Marvel’s New Spider-Man Issue Shows Peter Parker Without Powers

Marvel has just dropped the latest installment in their digital-first Spider-Man series, and it’s taking the web-slinger in a surprisingly content direction. “Astonishing Spider-Man 25” launched today exclusively on the Marvel Unlimited app, introducing readers to what the creative team describes as an “ALL-NEW PETER PARKER” who may be better off without his superhuman abilities.

A Spider-man Without Powers?

The new issue, written by comedian and podcaster Scott Aukerman with art by Julian Shaw, continues the storyline that began in recent issues where Spider-Man mysteriously lost his powers. However, rather than depicting a hero desperate to reclaim his abilities, the comic presents a refreshing twist – Peter Parker is thriving in his normal life.

According to the official announcement shared on Aukerman’s Instagram, this powerless Peter is “the best – and happiest – version of himself!” The character is now described as “a great friend, a punctual date, and a new hire at a laboratory,” suggesting his personal and professional life has improved since losing his spider abilities.

The Big Question

The central tension of the story appears in the final line of Aukerman’s announcement: “But will Peter want his life to stay this way?” This sets up the core conflict of the issue – is a normal, happy life worth giving up the extraordinary abilities and responsibilities that defined Peter Parker for so long?

In Astonishing Spider-Man 24, released just days ago, Aukerman’s story featured Peter Parker back in high school through some unexplained twist, with art by Salvador Espin. Prior to that, issue 23 showed the immediate aftermath of Spider-Man losing his powers, with public figures demanding answers – including an appearance by J. Jonah Jameson and his fictional podcasting partner Jason Mantzoukas, alongside Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four.

Marvel Unlimited Exclusivity

It’s worth noting for Spider-Man fans that this series is available exclusively through Marvel Unlimited, the company’s digital subscription service. This continues Marvel’s strategy of creating platform-exclusive content to drive subscriptions to their digital service.

Whether this status quo for Peter Parker will last remains to be seen, but the creative exploration of a Spider-Man who might be better off without his powers presents an intriguing chapter in the character’s long history. After decades of stories where Peter struggles with the burden of his powers and responsibilities, seeing him potentially happier without them offers a thoughtful examination of what makes the character tick beyond his superhero identity.

Trivia

Scott Aukerman frequently employs improvisation in his work, emphasizing spontaneity and creativity in comedy.

Reporter

Pratibha

 

Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.

Read full bio of Pratibha