The Marvel multiverse has expanded dramatically, particularly within both animation and the Marvel Comics universe. Peter Parker was once the singular Spider-Man, but the surge in multiverse storytelling paved the way for the Spider-Verse, introducing a myriad of remarkable variants that quickly captured the hearts of fans.
In the Edge of Spider-Verse comic tie-ins, readers encountered an array of imaginative Spider-Man and Spider-Woman variants that many would welcome as ongoing characters in Marvel’s comic lineup, as opposed to the limited duration typical of miniseries, which generally span five issues. Furthermore, characters who made an impact in the Across the Spider-Verse animated film also merit their own comic continuations, allowing fans to explore their adventures beyond the overarching Spider-Verse narrative that primarily spotlights Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy.
A live-action Spider-Man Noir television series is currently in development, with fans having already captured images of sets and filming sequences, targeting a release in 2026. Originally introduced in his own comic miniseries, Spider-Man Noir’s popularity surged, particularly after he was voiced by Nicolas Cage in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Esteemed as one of the most compelling alternate versions of Spider-Man, a dedicated ongoing comic series featuring Spider-Man Noir would be a welcome addition to the Marvel portfolio.
Set in the alternate MC2 universe, the iconic duo of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson bore two children—Mayday and Benjy Parker—after Peter hung up his web-slinger persona. Mayday inherited her father’s spider-powers, becoming that universe’s Spider-Girl, even joining their version of the Avengers, A-Next. Having previously starred in her own comic series that ran for 100 issues two decades ago, Mayday deserves renewed prominence within Marvel’s monthly comic offerings.
For those familiar with the Marvel Rivals game, Peni Parker is a recognizable figure, even to those who may not have seen her anime-esque portrayal in Into the Spider-Verse, campaigning alongside Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy in her Sp//dr robot. Peni Parker captivated audiences as a fan-favorite, and the demand for her ongoing series is palpable, especially with her anticipated return in Beyond the Spider-Verse.
Comic book enthusiasts also have a penchant for time-displaced characters, and Web-Slinger— a cowboy variant of Spider-Man—switches up the traditional narrative. Clad in a red bandana, he rides a Spider-Horse and wields a six-shooter that transforms into a web-shooter. His intriguing brief appearance in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse endeared him to fans, prompting interest in a full-fledged ongoing series, reminiscent of the success found in DC’s Jonah Hex comics.
Among the variants introduced in the Edge of Spider-Verse tie-in comics, Spinstress emerged as a Disney Princess counterpart, bestowed with magical powers by a spider to protect her realm. This unique Edge of Spider-Verse comic ushered readers into a whimsical world influenced by Disney animation, featuring entertaining reimaginations of Green Goblin and Doctor Octopus. An ongoing comic could expand upon this light-hearted motif, incorporating even more Disney-inspired versions of Spider-Man characters.
Introduced in the Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows miniseries, Spiderling represents Anna-May Parker, the daughter of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson. Within this Battleworld crafted by Doctor Doom during the 2015 Secret Wars event, Anna-May acquired spider-powers similar to her father, adopting the mantle of Spiderling. Defying Peter’s hopes that she would remain uninvolved, Spiderling launched the next generation of the Spider-Family. Following the popularity of Renew Your Vows and its sequels, she is crying out for her own ongoing comic series, much like her predecessor Mayday Parker enjoyed in the 1990s.
Takuya Yamashiro, known as the Spider-Man of Japan, starred in a live-action television series in 1978 that ran for over 40 episodes. Modern Marvel fans were reintroduced to this character through the original Spider-Verse event, where Takuya teamed up with an assortment of Spider-Man variants while piloting his iconic “Megazord” robot, Leopardon. The narrative potential for Spider-Man characters from diverse cultural backgrounds is vast, and an ongoing series featuring Takuya Yamashiro battling aliens in a colossal robot would undoubtedly entice readers.
Black Cat is a beloved figure among Spider-Man’s rogues, with many fans asserting that she pairs more seamlessly with Spider-Man than Mary Jane Watson. Following several installments within the Edge of Spider-Verse series, Marvel has unveiled a hybrid character known as Night-Spider—a version of Black Cat endowed with spider-powers. As she grapples with her newfound abilities, Night-Spider could create thrilling stories, and her unique design—a blend of both characters’ costumes—is sure to resonate with fans.
With Insomniac Games at work on the upcoming Wolverine title, fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of the Insomniac’s Spider-Man franchise. Though they have seen Insomniac’s Spider-Man pop up in Across the Spider-Verse and the Spider-Geddon multiverse series, a dedicated ongoing comic could delve into Peter Parker’s adventures during the eight years leading up to the first game or explore the narrative gaps bridging the two games.
Lastly, Spider-Ham made his debut in the now-classic Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider-Ham comic series in 1985, introducing other animated animal counterparts from the Marvel universe, including Ducktor Doom and the Fantastic Fur. Following a recent five-issue miniseries by Zeb Wells, fueled by the character’s resurgence in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, there is a ripe opportunity for Marvel to explore this quirky, fourth-wall-breaking universe in an ongoing series that humorously critiques Marvel’s editorial decisions and mythos, akin to the style of Deadpool comics.
As the Spider-Verse continues to evolve and captivate audiences, it’s clear that several characters are deserving of their own ongoing comic series, allowing for deeper storytelling and expanded character development.
Based on reporting by CBR.com. Read the full story at CBR.com.