Spider-Man: Kizuna is a brand-new manga series that brings together the amazing Spider-Man with fun, grade-school adventures. Thanks to a partnership between Marvel and Viz Manga, fans can now enjoy manga versions of their favorite superheroes. What happens when the Green Goblin decides to cause trouble in a Japanese city? And why are other familiar heroes hanging around instead of staying in New York? Let’s dive in and find out!
The Story: A Ghostly Team-Up
Spider-Man: Kizuna takes place in an alternate universe called Earth-8989. Here, Peter Parker finds himself in Okahama City, Japan, battling his old foe, the Green Goblin. But something strange has happened: after their last fight, Spider-Man has become like a ghost! Only a young schoolboy named Yu Yamato can see him. Yu is a quiet kid who often gets overlooked by his classmates, spending his time drawing manga. As luck would have it, Yu and Peter can “bond,” creating a new hero: Spider-Man Kizuna!
Yu’s imagination allows him to shape Spidey’s webs into anything he can think of, similar to Green Lantern’s powers. Until Peter can become solid again, he remains a “Spirit Spidey,” guiding Yu through various battles. Fans of Marvel will notice some familiar elements in this new setting.
The Battles: Familiar Foes, New Faces
Although Spider-Man: Kizuna is set far from New York City, the villains Yu and Spidey face are straight out of Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery. The Green Goblin has brought “Villain Badges” with him, each containing the power of a well-known villain. These badges transform ordinary people into new versions of classic baddies, such as Black Kitty-Cat and Petit Sandman.
A big part of Yu’s challenge is realizing that these villains aren’t truly evil; they’re victims of the badges’ power. After each fight, Yu tries to connect with his troubled classmates while keeping his superhero identity a secret. By the end of the first volume, he’s made several new friends and maybe even found a potential love interest. But what is the Green Goblin’s ultimate goal in recreating these classic villain encounters? It seems we’ll have to wait for future volumes to find out!
Fun for All Ages: Cute and Heartwarming
One of the main appeals of Spider-Man: Kizuna is its cuteness. Setta Kobayashi’s heartwarming story is perfectly complemented by Hachi Mizuno’s adorable artwork. While the idea of Peter Parker as a floating ghost might seem odd at first, Spirit Spidey is so charming that you’ll quickly forget he’s in danger!
This manga is perfect for kids, especially those who love manga and superheroes. However, older fans can also enjoy the series. It’s important to approach it with an open mind and heart. This isn’t a dark or gritty story, nor is it intended to change the established Spider-Man canon. Instead, it’s a delightful “what if” scenario, safely tucked away in its own corner of the multiverse. While it shares some themes with Spider-Man: Octo-Girl, it’s much more lighthearted and episodic.
Why You Should Read Spider-Man: Kizuna
Spider-Man: Kizuna offers a fresh and exciting take on the classic superhero. The series blends the familiar elements of Spider-Man with the unique storytelling style of manga, creating a reading experience that is both engaging and heartwarming. The focus on friendship, understanding, and overcoming adversity makes it a great choice for young readers, while the clever nods to classic Spider-Man villains will appeal to longtime fans.
The artwork is another standout feature of the series. Hachi Mizuno’s designs are expressive and full of energy, perfectly capturing the personalities of the characters. The action sequences are dynamic and easy to follow, making the battles exciting without being overly violent. The overall aesthetic of the manga is bright and cheerful, adding to the series’s lighthearted tone.
Themes and Messages
Beyond the superhero action, Spider-Man: Kizuna explores several important themes. The series emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding, showing how Yu strives to connect with his classmates even when they are transformed into villains. It also highlights the power of friendship and teamwork, as Yu and Peter learn to rely on each other to overcome challenges. Additionally, the manga encourages creativity and imagination, showcasing how Yu’s artistic talents help him develop unique and effective strategies in battle.
Spider-Man: Kizuna is a delightful addition to the world of Spider-Man comics and manga. Its charming characters, engaging story, and heartwarming themes make it a must-read for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime Spider-Man enthusiast or new to the world of manga, this series is sure to spin a creative web around your heart.