I had to double take on that panel. I thought the idea was interesting but what kind of POV is that? That's not even where Felicia's eyes would be! It's like a camera mounted in the center of her sternum. I think if they had done it from Peter's perspective it would have been better. Sure it would make him seem like a perv but that was the point in sending Felicia in the first place. He's an 18 year old boy. Of course that would work on him.
Midnight Spider-Man #1
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/1.webp "Midnight Spider-Man #1")
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Series
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| Writer | Phillip Kennedy Johnson |
| Artist | ScieTronc |
| Cover Price | $5.99 |
A young man is transformed into a hideous spider hybrid by the ruthless Oscorp Corporation in their pursuit for eternal life. When Oscorp begins to use the secrets unlocked by his mutation to create more human-animal hybrids, he must embrace his grotesque new form to fight back.
CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Nerd Initiative - TravisComicHaven
Oct 07, 2026This is but also isn’t your typical Spider-Man story. It carries some of the basic mainstream feel of a Spider-Man story and background. But with some twists along the way that get readers hooked after the introduction. The writing is intriguing, and the art is beyond eye-catching. Fans of Spider-Man will want to read this issue! If you’re just getting into Spider-Man, you will want to pick up this issue! There are so many Peter Parker details within this issue that new fans will gain an understanding of Spider-Man. Great debut issue for this brand new series! Get your copy today! Read Full Review
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9.7
The Comic Book Spot - Adam Koppel
Oct 07, 2026Midnight Spider-Man #1 sticks the landing as it reinvents the classic Marvel hero for the modern age, birthing him into a much darker and scarier world while keeping the core elements of what makes Peter Parker and Spider-Man tick. The engaging script and inventive art endlessly impress, but this is not a series for everyone. Read Full Review
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9.6
You Don't Read Comics - Russ Bickerstaff
Oct 07, 2026There are a lot of elements of the Peter Parker story that seem difficult to extricate from the character. A lot of of those elements are completely thrown out in this particular iteration of the character. What feels like it might be Spider-Man in the name only. The surface actually Terence out to be a very clever contrast to the classic we change that so define the character. It’s an interesting opening for a new series which could explore the same themes and not completely new ground. Given the right momentum, this could turn into a really interesting series. Read Full Review
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9.5
AIPT - Collier Jennings
Oct 07, 2026Midnight Spider-Man #1 puts a horrifying spin on Peter Parker's origins, complete with compelling yet gruesome art and a deconstruction of his iconic principles about great power and great responsibility. Read Full Review
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9.5
Comic Watch - Jamison Nilsson
Oct 07, 2026Midnight Spider-Man #1 is an excellent start to a new ongoing series, one that sets up its world and characters in a way that could last for years to come. Read Full Review
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9.0
Capes & Tights - Justin Soderberg
Oct 07, 2026Midnight Spider-Man is an unsettling start to the darker side of the Marvel Universe in all the right ways. Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson and artist ScieTronc deliver on a fantastically gruesome and grotesque, tension-filled story that gives us a new look at Peter Parker and the origins of Spider-Man in a new and horrifying Marvel Universe. Read Full Review
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9.0
IGN - Jesse Schedeen
Oct 07, 2026This is a terrific start for the new series. Midnight Spider-Man is very much the proverbial "if you can only afford one Midnight Universe comic..." Read Full Review
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8.5
Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez
Oct 11, 2026Midnight Spider-Man #1 does a very good job at showcasing the potential that creators have with this new Marvel Midnight Universe. Read Full Review
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8.3
Graphic Policy - Brett
Oct 07, 2026Midnight Spider-Man #1 is a solid start to the series that leans into aspects familiar but not often explored. Read Full Review
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8.0
ComicBook.com - Marcus Helminiak
Oct 07, 2026Overall, this is a great first step into the Midnight Universe. This is a great new take on Spider-Man that capitalizes on all the strength of its horror setting. The story is hooking, and the ending has me on the edge of my seat. I’m especially excited to learn more about Aunt May, who seems to have left Uncle Ben in this universe. We can’t know for sure if this will live up to DC’s Absolute Universe, but at the very least, this is an amazing start. Read Full Review
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8.0
COMICON - Tom Smithyman
Oct 07, 2026This is an entire plus-size issue that manages to deprive readers of a glimpse of the Midnight version of everyone’s favorite wallcrawler. Instead of giving us a flashback to show off the new take on the character, the creators present yet another origin story — and only the beginning at that. What we do know is that it has horror and gore. Just no Spidey! Read Full Review
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8.0
Comic Crusaders - Al Mega
Oct 13, 2026Still, Johnson is playing with an interesting twist on Spider-Man’s oldest themes. Peter Parker has always been a character defined by responsibility, scientific curiosity, and the consequences of power falling into the wrong hands. Here, those ideas become considerably uglier. Science isn’t merely the source of superhero abilities. It’s an industry capable of turning living beings into commodities, experiments, and disposable mistakes. The familiar tension between personal responsibility and institutional corruption gives the horror some actual substance beyond watching another monster burst through somebody’s chest. Read Full Review
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7.0
Fanlight Zone - Ken M.
Oct 07, 2026A nightmare vision of Spider-Man’s world storms into shops attempting a bold statement. While showing signs of promise, it falters in execution as a whole. Kennedy Johnson’s writing orchestrates a balance of real and fictional horror. ScieTronc & Menon present the disturbing looks while trying big swings in other areas. Welcome to your new nightmare Peter Parker! Read Full Review
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7.0
Super Hero Hype - Matt Morrison
Oct 09, 2026All in all, Midnight Spider-Man does just enough to merit further reading. Some elements seem recycled from elsewhere in the Spider-Verse, but the execution largely disguises this. So does the unique look, making this book one to pick up. Read Full Review
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7.0
Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills
Oct 10, 2026A little too much set-up and not enough of what this comic will actually deliver for a first issue of a major launch. But it is good, solid set-up. Read Full Review
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6.5
Comical Opinions - Gabriel Hernandez
Oct 07, 2026Midnight Spider-Man #1 presents the tried-and-true Spider-Man origin story with a few tweaks and more gore. Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s story takes the scenic route to allow for heaps of world-building, and the art team’s visual presentation is fine, albeit flat. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Plot
This reimagining of Spider-Man’s origin takes us to a world where global powers are controlled by massive corporations. In the U.S., Oscorp conducts experiments to delay aging through genetic modification; they test on humans with no regard for the consequences—acting less like scientists and more like butchers with credentials.
Peter Parker lost his parents in a mysterious accident at Oscorp and maintains a secret digital alter ego known as "SAGAN RITUAL," through which he anonymously exposes the corporation's covert crimes.
Peter lives solely with his Uncle Ben, who struggles to make ends meet, relying on the meager income Peter earns as a student and assistant to Dr. Connors.
Peter’s father once shared more+ Like • Comment -
9.5
This was awesome! Why can't we get good stories from 616 again? There are still creative writers at Marvel. Great twist on the familiar, enjoyed the art, looking forward to see where this goes!
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9.5
This is exactly what I was expecting. Just something new, a spider-man story that feels new, that looks new, that is now classified as horror,... So really glad this is not a flop.
To answer the question everyone has: No it's not as good as Absolute Batman.
But it is def really good. -
9.5
Part of the reason why I loved Ultimate X-Men by Momoko so much was because of the blend of cute art with eerie atmosphere. This book takes it further and I love it.
The premise is interesting enough but the art is what sold me on this book.
My only complain is that "POV" in the office with Felicia. I get what they were trying to do but it was just weird to say the least.+ Like • Comments (1)• Likes (1) -
9.5
I wasn't sure how I would like it because art like this is usually a turn off for me. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I actually liked the art. The book does what any good alternate universe story should do, feels different enough to make it worth reading while also retaining just enough of the core elements to make fans happy. Will definitely be continuing.
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9.0
I was very hesitant with this. After disappointments of ASM #1000 and USM as a whole, I didn't really have any interest in this. I was afraid this would be just an edgy retelling of AF #15.
Thankfully, I was very wrong. This is really good and I'm hooked. It feels modern and unique. This is something very different, but also familiar and it doesn't lose the humanity of Peter Parker and his world. We get that and I really like that.
Art just works for me. It just feels fitting. PKJ has said he has ideas for this until #50 and if we get stuff like this monthly, sign me up. I'm locked in. -
9.0
The artwork is not my favorite but the story is excellent.
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9.0
To start, going against most of the grain, I liked the art. I was expecting something grittier but this still fits the book. While definitely manga-esque and I know most comic book fans think comic art is vastly superior to manga for some reason, it managed to be both cartoony and colorful and disgusting and visceral. The plot is very engaging especially considering the current climate. Peter has an online persona utilizing some takedown journalism against corrupt mega-corporations, big pharma, individuals like Oscorp and we quickly learn that Oscorp is even worse than Peter knows. I'm definitely excited for more.
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8.5
Very happy with how this one turned out. I feel that this was the most anticipated title of the three Midnight books, and I feel it delivered. The most grotesque of the three, which is established pretty soon into things. ScieTronc's interiors are a bit jarring when looking at Steve Beach's main cover, but I thought they turned out really good. The writing is what I, particularly, enjoyed, though. Really enjoyed the twist Johnson put on things, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
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8.0
Uncle ben never catch a break
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8.0
Mixed on it. Sure it was interesting and parts I definitely liked. Might grab the second issue.
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8.0
Wasn't that impressed with this first issue. It felt like the same Spiderman story we've seen a million times, except now there's a real live spider on Peters chest? The story is the one we know and love, but with a few changes here and there. I know this is Marvel's answer to DC's Absolute universe, but it's starting out flat if you ask me. Doesn't feel different enough! I don't think Scie Tronc was a good match for this story, he's a good artist, just not for a horror book, but that's just me. We'll see.
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8.0
a rather gruesome book.
Peter looking like a 12 year old in the art is distracting since he's supposed to be turning 18 and I hope we're not getting rid of uncle Ben already after 1 issue, why waste him like that.
Felicia looks great though, wonder what her transformation will look like when we get to it eventually, will she be a beast or will we stick with the anime theme here and just give her cat ears and a tail -
7.5
Good try,but it's no Absolute Batman.Ee will see what happens.
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7.5
its time for Marvel to take their shot at the darker universe that DC is dong with Absolute. perhaps the most important character to make work... Spiderman. and the book is a slow build. Not much happens in the issue. The art is ...odd. IDK why we have Manga but perhaps to have some juxtaposition when the book goes full horror with dead animals and Ben. I really like PKJ and his writing style. I hope this one pays off as its the weaker of the 3 titles released. But its still good and im into it.
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7.5
I didn't like it as much as the other two but decent nonetheless.
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7.0
Without a doubt this is Marvels answer to Absolute Batman. It seems influenced by Scott Pilgrim too.
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4.5
Maybe I’m somewhat influenced by all the negativity surrounding Midnight Spider-Man, but honestly, I didn’t like it at all.
+ Like • Comments (1)• Likes (2) -
2.0
It was a bold move for Marvel to put a Manga artist on this book, one that is drawing in a very sketchy, loose style to boot. Unfortunately, the result doesn’t work at all. Whenever there’s a hint of horror, the cutesy anime eyes take me out of it. The pale coloring, another bold but bad decision, makes the line art, if one could call it that, look even more unfinished. Marvel probably aimed for a unique, atmospheric look here, but it just flooks flat and lazy.
I also wasn’t blown away by what little story there is. As a matter of fact, I felt nothing while reading it, probably because of the art.
All in all, Midnight Spider-Man #1 is a huge disappointment. It’s a shame, because the concept is great and probably could have more+ Like • Comments (9)• Likes (2) -
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2025 In Review:
