Shadow Warrior: Spider-Man Brings the Web Warriors to Japan

Manga versions of Marvel series are always a welcome surprise. Japanese creators spin gold whenever they get their hands on a Marvel IP. Shadow Warrior: Spider-Man is no different. This story will play out differently from that other one we all remember (Spider-Man: Legend of the Spider-Clan). Peter isn't from the Spider Clan, and Black Cat is nowhere to be seen.

Newer Marvel and manga readers need not be intimidated here. Basic knowledge of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man/Peter Parker, Ghost-Spider/Gwen Stacy, and Spider-Man/Miles Morales is more than enough.

The Web Warriors Track Kingpin to Japan

Spider-Man, Miles Morales, and Ghost-Spider have successfully driven Wilson Fisk, the notorious Kingpin of Crime, from New York. It took them some time, but they tracked him down to Japan. This is an alternate Japan where the Shogunate retained control of Japan. As such, Japan retains its traditional form. There are no modern buildings, and samurai still walk the streets.

However, it isn't Spider-Man or his amazing friends that take centre stage in Edo. Hyo Hachizuka aspires to become a police officer, just like his father before him. The only thing stopping him is a weak constitution. He fainted during a physical exam. Hyo didn't let that stop him from rushing to Spider-Man's aid outside of Mayor Fisk's mansion. Fisk's stolen Venom symbiote fragment latched onto him just as the guards stabbed him on the mayor's orders.

Hyo, powered by the Venom symbiote, joins Spider-Man's team to stop Fisk.

Manga-Style Marvel

Shogo Aoki has some previous experience working with the most popular web-head around. He drew a Japanese-exclusive variant cover for Amazing Spider-Man #12. His current ongoing series is Goblin Slayer Side Story Daikatana.

The art in Shadow Warrior: Spider-Man is top-notch. Every frame here is stellar. The characters look great, and the action scenes are superb. I'm just surprised Spider-Man didn't get a Japanese-style outfit. Miles and Gwen went all out for the trip, but Peter didn't? That's the most unbelievable thing here. Gwen looks great, though, hats off to her.

Hyo's version of Venom is a stand-out star. Ninja Venom is cool, and the little Venom head that appears outside of the full Venom suit is just interesting to see. It just slides around and even licks Hyo's cheek. Spider-Man says it's evil, but I don't know.

A Conclusion Formed in Webs

This is a great book. I really liked seeing the alternate Japan and the intimidating Wilson Fisk, who runs Edo. It's an adventure that Spider-Man, Ghost-Spider, and Miles Morales can't just rush in and solve. There's tension from the first page.

Hyo's transformation from sickly and brave civilian to Venom-empowered superhero is fun to see. The question of whether or not he'll become an Eddie Brock-style Venom, a threat to the friendly neighborhood hero, is kept firmly in mind as you read on and watch Hyo struggle against Fisk and his forces. Hyo very quickly starts referring to himself as "we" rather than "I," and it's concerning.

All said, we highly recommend Shadow Warrior: Spider-Man to both long-time true believers and newcomers alike.

©Shogo Aoki / Scholastic