Spider-Man 2099 is always a delight to read and revisit because it is a futuristic and edgy take on the classic Spider-Man persona. And in this new series and issue, we as readers are treated to another strong, powerful, feisty, and deep protagonist… Winter Soldier! This may not be Bucky, but Bucky is for sure referenced to constantly throughout the issue. This is a darker, more troubled Winter Soldier, who is a human EMP, trying to find the Celestial Garden for her inner peace. The issue serves as just a teaser or introduction to the larger war at hand, which is Spider-Man versus Norman Osborn… and everybody he has hired to get control of the Garden of Eden. He has sinister plans for the Garden, and the Cabal cannot be left to merely do with it as they wish.
OFFICIAL MARVEL COMICS DESCRIPTION:
Published:
May 25, 2022
Writer:
Steve Orlando
Penciler:
Dave Wachter
Cover Artist:
Ryan Stegman
INTRODUCING THE WINTER SOLDIER OF 2099! After a massive CELESTIAL body crashes into the Wastelands outside of Nueva York, a new Garden of Eden erupts from the crash site, offering unimaginable power. And it’s not just THE CABAL who is hungry to control the Garden. Everyone’s got something to gain from Paradise…including WINTER SOLDIER 13. Salvaged from the black market as a child, the Winter Soldier — raised on mad science — is bent on vengeance and rebirth. But what truly lies within the Garden?
PROS:
- The obvious star of this issue is Winter Soldier. Like I mentioned earlier, this may not be the Bucky that we have all come to know and love in the mainstream Marvel universe. But, this Winter Soldier is possibly the last one remaining, and has a very tough road ahead. And it only gets tougher when Crossbones enters the picture. The comic book had a very intense, epic, and illustrative clash between Crossbones and Winter Soldier. Both showed why they are forces to be reckoned with. And Crossbones let out the tragic story that he killed Bucky and actually uses his arm to this day… something that ultimately triggered our present Winter Soldier to the point of wiping him out of existence. Winter Soldier got back the arm, of course, in honor of Bucky. Respect.
- The 2099 universe is expertly fleshed out, with an amazing backstory and origin to Winter Soldier. They even put an extensive layer to Crossbones, describing how he was a former grunt who was turned into a cyborg killing-machine. While early on in the issue, Winter Soldier was portrayed as somebody ruthless, capable of killing an old man… later on, though, Winter Soldier’s heroic tendencies showed themselves as she saved an entire train of innocents before she finally went toe-to-toe with Crossbones.
- The concept of there being a Celestial Garden of Eden, where Norman Osborn is trying to secure, capture and control, can make for a variety of new stories moving forward. More and more, new characters will be getting access to this area, so it is very exciting to see what powerful beings will be created, for good or for bad. The train scene was also a very effective tool in capturing the essence of this 2099 world, as we were given a snapshot of the environment, the history, the inner workings of the world and its diverse set of people.
CONS:
- Obviously, the major issue I have with this starting chapter is that there is just too little content centering on Spider-Man 2099! But for sure, that will be solved in the coming chapters, without a doubt.
FINAL SCORE: B
The launching issue is friendly enough for new readers, as the world created is very descriptive, both visually and narratively. Also, new readers will not have to worry so much about catching up because the entire plot revolves around a new character, Winter Soldier 2099, who can become the quick, instant centerpiece and the point-of-view role for the time being. The art is sharp, the battle scenes are excellently played out, and the ending will leave you wanting more right away. The world of 2099 may be dark and bleak, but it is this kind of cyberpunk spirit that will make it stand above the rest and make sure it is unique this year among all the other Spider-Man titles. Plus… Loki is coming next in the second issue! This should make for some godly fun times ahead!
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@Aqua – “did they explain how is Osborn still alive (and well?) in 2099?”
No, but for a long time they didn’t explain how Doom and the FF were alive and well in 2099. They just said “these are the real modern characters” (or hinted that they might be, in Doom’s case), and that they *somehow* made it to 2099.
I assume that they will do the same for Norman – drop lots of hints that this may or may not be the real Norman, and if it is him how he got to 2099.
Yeah, but the point I didn’t make clear was: did they explain how is Osborn still alive (and well?) in 2099?
Dr. Doom was suggested to be the same, but I think it was then revealed he wasn’t.
The FF were initially absent and when they re-introduced them, they gave an explanation.
And both had access to inter-dimensional and temporal travel. Osborn is quite the common guy, in comparison.
Unless this is Normie.
@Aqu – In the original 2099 run we also had the original Fantastic Four in 2099, and (Doctor) Doom as well. Although whether that was the real Doom was left vague and a mystery – I don’t remember if they ever resolved that.
I’m a bit confused as to how can there be a Norman Osborn in 2099.