A Special Thanks Goes Out To Viz Media and NetGalley for the ARC
Before we begin this review, I would like to remind readers to be sure to check out our previous Marvel Manga-related reviews over in the Reviews Category.
It’s time once again to step into the world of Marvel and review another Spider-Man-related manga title, this time witnessing that nefarious Doctor Otto Octavius (Doctor Octopus) try to cheat death once more after falling in battle with his nemesis, Spider-Man. He woke up to find out that not only he was in a coma, but his consciousness was transferred into the body of a middle schooler in Tokyo named Otoha Okutamiya! Doc Ock becomes the Superior Schoolgirl in Spider-Man: Octo-Girl!
From the creative duo that brought you My Hero Academia: Vigilantes brings you a unique scenario that brings you a “What If” story that not only bridges the stories that Marvel has published but of the tales they have created in their collaboration with manga publisher, Shueisha. Spider-Man: Octo-Girl offers readers a different approach to another familiar tale, except where Otoha can have control over her body, unlike how Otto took over Peter Parker’s body in The Superior Spider-Man. It was a perfect blend of American Comics and Japanese Manga storytelling and ideas, not to mention it was originally marketed as a Manga Spin-off of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
One other thing I would like to mention speaking of blending ideas and storytelling is that this also felt like a Nostalgia trip down memory lane regarding their previous venture with the My Hero Academia franchise, incorporating humorous antics and Japanese drama, but with the mysticism of Marvel Lore. Without giving too much away, it brings a familiar hero from another Marvel Manga, Deadpool Samurai, which makes sense being marketed as a “Spider-Verse” tale.
For the artwork, Betten Court does great work not only with the action sequences but also with Character Designs and expressions, such as the humorous panel featured in this review. Doctor Octopus and Otoha are a surprisingly unique team, Otoha changing Ock’s view on things, while Otto helps her with having a better life and getting the bullies off her back. Like in the modern Spider-Man stories and Superhero comics in general, there are variants lurking in the shadows. It’s a perfect book for both younger and older Marvel fans, not to mention new manga readers, it doesn’t include any risqué material or situations.
Spider-Man: Octo-Girl Vol. 1 is available now in stores and e-retailers, be sure to check out the story on Shueisha’s Digital Manga website, Shonen Jump Plus.
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Final Grade:
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