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2 September 2022

Marvel teases origin story for the first gay Spider-Man, Web-Weaver

Web-Weaver was first announced in July.

By Alastair James

Words: Alastair James; pictures: Marvel Comics

Marvel has unveiled some initial details about the backstory of the first-ever gay Spider-Man.

Web-Weaver will be introduced in the fifth and final issue of the Edge of Spider-Verse, a series exploring different versions of the iconic hero. The character was first officially announced in July.

In a description of the character, Marvel says: “Web-Weaver, a not-so-mild mannered fashion designer at Van Dyne gets spider-powers and shows us a very different kind of Spider-Slayer in a story by Steve Foxe and Kei Zama.

In an obvious attempt to appeal to a gay audience Marvel continue: “See him strut the runway in front of his fellow Spiders in a variant cover by Kris Anka, the amazing artist behind Web-Weaver’s fabulous design!”

Preview images circulated online show this version of the superhero, a classmate of Peter Parker (the OG Spider-Man) developing his powers, being kicked out of his home, and possibly being taken in by his Aunt May and another woman. 

Writer Steve Foxe excitedly broke the news in June before the official announcement. According to Comic Book Resources, he tweeted: “SURPRISE: I had the huge gay honor of helping to co-create WEB-WEAVER, who’ll make his debut in EDGE OF THE SPIDER-VERSE #5 this September!”

As usual, the news of a gay version of a popular superhero has drawn some criticism online.

In response, one person wrote: “there’s now literally a dinosaur Spider-Man and I ain’t see anyone say it’s ridiculous while a gay Spider-Man that’s not even meant to be Peter Parker is somehow hard to grasp”

One person, who took issue with the new Spider-Man’s costume added: “anyone upset over a gay Spider-Man is in no way, shape, or form a real Spider-Man fan. that is not an opinion. shut up.”

Last year a version of Robin, Batman’s sidekick came out as bisexual as well as Superman’s son. In fact, the backlash over the latter example was so strong that the police had to get involved to protect the comics’ artists.

Edge of the Spider-Verse #5 will be available on 5 October.

The Attitude September/October issue is out now.

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