Posted - June 20, 2014 | Updated : August 27, 2015

Superior Spider-Man 1

Otto Octavius, the infamous Doctor Octopus, has taken over the the body and powers of Peter Parker/Spider-Man. But it comes with a twist:

At the start of Superior Spider-Man Otto gets to do what no one else can.

Offer flowers at his own tombstone. He's a sentimental old goat, In his place I would never bother with my tombstone at all. Ok, maybe I'll take a peek just once.

Wisely, writer Dan Slott serves up the action very early on, courtesy of these guys:

Part of the new Sinister Six. Here's the roll call: (2) Boomerang - leader, (2) Speed Demon, (3) Shocker, (4) Beetle, (5) Living Brain, and (6) Overdrive.

Before long, Otto swings into action as Spider-Man. Scientist that he is, he does a quick analysis of his foes.

Did I say "scientist that he is, he does a quick analysis of his foes"? I meant: Egotist that he is, he insults all six members of a group he once belonged to.

Sinister Six quickly becomes Sinister Five as the Living Brain is accidentally taken out by his teammates.

Beautiful panel courtesy of the art team of Ryan Stegman and Edgar Delgado.

As the battle progresses, Speed Demon gets the better of Otto - hitting "superior" Spider-Man with high speed punches. The pragmatic Otto Octavius makes a hasty retreat.

I just love the "How does Parker put up with this" comment.

Now comes something weird.

Since when did Spider-Man have claws?

After the battle, Otto/Peter is back at Horizon Labs. Just take a look at Otto's Peter Parker.

It's not just the "dolt" statement, its the way he holds himself. Peter doesn't stand up quite so straight.

Well it was bound to happen. Otto now has a clear shot at MJ.

Don't be so judgmental, we would grin too in his place. I mean, look at MJ.

Whoever thought up covering MJ's dialogue with narrative blocks to convey that Otto isn't listeing to MJ is a genius.

Here's another wonderful panel giving us a closer look at the Beetle.

This is a small panel showing Speed Demon about to confront Spider-Man.

Its a very small panel, but how the speed was rendered, in particular, got my attention.

We get a second battle between Otto/Spider-Man and the Sinister Six. Before the battle, Otto has put a trace/spy on Boomerang by releasing nanites into Boomerang's system through the act of wounding Boomerang with a scratch during their first fight. Could Peter even do something like that?. So now, Otto can hear the Secret Six planning their next gambit - intent, location, time, Doc Ock has got it all. And with that knowledge he sets up the location for a win, anticipating every move of the Secret Six with countermeasures. And. And. He calls the press to see Spider-Man's big victory. I hate to say it, but this IS the Superior Spider-Man. Otto Octavius is masterful in situations where Peter would most likely end up a pawn.

He is superior. Until he isn't. Until he makes a fateful, terrible mistake. Doc Ock isn't satisfied with merely defeating the Secret Six and foiling there plans. He tries to kill Boomerang. Whether its because he's out of control or is merely inherently cruel, he crosses a line and what was superior is now inferior. It's like watching the perfect cake go out of the oven and then melt into crap before your eyes.

Before the deed could be done something amazing happens. Not 'Superior'. 'Amazing'.

Peter is still here. It's not a complete takeover.

I think the best thing I can say about the first issue of Superior Spider-Man is: I want more.