The Superior Spider-Man Appreciation Thread 2018

[Darthkostis]

I searched, and I searched, and I searched, but alas, I could not find an Appreciation Thread for the SUPERIOR Spider-Man. Which, IMO, is a tragic mistake, and one that should be corrected right this instant! So, I took it upon myself to create a place where our Dear, Lord and Saviour Otto Gunther Octavius coud be praised for his SUPERIORITY!

Ahem, anyway, all kidding aside, I did find it weird that there's no appreciation thread about him, especially considering there are such threads for characters with like, 1 or 2 appearances (yes, I'm looking at you X Board!). Personally, I had outgrown Parker by the time Ock came around, so naturally I really enjoyed his tenure. There where problems in the run, sure, but between the tie-ins, team-up, crossovers and the like, Ock became one of my favourites. There's nothing "wrong" with Peter, but after so many years, I've noticed that either the stories have become stale, or that I just don't really "care" about him anymore. I pulled ANAD TASM, but still, I didn't really thoroughly enjoy it. I mean, I liked it but eh, at 10 euros per month I could get 2 other books that I'll enjoy more. Apart from that, I did genuinely find Ock and his struggles interesting. He was a c@nt for stealing a man's life, but that doesn't mean that I can't enjoy him as a character. I mean, look at Hannibal Lecter... It's just that if the main title had been handled with more care as to avoid all those OOCMs, I think the run would've been remembered more fondly. But still, Team-Up was great every single month, so that fixes everything!

Anyway, to start this off, here's a question: If Peter truly were never to return and Ock was here to stay, what team would you like to see him in? Now, for this to work we need to change Ock's personality a bit, so that he wouldn't scream "SUPERIOOOOR" every 2 seconds and could function as a team member. What I'm asking is, would he fit better in the Avengers? Ultimates? His own team compromised of [...]?

Share your thoughts and praise be upon the...

[Von]

I'll add my +1 to this easily:

The Superior run was the most refreshing and entertaining Spider-Man arc in decades, really one of the best ever
in my opinion. Ock was so arrogant and narcissistic it rose to high comedy, the plot turns were just crazy and
unexpected enough that it was always the book I was most excited to read for months.

The drama that erupted in the community about it was equally entertaining for me. Simply hilarious how passionate people
were about what basically everyone knew would be a temporary sidetrip anyway.

Even the people that were claimed they were convinced that "Peter is never coming back" deep down knew that
he was coming back lol. 'Marvel A-Listers Never Die - They Just Zombie Back to a New #1

[SuperiorIronman]

I'll say this about Superior, it definitely earned its name in the later half. It may be everything that went down outside and around the comic when it launched, but I do remember how Otto kept winning and he had to and thus it lacked stakes and served to only see how Otto could mutilate someone else. Later on though I'd say the costume change is where people should jump in if anything. Superior at that point is when it really shines and is objectively the story one needs to read in order to understand that arc.

It does have some of the best Spider-man writing as of recently. Superior is definitely worth checking out.

[Darthkostis]

I'll add my +1 to this easily:

The Superior run was the most refreshing and entertaining Spider-Man arc in decades, really one of the best ever
in my opinion. Ock was so arrogant and narcissistic it rose to high comedy, the plot turns were just crazy and
unexpected enough that it was always the book I was most excited to read for months.

The drama that erupted in the community about it was equally entertaining for me. Simply hilarious how passionate people
were about what basically everyone knew would be a temporary sidetrip anyway.

Even the people that were claimed they were convinced that "Peter is never coming back" deep down knew that
he was coming back lol. 'Marvel A-Listers Never Die - They Just Zombie Back to a New #1

Exactly! It was so zany that, for the most part, you genuinely didn't know the way it was gonna go. Sure, you knew that he'd lose in the end because, come on, but still, his interactions, the way he handled things, they were all a breath of fresh air. No more whinning and "moment of clarity coupled with inspirational quote" plots. Ock was a jerk, but he got things done. He had a plan, the story had a flow, the art was for the most part great, everything just clicked with me.

I'll say this about Superior, it definitely earned its name in the later half. It may be everything that went down outside and around the comic when it launched, but I do remember how Otto kept winning and he had to and thus it lacked stakes and served to only see how Otto could mutilate someone else. Later on though I'd say the costume change is where people should jump in if anything. Superior at that point is when it really shines and is objectively the story one needs to read in order to understand that arc.

It does have some of the best Spider-man writing as of recently. Superior is definitely worth checking out.

Personally, I think it'd be great if we could get an AU spin-off where Peter did die and all we had was Ock. The story would be allowed to evolve and not have a ticking clock. That's the only thing that hurt the book IMO. Ock could never do truly extraordinary and shocking things, because Peter had to come back and everyone had to inevitably accept them. Otto would realistically be smart enough to avoid being detected, but since the change-up had to be obvious, he went full-on cackling villain. Twas a wasted opportunity if you ask me. Still, I hope we get a new Vol sometime. Folks obviously liked the book as evident by the sales and the critical reception. It's the only book that I bought the peripherals of, truth be told.

[Mantis Girl 94]

To be honest with you I was one of the biggest Superior haters ever....

I never liked Doc Ock or his stupid powers, and I wouldn't have read any of the issues if I didn't already have a two year Subscription.

Looking back on Superior Spidey though I have to say it was one of the best Arcs ever! Loved the costume, loved the troubles in Otto's life, loved the advancements he made for Peter, and also loved his romance. Have to admit; I am missing the Superior run...Was glad Petey came back; but something about Superior was just awesome.

[Johnny Peril]

The thought of Spock existing at Peter's expense scares me so I'll imagine a scenario where he has a cloned body. He didn't work well with the Avengers or Mighty Avengers but that was because of poor characterization. I could see him on the Squadron Supreme and fitting in especially since they don't have a go-to scientist but I believe he would do better starting his own team, maybe like the group he was leading in Spider-verse(all Spiders). He'd also do well teaching young heroes like those from Avengers Academy/Avengers Undercover but not to be evil or good but how to survive.

[Celgress]

....The Superior run was the most refreshing and entertaining Spider-Man arc in decades, really one of the best ever in my opinion.....

I agree completely with your assessment. In fact the Superior Spider-Man storyline is what go me back into reading Spidey related comics again, after a long absence (since the travesty that was OMD and its follow-up BND).

[Aura Blaize]

I absolutely LOVED Superior. Though the thing I didn't like was the inconsistent characterization between books. Slott wrote him as a supervillian inhabiting Spidey's body (which was true for the most part) while Gage wrote him as a man trying to redeem himself in his own way.

Regardless, I absolutely hate how he seems to be going back to his old villianous ways. Otto got a LOT of characterization during that arc and I don't wanna see it go down the drain.

[Randumbz]

I liked that he really tried to take Spider-man to the next level instead of just doing the same stuff as Peter.

[CrimsonEchidna]

Regardless, I absolutely hate how he seems to be going back to his old villianous ways. Otto got a LOT of characterization during that arc and I don't wanna see it go down the drain.

To be fair, the Otto that did get the Heel Realization got unpersoned. Living-Brain Otto is from his pre-epiphany stage.

[Aura Blaize]

To be fair, the Otto that did get the Heel Realization got unpersoned. Living-Brain Otto is from his pre-epiphany stage.

True. Going by Spider-Verse it's SpOck from SSM 18ish. Hopefully he has another Heel Realization. We see what he's capable of and the hero he COULD be. But to go back to Supervillian is just a step back IMO