The latest Superior Spider-Man is rooted in Marvel’s most menacing mystical powerhouse, and he may have just solved Doctor Octopus’ biggest problems.
WARNING: The following contains major spoilers for Devil’s Reign: Superior Four #3, available now from Marvel Comics.
While Wilson Fisk has been waging war on the heroes of New York City, Otto Octavius, aka Doctor Octopus, has been working to further his own goals. What began as an attempt to become a hero has resulted in the frequent Spider-Man nemesis being captured by an interdimensional variant of himself. Fortunately, one of the strangest variants of the doctor has emerged to lend his assistance, in the process creating a mystical powerhouse.
The primary Otto Octavius has been betrayed by the rest of his Superior Four, who joined the Supreme Octopus in tearing his mechanical limbs from his torso before he was locked away. Even in his imprisoned state, Otto manages to find the help he needs when a drop of his blood calls forth yet another variant of himself. In Devil’s Reign: Superior Four #3 (by Zac Thompson, Davide Tinto, Matt Milla, and VC’s Ariana Maher), this new version of Octavius appears as an amalgamation of himself and the vastly powerful being known as the Man-Thing. Despite being unable to speak, this variant communicates with his counterpart via touch and provides him with the strength to fight back against the Supreme Octopus.
First introduced in 1971’s Savage Tales #1 (by Roy Thomas, Gerry Conway, and Gray Morrow), the Man-Thing was originally a scientist named Ted Sallis. While working on a new version of the Super-Soldier Serum, Ted was driven off the road and into a Florida swamp. By injecting himself with the only sample of the formula before crashing, Ted was able to save his research; however, the serum combined with the mystic energies of the swamp and transformed him into the monstrous Man-Thing. Apart from being all but indestructible and the guardian of the Nexus of All Reality, Man-Thing’s touch burns any and all who approach it with fear in their heart.
The version of the Man-Thing seen here seems to impart something more within those it comes into contact with. Here, it provides its primary universe counterpart with insight as to his true place in the cosmos. With this revelation, Otto offers to save his other variants from their respective demons before transforming his Man-Thing variant into an all-new and even more powerful version of the Superior Spider-Man.
While the latest variant of Otto Octavius and Man-Thing has the potential to become the Multiverse’s most powerful hero, the primary Doctor Octopus appears to have experienced the greatest and most significant change. Octavius has long wanted to be a hero, and it now appears that he has finally attained what he really needs to do so.
More importantly, Octavius appears to have genuinely gained the spirit of a hero, as demonstrated by his immediate desire to help his counterparts. This may be the most significant change the doctor has experienced yet, and it stands to reason that his life will be forever changed as a result.
About The Author
For all the latest Comics News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
