Marvel Comics’ Spider-Boy series is based around an unlikely idea. Bailey Briggs, an ordinary boy, was given spider powers and became the secret kid sidekick of Spider-Man. However, the world forgot about Bailey due to Spiderverse shenanigans. Spider-Boy #11 continues in this vein, introducing a new villain with a grudge against Bailey and a connection to a Daredevil villain.
Written by Dan Slott, with art by Paco Medina, Spider-Boy #11 opens on a triumphant note. Bailey finally restored his connection to the Web of Life, and everyone now remembers that he exists. This includes Bailey’s mother, who forgot about her son along with the rest of the world.
Triumph becomes tragedy, however, as Bailey’s mother is furious that he was skipping school to play superhero for several months. As a result, she forbids him to continue his costumed crime-fighting, thinking it too dangerous. She changes her mind by issue’s end, however, after Bailey saves a bus full of his classmates.
Unfortunately, there is another dark side to the world remembering the existence of Spider-Boy. The issue ends with a teenage girl in ninja robes throwing shuriken into pictures of Spider-Boy. She did not remember him before that day but is now determined to kill him due to some past conflict. Cheering her on in this is a mysterious mentor.
New Spider-Boy villain is a disciple of Bullseye
The final page of the issue reveals the teen assassin’s unseen sensei as the Daredevil villain Bullseye. This is shocking, to say the least, as Bullseye is one of the most anti-social villains in Marvel Comics. The idea of him mentoring a young killer is out of character, given his obsession with proving he is the best assassin in the world and his history of killing competitors.
However, the idea of Bullseye having a teen sidekick is no more unbelievable than Peter Parker adopting a pre-teen partner. It is possible that Bullseye’s competitive streak has pushed him to try and prove himself as a teacher. Whatever the explanation, the next issue will feature a team-up between Spider-Boy and the Man Without Fear, Daredevil.
Spider-Boy #11 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
