Across the Spider-Verse has arrived. It is not only living up to the hype, but it’s obliterating all expectations. Now there’s a spider-shaped crater in the secondary market.

If you haven’t seen the latest Spider-Verse flick, what are you doing with your life? Many fans and critics are calling it the best Spider-Man movie ever made, and that includes both live-action and animated films. After seeing it for myself, I have to agree. It sets the bar high for the next installment, but I believe the creative team will rise to the occasion. 

Just like Into the Spider-Verse, what sets Across the Spider-Verse apart from the MCU’s Homecoming trilogy is that these films understand what makes Spider-Man, well, Spider-Man. Whether it’s Peter Parker, Miles Morales, or Gwen Stacy, the person under the mask is all of us. Despite an entire Multiverse of Spider-People, each character bears the weight of sacrifice and the responsibility that comes with superpowers. In the end, they have to face their problems alone.

As collectors, one of the most endearing parts of Across the Spider-Verse’s love letter to comic books. Where Marvel Studios is upfront about not wanting comic fans behind the camera, this is a film that wears its passion for Marvel Comics on its sleeve. 

When it comes to collecting, most buyers will immediately target Miles Morales’ key issues. There is so much comic love in this film that it should have you adding other comics to your shopping lists beginning with these.

EDGE OF SPIDER-VERSE #2

If there’s any character who deserves her own spinoff franchise, it’s Gwen Stacy. She emerged on the mainstream radar after Into the Spider-Verse, but Across the Spider-Verse has solidified her as a true star. Her origin story was emotional and further developed her character, and she will win over even more fans.

While she will always be tied to Miles, Gwen is more than ready to carry her own movie or series. That will make for a booming market for her debut in Edge of Spider-Verse #2.

SPIDER-MAN 2099 MEETS SPIDER-MAN

Miguel O’Hara defines what it means to be an antagonist. Although he is callous in his approach to protecting the Spider-Verse, Spider-Man 2099 is no villain. He and Miles are at odds, and that causes Miguel to be an adversary. Underneath his actions, he is doing what he believes is right. That makes him an antagonist rather than a true villain, and it added a depth to the film’s plot.

While most collectors are eying his first appearance in ASM #365, slide your focus to Spider-Man 2099 Meets Spider-Man. This issue marked the first time the two characters from across the Multiverse met one another, and that makes it worth adding to your collections.

WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #118

Dear Sony: Give us a Scarlet Spider spinoff movie. That is all.

Maybe Ben Reilly was played for laughs, and his design poked fun at the 1990s superhero art style, but he was fantastic. In many ways, he was Spider-Verse’s answer to Batman in the Lego movies, and that is a compliment. While he may not have been integral to the film’s plot, he lit up the screen in all his scenes. It’s easy to draw comparisons to Spider-Ham from the original movie, though Scarlet Spider had fewer scenes.

As more fans discover Scarlet Spider, it will lead to a surge across the auction sites. Although Ben technically debuted as a Peter Parker clone way back in ASM #149, he donned the red and blue costume to become Scarlet Spider in Web of Spider-Man #118. 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Without spoiling anything, the ending of Across the Spider-Verse will leave you reeling. The film itself is the perfect combination of being both hilarious and heart-wrenching. The plot moves at a breakneck pace and doesn’t let up until the credits roll. Unfortunately, there’s no post-credits scene. Then again, this is the middle film in a trilogy, so it’s fitting that the conclusion is open-ended.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.