Spider-Man Holiday Spectacular #1 review

Now that’s a Christmas cover, worthy of a Seventies Treasury Edition. Just looking at Luciano Vecchio’s superhero snowball slugfest fills me with simple joy.

And the warm fuzzies continue inside as writer Rainbow Rowell and a quartet of artists – including Vecchio – tell a tale of a very Spidey Christmas. It’s set in, basically, current continuity but there’s nothing that will date the enjoyment in years to come. The story begins with our hero at the Baxter Building Christmas and Hanukkah party, and having rather a good time.

Aunt May has news she thinks will make Peter Parker’s day.

Of course, Peter’s saddened by the prospect of Christmas without his closest relative.

Happily, he gets a surprise, late invitation to the Avengers’ holiday party, and finds a very warm welcome.

Back in New York, Daredevil asks for help delivering gifts to a refugee centre.

And not long after that comes an invitation to Louisiana from the X-Men.

Has Spidey ever been so in demand? Peter has his suspicions.

‘Spectacular’ implies a giant-size comic. This isn’t that, but it does have massive heart as Rowell crafts a cracking Christmas and Hanukkah story centred on Spider-Man. Peter was a loner in his formative years – by choice and circumstance – but as an adult he’s teamed up with everyone in the Marvel Universe. Twice. It makes sense they’d rally round to make sure he’s not alone. But is that all there is to it?

Rowell shines when it comes to heroes in conversation; there’s nothing resembling a fight in this one-off, but every page entertains. The characterisation, the gags, the touching moments… Rowell nails it all.

Any niggles? Well, Aunt May does do that American thing of calling a ship a boat, which is as annoying as the pluralisation of ‘Lego’. I think I can forgive that.

The art by Vecchio, Paco Medina, Nathan Stockman and Bob Quinn is perfect for this story, clean and open, the storytelling clear. I didn’t notice the changing artists as I read the issue, but if you look at at the chapters you’ll spot them.

And I bet you won’t care, because the visuals are great. I especially enjoyed the holiday takes on action outfits.

Also contributing are letterer Joe Sabino and colourist Matt Milla, ensuring the reading journey is smooth and the world is full of festive colour – the last page is especially nice.

If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, or a stocking stuffer, buy this book – it’s a total treat.