Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man back in 1976. The crossovers would continue periodically throughout the next 25 years, with the most recent being Kurt Busiek’s JLA/Avengers(2003–2004).
Speaking of crossovers, Marvel will reprint Spider-Boy #1 in what they call a ‘Facsimile Edition,’ which is completely in verbatim with the original printing, retaining everything including the original ads! The original comic was published in 1996, written by Karl Kesel with artist Mike Wieringo. It was a mashup between both Spider-Man and Superboy. The result? You guessed it, Spider-Boy, aka Pete Ross.
Totally bizarre and whacky, the story follows Pete Ross as he navigates a blind date set up by Otto Octavius, while he also battles villains Bizarnage and King Lizard. Yes, it’s absolutely as off-the-wall as it sounds. The comic received high praise from readers.
The Amalgam Universe didn’t endure past the 1990s. Doing a reprint is a fun way to keep these characters alive into the future, rather than the work being forgotten and buried the archives.
Spider-Boy #1 Facsimile Edition goes on sale October 1, 2025. Get your pre-orders in now!
Check out the cover:
As it happens, both Marvel and DC are joining forces once again for BATMAN/DEADPOOL, consisting of two one-shot comics. There’s also a number of other crossover events coming later this year, such as Chip Zdarsky and Terry Dodson writing a Captain America/Wonder Woman story; Kelly Thompson and Gurihiru penning a Jeff the Land Shark/Krypto; and lastly, Kevin Smith and Andy Kubert creating a Daredevil/Green Arrow crossover.
We’re all about these crossovers — keep ’em coming!
