Spider-Man: India #1 (of 5)

Comic Watch

Spider-Man India #1 builds on the premise set up way back in Dan Slott and Olivier Coipel’s original Spider-Verse, where Pavitr somehow becomes self-aware that his story is not unique, and that he may just be a derivative of Peter Parker. While the readers know just how true that is, Pavitr is put in a position where he must define what makes him wholly unique. In this case, the issue pivots to a point where Pavitr sincerely starts to question why he has to be Spider-Man. More so than Peter’s inner turmoil, Pavitr starts to question the last words of his uncle. This creates a fun dynamic that finally pushes Pavitr out of Peter’s shadow, giving him an identity and a crisis that sets this story in motion. Abhishek Malsuni pencils this issue in a classic style, giving this book a 90’s feel; Scott Hanna’s inks ties that together, making the art very reminiscent of Mark Bagley. This familiar style helps bridge the gap between what most people would attribute to Spider-Man and the flair that comes with a story taking place in Mumbai, India. This art shines the most when the issue introduces this universe’s version of The Lizard, a more dinosaur-like take on the classic Spider-Man villain. The nearly-full page splash highlights the immense size and veracity of this villain, immediately showing his disastrous nature. Neeraj Menon’s colors are the strongest in the depiction of Spider-Man. Whereas Peter usually has a strong red color in his costume, Menon portrays Pavitr’s costume in a much more subdued manner. The red is much duller in comparison yet it highlights the life of Mumbai. When shown in panels with Peter’s costume, it looks a bit odd, but within Mumbai, Pavitr’s Spider-Man feels right at home.

ComicsOnline

This story is a really solid reintroduction to Pavitr Prabhakar. It is a story that wonderfully balances what I would imagine a Spider-Person’s real life struggles would be, while also maintaining the humorous, sometimes snarky tone that Spidey fans have come to love over the years. The dialogue can be a bit scattered and hard to follow in some sections, but it isn’t enough to negatively impact the enjoyment of the read. As far as artwork is concerned, I really enjoyed it. The palette was vibrant without being obnoxious. If I could add anything to it, I would simply want to see more of Mumbai since the glimpses that we were given were absolutely stunning. “I don’t know why I do this. I can’t save them all.”… These two statements seem like they are going to be the central theme for this run. This Pavitr is struggling with his “why”, and I think this run will see him finding it. While there isn’t much physical conflict in this issue, quite frankly it doesn’t need it because it does a wonderful job of setting up the mental and emotional conflict that this series is going to tackle. Whether you read the original run almost 20 years ago or just found out about this iteration from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, I think that there is something for every Spidey fan in this book.

AIPT

Fans unfamiliar with this version of Spider-Man are in for a treat. The creative team is firing on all cylinders capturing his uniqueness, leading us into his world with a good introduction, and setting up a new villain that’s a fun twist on a classic—a well-written issue from cover to cover. Don’t pass up on this fun twist on Spider-Man that totally deserves an ongoing series.

Major Spoilers

Spider-Man India #1 has undeniably captured my interest. As someone unfamiliar with the character until recently, I am fully invested in discovering how this iteration of Spider-Man will introduce fresh elements to the narrative. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the development of this story.

First Comics News

Fresh off his big-screen debut in “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse”, Pavitr Prabhakar returns in his own series since 2004, but while that latter brought its own charm and energy, this new series just feel flat since Pavitr relies so heavily on the elements that make Peter Parker on interesting, the creative team doesn’t find a way to make Pavitr likable which is a shame. I’ll admit there are some cool factors from Pavitr’s universe such as a three-headed, three-armed Mysterio (I swear I’m not making that up) as well as an alternate (yet overdramatic) origin of the Lizard, those two factors are;t enough to make this an enjoyable experience. There’s still time for the team of writer Nikesh Shukla and artist Abhishek Malsuni to get things back on the exciting track but for now, I would just continue to be in awe of Pavitr’s breakout performance in “Across The Spider-Verse” and wait for next issue to see if things get any better. Hey, it can’t get any worse.

Multiversity Comics

On its face, “Spider-Man: India” #1 seems to be the common story of Spider-Man, with very similar supporting casts and villains. There is an MJ, an aunt as a parental figure, certain villains, and more. However, despite showing a world that is in some ways similar (albeit with the goings on of New York being transplanted to Mumbai), Nikesh Shukla’s writing lets this story be charming nonetheless. Those villains are still disturbing, the actions feel very real, and there is just enough of a difference to make existing Spider-Man fans eager to see where this version of the web-slinger goes next. Abhishek Malsuni’s artwork, coupled with Scott Hanna’s inks, is very animated, especially when it comes to action scenes. The menace that comes from even random animals is palpable, and readers can feel the terror (or at least discomfort) of the hero in his more worrisome situations.

Impulse Gamer

This Spider-Man is meant to be different in that his powers are based on magic and not a radioactive spider so it will lead to more magical effects and weirdness. The lizard seems to be the result of scientific research gone wrong just like the original though. This story also has Peter Parker and Myles Morales in it helping out due to it being part of the Spider-Verse so if you enjoy those characters it would be worth checking out. If you are not sick of different versions of Spider-Man by now then I would recommend this one. They are putting multiple Spider-Man versions into the Edge of the Spider-Verse comics if you want something with more variety.

ComicBook.com

Now is just about the best time ever to bring back Spider-Man India following the juggernaut that is Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse. Unfortunately, the Pavitr Prabhakar here lives in a world that doesn't feel close to as alive and vibrant as his cinematic counterpart. I think when it comes to creating an alternate Spider-Man, there's a fine line to walk when it comes to maintaining the spirit of the original while forging their own path. Characters like Miles, Spider-Gwen, and Spider-Punk have found that balance, whereas Pavitr leans a bit too heavily into relying on the tropes that have become standard for Peter Parker. There are some neat elements here such as introducing an iteration of Mysterio from Prabhakar's universe, and highlighting the relationship between Peter, Pavitr, and Miles. Ultimately though, this series is unable to capitalize on what made the cinematic iteration of Spider-Man: India leap off the screen and be a fan-favorite in the sequel. The creative team, Shukla and Malsuni, have time to turn the ship when it comes to this new wall crawling adventure but the series needs a shot in the arm to capitalize on the Spider-Verse. (I sure hope the Spider-Man India costume from Spider-Verse makes the leap to the comics as well.)

But Why Tho?

Spider-Man: India #1 is an overly familiar and fairly disappointing start to a new adventure for a character who had so much personality and visual distinction on-screen only so recently.