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Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Amazing Spider-Man #1! It’s no secret that Spider-Man is one of the most iconic comic book characters in history (Marvel Comics or otherwise), though there does seem to be a secret reason for that success that many fans might not have even considered. However, one Marvel artist does know that secret, and he shares exactly what it is ahead of Spider-Man’s upcoming new chapter, finally revealing why Spider-Man still works so well even after all these years.
The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 7 #1 by Joe Kelly, Pepe Larraz, and John Romita, Jr. will mark the beginning of a new era for Peter Parker, and right from the start, things don’t seem to be going great. Peter doesn’t have a job, he has to deal with a rampaging Rhino right in the middle of looking for employment, and there’s a mysterious villain plotting against him from the shadows.
ALIVE & THWIPPING! The next era of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN has arrived! Peter is, shockingly, without a job and looking for gainful employment, but his job search is interrupted by a RAMPAGING RHINO who is but the tip of a sinister iceberg. What major Spider-Villain is working behind the scenes weaponizing other Spider-Villains including one we haven’t seen in OVER SEVEN YEARS?! Also, what is that Goblin-free Norman Osborn up to anyway?
In an interview with Polygon ahead of the release of The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 7 #1, series co-artist Pepe Larraz talks about what he’s been focused on the most going into this new chapter of Spider-Man lore.
Pepe Larraz: I think Spider-Man comics work because we care about Peter and his world, so that was my main focus: To draw a Peter that you instantly recognize and empathize [with].
This heightened artistic focus on Peter Parker is key to crafting an iconic chapter in Spider-Man canon, and Pepe Larraz makes it clear that he absolutely understands that.
Why is Peter Parker Artwork So Important in a Spider-Man Story?
Pepe Larraz Wants to Bring to Life a Peter Parker Fans Immediately Empathize With
Initially, it may seem odd that the key to creating an iconic Spider-Man chapter is Peter Parker (both in the way he’s drawn and written). The series is called ‘Spider-Man’, after all, so it would stand to reason that Peter Parker’s superhero alter ego should be the artists’ main focus, not the man behind the mask. However, after considering what Pepe Larraz says for a moment, it becomes clear exactly why ‘Peter Parker artwork’ is so important to a Spider-Man story.
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Peter Parker has always been someone who practically anyone can relate to. He’s a down-on-his-luck guy who’s just trying to get by, all while he feels like the weight of the world is on his shoulders. Peter’s biggest problems aren’t just the villains he faces as Spider-Man, but also how he’s going to pay rent, get to work on time, and balance every aspect of his life. Therefore, having fans immediately empathize with Peter Parker is key to any Spider-Man story, and the way to do that before even a single line of dialogue is uttered is through the artwork.
Pepe Larraz Offers Exciting Insight Into How He Draws Spider-Man As Well
Pepe Larraz is Inspired by Animation While Drawing Spider-Man
Fans continue to love Spider-Man stories because of how much they relate to Peter Parker, but it cannot be argued that watching Spider-Man’s amazing feats of heroism is also a major draw for fans. Pepe Larraz understands that as well, and while he’s committed to drawing his version of Peter Parker in a way that fans will immediately empathize with, he’s also deriving inspiration from an interesting source for the movement and action of Spider-Man.
Pepe Larraz: I’ve focused on drawing the flow of Spidey’s movement and speed in a way closer to animation than comics.
Larraz reveals in the Polygon piece that he’s inspired by animation more than comics when it comes to how Spider-Man moves and fights, which is something fans should be incredibly excited to see in this new Amazing Spider-Man #1. However, while seeing Spider-Man do amazing things is a lot of fun, Peter Parker is why Spider-Man works so well even after all these years, and Marvel artist Pepe Larraz knows that secret.
The Amazing Spider-Man #1 by Marvel Comics is available April 9, 2025.
Source: Polygon
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is the name given to several individuals who have employed a spider-moniker throughout Marvel Comics. Typically gaining their powers through a bite from a radioactive spider, the different Spider-Man heroes employ super-strength, agility, and intellect while utilizing webbing to swing and tangle up their foes. The most notable of these Spider-Men is Peter Parker, who remains one of the most popular superheroes throughout the world.
“}]] Marvel artist knows the secret to a successful Spider-Man comic. Read More