Howdy, Viners, and welcome to this week's 'Comic Book Predictions!' This is where I'll speculate about what'll happen in tomorrow's biggest comics. I usually address three issues, but I honestly think SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #2 will soak up most of the conversation. Because of this, I gave that entry some extra attention and counted it as two.
Because I love you so much, there's also some extra (and lighthearted) predictions at the end of the feature. You're of course welcome to chat about any of tomorrow's new releases and elaborate on what you think will go down in the panels.
Let the speculation begin!
SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #2
No matter how you feel about writer Dan Slott's controversial twist surrounding our beloved Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, the thought of Spider-Ock potentially sleeping with Mary Jane is beyond disturbing. "Peter's" actions have certainly been perverse and made the comic feel creepy and awkward at times (Ock's wandering eyes during dinner made me feel like I needed Purell). With a cover showing the two sharing a kiss, it's understandable that some fans are upset and concerned over what will happen in this issue. Luckily, I don't think the "couple" will go all the way. Kiss? Probably, but I don't believe Slott would take it further than that.
First and foremost, I find it hard to believe Slott would dive into such dark and controversial territory. "How can you say that after he just killed Spider-Man?!" While that was obviously controversial, this is by no means the status quo and we have yet to see how it'll be resolved. For all we know, G-Man's theory or something similar could happen which would mean he has technically still been Peter Parker all along. But taking the two to bed while he is or at least believes he's Doctor Octopus is taking this series into a distasteful and dirty place... a place that I believe Slott is wise enough to avoid.
Additionally, let's take a closer look at the cover. "Peter" might be embracing MJ, but the smooch appears to have caught her off guard. Her eyes are wide open and hands aren't fully gripping him. It's understandable Ock would try to kiss her, but could this just be the glimpse of a bigger scene? Will she push him away mere moments later? Or is this one big red herring? After all, the preview indicates that Carlie is about to open up to MJ and reveal what "Doctor Octopus" said to her during his police station raid. Now, MJ certainly isn't a detective on par with the likes of Batman, but "Peter's" differences can't be going unnoticed. How many times has he called her "woman?" I sincerely hope she opens up in this issue about how she indeed has noticed he's acting differently. Could she then toy with him in this issue in an attempt to find out if it really is Peter? I think it's possible. I know many think the book should spotlight other elements of this story, but the simple fact is MJ's a huge part of his life so it's only logical that this situation would take the focus.
I get that the thought of these two getting physical is offensive and wrong, but who's saying that'll even happen? Right now it's merely a possibility, one which I believe is unlikely to happen based on the factors I've just listed. Could I be wrong? Of course and if I'm wrong, then I'll eat my words and be right there with you guys... but for now, I don't see that happening. What about you?
== TEASER ==AQUAMAN #16
I think Arthur, Wonder Woman, Superman and Cyborg will fight The Trench while Batman has to chill in the cocoon because they're way too deep underwater (and that'll absolutely set many Batman fans off). I know that sounds crazy, but hear me out first! You see, the cover shows all of them except for Batman fighting The Trench. Then, the solicitation flat-out says that's what'll happen. I just blew your mind, didn't I?
But really, a key part of the solicitation focuses on Aquaman needing to choose sides. Will he side by his brother or the Justice League? To me, this isn't even a legitimate question. Sure, family often takes precedence, but I haven't seen anything that would make me think for even a second that Aquaman would legitimately stand behind Atlantis and Orm during this attack. Despite the insane display of power which took down the likes of Superman, Aquaman and Wonder Woman, I'm thinking this will end with Ocean Master's death (by Arthur's hand or at least through his actions). Once he's out of the picture, Arthur will see that he needs to lead Atlantis in order to take them in a new direction. You know, a direction that'll help repair the damage they've done and no longer has a plan to completely obliterate the surface world.
Then again, maybe both sides are being manipulated by a third party. Right now it seems a little too obvious that Ocean Master was the one to launch the missiles and release The Trench. That said, my knowledge on Aquaman's mythos is weak, so I can't provide an accurate guess as to who the shadowy figure could be. If you forced me to guess, I'd go with Black Manta. Why? Because first and foremost, I want to see more of him. Secondly, he's the only other Aquaman villain I really know, that's why. Or perhaps it's because he has more free time now that his show will be going off the air (too soon?).
How do you think 'Throne of Atlantis' will conclude?
Extra Predictions
- BATMAN INCORPORATED #7: Going out on a limb here, but I'm preeeeetty sure Gotham City won't "die."
- HAWKEYE #7: Clint Barton will use arrows.
- INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US #1: You'll want to name something "Gunther."
- PUNISHER: WAR ZONE #4: Frank Castle uses his heat vision to defeat the Avengers (just seeing if you're still paying attention).
- RED LANTERNS #16: I'll open it with the hopes of being impressed and close it with the feeling of disappointment.
- SAVAGE HAWKMAN #16: It'll be savage, dude.
Gregg Katzman is a freelance writer for Comic Vine & IGN Entertainment. Make him feel special by following him on Twitter.
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