Summary
Warning! Contains spoilers forSpider-Man: Reign 2#1Spider-Manhas a new sidekick and possible love interest, and she’s the daughter of the classic villain-turned-hero,Black Cat. InSpider-Man: Reign 2#1, Peter Parker of the Reign Universe, known as Earth-70237, is held prisoner in a virtual reality meant to keep him sedated by a new hideous version of Kingpin.He is freed by Kitty-Kat, the daughter of Felicia Hardy, the original Black Cat.
Spider-Man: Reign 2#1 is written and drawn by Kaare Andrews, with colors by Andrews and Brian Weber. The series is a direct sequel to the 2007 seriesSpider-Man: Reign,also by Andrews with additional art by Jose Villarrubia. Set 30 years in the future, heroes have been outlawed, replaced with the WEBB System implemented by a corrupt mayor, and Mary Jane Watson is dead. MJ’s cause of death is one of the most controversial parts of Spider-Man’s history. However, she’s still alive in the virtual reality Spider-Man endures before Kitty-Kat arrives to rescue him.
Despite Peter’s protests, Kitty-Kat removes him from the virtual reality and escapes with him through a window, blowing up his prison behind them.
Black Cat’s Daughter Owes Spider-Man a Mysterious Debt
The original Black Cat debuted inThe Amazing Spider-Man#194 by Marv Wolfman, Keith Pollard, and Dave Cockrum. Felicia Hardy was originally intended to be a villain, but her immediate popularity turned her into an anti-heroine andlove interest for Spider-Man.The relationship between the two would never last long, as Black Cat was more in love with the masked Webslinger than his human alter-ego, Peter Parker.
Spider-Man of Earth-70237 is killed by The Inheritors inSpider-Verse#1 (2014). He returns to life when Silk stabs Morlun with the Totem Dagger inSpider-Man#6 (2023).
Kitty-Kat makes her memorable debut by dispatching two guards, then giving Peter a kiss to wake him up and free his mind from the device keeping him prisoner. Two key pieces of information are revealed:that her mother Felicia is still alive, and that Peter saved the Hardy family at some point. She then puts the iconic Spider-Man mask on the otherwise nude hero, and the two escape into the underworld of New York City. It is revealed that the escape was planned byNorman Osborn, who has become a literal monstrous goblin.
King in Black Spider-Man Makes Black Cat His Symbiote Queen in Dark Cosplay
The King in Black was defeated a few years ago, with this cosplay image turning Spider-Man into the new God of Symbiotes with Black Cat as his side.
Kitty-Kat’s Costume is More Catwoman Than Black Cat
While there are manysimilarities between Black Cat and Catwoman, they are mostly surface level, so it is an interesting choice to have Felicia’s daughter take after the Batman villain’s costume. Kitty-Kat’s costume is most visually similar to Dawyn Cooke’s depiction of Selina Kyle from the 2002Catwomanseries, written by Ed Brubaker, with full body coverage and insect-like goggles. What is a unique and sure to be iconic aspect of her costume, is the large bell Kitty-Kat wears around her neck.
It is still unclear exactly who is under the mask, why she is helping Norman Osborn, or what the fate of Felicia Hardy is in the Reign Universe. What is clear is that, much likeBlack Cat’s other new looks, this newSpider-Manally and her costume are sure to be a popular cosplay inspiration.
Spider-Man: Reign 2#1is on sale now from Marvel Comics!
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is the name given to several individuals who have employed a spider-moniker throughout Marvel Comics. Typically gaining their powers through a bite from a radioactive spider, the different Spider-Man heroes employ super-strength, agility, and intellect while utilizing webbing to swing and tangle up their foes. The most notable of these Spider-Men is Peter Parker, who remains one of the most popular superheroes throughout the world.
