Most Marvel Comics readers know that Wolverine was part of a secret program dubbed Weapon X. Some may also recall that the X was a Roman numeral and that Captain America was Weapon I (i.e. Weapon One). A new Spider-Man variant unveiled in Edge of Spider-Verse #1 has a history with both heroes on another Earth.
Written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, with art by Travel Foreman, Edge of Spider-Verse #1 introduces Weapon VIII. The early previews of the character’s costume design prompted speculation that he was a variant of Cyclops from X-Men. However, despite a blue and yellow bodysuit with a red-tinted visor, Weapon VIII is the Earth-72 variant of classic Spider-Man Peter Parker.
Weapon VIII, Spider-Man of Earth-72 Explained
The story “New Toys” reveals that this Spider-Verse hero is a soldier who served with Steve Rogers. It is unclear if his spider-powers are the result of the Weapon X program or if this Peter Parker had a lab accident. In either case, Weapon X accelerated his mutation, giving him an enlarged forehead and multiple eyes. This prompts him to wear a special visor in the field, which disguises his abnormal appearance.
“New Toys” opens with Weapon VIII hunting Wolverine, who recently escaped from Weapon X’s custody. This reveals a radically different Spider-Man than most incarnations of Peter Parker. Weapon VIII is a hardened killer with robotic spider legs and a napalm-based “venom.”
Despite this, there are some hints of the classic Peter Parker visible throughout “New Toys.” Like Wolverine, Weapon VIII has flashes of the man he was before he became a secret weapon. This is most apparent when he is sent after Captain America and, despite his brainwashing, he makes a joke.
It is unclear what the future holds for Weapon VIII. However, the final story in Edge of the Spider-Verse #1 suggests he will be recruited to a new Spider-Society. It remains to be seen, however, how well he will play with the more heroic Spiders.
Edge of Spider-Verse #1 is now available in comic shops everywhere.
