Don't Poke The Bear
Comic Reviews for the week ending 4/6/2025
Good morning, my friend,
“Peter Parker and MJ Watson should get back together.”
How many times have you heard a statement like that, especially in the wake of Tom Brevoort’s recent blog posting stating that a reunion is never going to happen?
I’ve heard that statement a lot in recent months, and I agree with it. But, Marvel owns the characters, so Marvel will do what Marvel will do, whether we agree with it or not.
That said, there’s a difference between saying “no” and saying “no, and we’re going to tease you with what you want, knowing you’re not going to get it.”
That mocking tease comes by way of the reveal of the variant cover for the upcoming All-New Venom #7, which is due to be released in June 2025. On the cover (see below), Marvel gives readers an homage to the famous wedding, but this time, the wedding depicts MJ and the Venom symbiote walking down the aisle.
As an homage, the cover is well done. Given the growing, unceasing noise about Marvel’s decision NOT to bring Peter and MJ back together, it comes across as a taunt born of spite.
Think of it as the equivalent of waving a juicy steak in front of a starving dog and then tossing the steak in the trash after the dog gets a good, strong whiff.
“It’s just a cover? It’s not that serious.” you might interject.
You’re right. It is just a cover, but it’s the message behind the cover that creates a negative atmosphere, whether Marvel intended it or not.
The message behind the cover says that Marvel editorial is aware of the fan desire to get Peter and MJ back together, they’re aware of Tom Brevoort’s and Nick Lowe’s comments affirming that what readers want is never going to happen, and using the famous wedding cover from Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21, published in 1987, capitalizes on the heightened sensitivity. In other words, Marvel poked the bear to get it stirred up, then threw a firecracker in the bear’s den for a good laugh.
Why is this a problem? Poking the bear as a marketing tactic positions Marvel as a bully. This attitude is no different than a group of schoolyard thugs playing “keep away” after snatching a smaller student’s books. You can acknowledge Marvel has the power to do what they want, and you will eventually become embittered by the cruel, callous way they wield it.
“There’s no such thing as bad publicity.” That statement, unfortunately, is used too often in the wrong places for the wrong reasons. In a recent Stanford Business Article, reporters confirmed that negative publicity can have a short-term benefit to raising awareness of a new or unknown brand. Awareness which can be redirected toward positive reputation growth and sales over time.
Here’s the rub. Bad publicity for a known, established brand has the opposite effect. The brand is damaged, loyalty drops, and sales retention is lost. In other words, bad publicity only works if nobody knows who you are, and even then, only to get the sales engine started. For a decades-old company like Marvel, bad publicity hurts on every level.
Will the variant cover sell? Of course, it will. Marvel zombies will buy anything related to Spider-Man, which is how we got into this mess with Marvel in the first place.
Will a short-term boost in sales be a net positive for Marvel or Spider-Man readers? Nope. The arrogant, bullying attitude of Marvel’s executives comes through loud and clear, and it’s only a matter of time before that attitude will turn away too many readers to ignore.
What do you think? Is Marvel smart for poking the bear, or should they concentrate on winning fans? Let me know in the comments.
-Gabe
Next, our Pick of the Week for the most entertaining comic is…
If you’re a subscriber to our podcast, the audio version of this review is already live. If you’re not a subscriber, we host our feed on multiple podcast platforms for your convenience.
Also, if you’d rather listen right here on Substack, make sure to subscribe to this newsletter to get the notification for the next episode.
Now, let’s get on to this week’s reviews (and a little catch-up)
GRIMM TALES OF TERROR (VOL. 5) #4 – Review
G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO – BEACH HEAD – Review
ABSOLUTE GREEN LANTERN #1 - Review
Did you see a comic review for a title you didn’t know existed?
Did you see a comic review for a title a friend should hear about?
Tell your friends by clicking on the ‘Share’ button below!
Transformers #19 (Image Comics)
Geiger #13 (Image Comics)
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Jinx (Image Comics)
Vatican City #1 (Dark Horse Comics)
Spawn #363 (Image Comics)
Green Hornet / Miss Fury #4 (Dark Horse Comics)
Marvel Viewers’ Choice (Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to vote)
DC Viewers’ Choice (Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to vote)
Thanks for your support. Please share the handy dandy ‘Share’ button above with everyone you can. Your support ensures we can keep bringing you great content for a very long time.
Also, follow us on all the socials (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) via @ComicalOpinions
Have a great day!