Marvel Legacy: Savagery Six Ways For Spider-Man

by Vince Brusio

Brian Michael Bendis has his hands full not only with the perils of life for a young Miles Morales, but with new twisted ideas that can permanently cramp the style of our beloved spectacular Spider-Man! In this PREVIEWSworld Exclusive interview, Bendis explains how the volume of excitement gets turned up to “11” in Spider-Man #234, at the forefront of the oncoming Marvel Legacy!

**********

Vince Brusio: Starting with Spider-Man #234, Miles is going to face a threat that’s been off his radar for an extended period of time. That means the lack of updates can work to his disadvantage. It makes him vulnerable, and that can make things very, very entertaining for the bad guys, to say the least. So if you were to think about the personality traits, or lack of focus Miles is currently afflicted with, what would you put on the laundry list of things-to-do if he were to better prepare himself for the New Sinister Six? Where might Miles start to tweak things so that he could be better suited for the fast-approaching hurricane? And how might he go about doing this kind of Karate Kid training that would make him a more formidable opponent?

Brian Michael Bendis: You’re hitting the nail right on the head. Because of all the constant turmoil in Miles’s life — and there has been a lot even by superhero standards — there are certain parts of Miles' growth that have not been attended to. He still has a lot to learn. And a lot to learn about his powers. He has not mastered all of them and they may do things he doesn’t know yet.

But the big question that looms over the character of Miles, and the entire series, is whether or not Spider-man is the final path for him. Because he’s been struggling, Miles and his friends have been questioning what could be the problem.  It is Ganke who questions whether or not Miles would be Spider-man if Peter Parker hadn’t already done it. Just because Peter Parker got bit by a spider and became Spider-Man doesn’t mean that that’s what Miles has to do when he gets bit by a spider. So the Legacy story for Miles is whether or not he NEEDS to be part of the Spider-Man legacy.

Vince Brusio: The original Sinister Six consisted of Doctor Octopus, Electro, Kraven the Hunter, Mysterio, Sandman, and Vulture. Who’s in the roster today? Would you say this team is somehow stronger or weaker given how they work together? How do show the camaraderie or in-fighting among them so that even though they’re united to defeat Spider-Man, that doesn’t mean that they’re best friends? You’ve got dysfunctional individuals whose minds you have to meet, and understand. How do you, as a creator, expose these people?

Brian Michael Bendis: The new Sinister Six is led by the mystery figure behind the Iron Spider armor, Bombshell (the mother of the Bombshells) from the ultimate universe, and the mother of one of Miles’ best friends the female Electro (I refuse to call her Lady Electro) the Spot. Plus, fresh off his rather creepy appearance in Jessica Jones, Sandman (one of my all-time favorites, and I don’t see how you could do a Sinister Six without him), and Hobgoblin (also fresh off his cameo and Jessica Jones).

I am looking at this Six like a real old-school, Oceans 11 crew of criminals. All of them have a very specific skill set and there is a whale of a score that needs all six of them. It’s a doozy. I can’t wait for you guys find out what the Sinister Six wants. But the story will be very personal when people find out who the Iron Spider is.

Vince Brusio: The late legendary Lemmy Kilmister from Motorhead had said something to the effect that rock stars shouldn’t get married because life on the road kept them away from their loved ones too long. His lifestyle wasn’t conducive to marriage, so he chose to be a rock star rather than a husband. Might Miles Morales benefit from such thinking? According to the solicitation text, he’s being pulled in many directions because his parents are fighting, and he has a new love that’s vying for his attention. To be at his best to fight for his life, wouldn’t you say Mile’s lifestyle complicates his problems as a hero tenfold? Regardless of whether you do or don’t show this kind of conflict or soul-searching, could you explain why?

Brian Michael Bendis: Excellent question. It’s actually something we delve into in the issues just before this. Miles runs away from home and gets into a whole different kind of adventure. It illuminates just how much the elements in his life are struggling for his attention. It’s really a reflection of what all teenagers go through. All of a sudden you have genuine life responsibilities. I can identify with Miles' struggle here and I think a lot of people will as well.

What miles is about to go through, in this story and beyond, is one of the most unique journeys a Marvel character has ever gone through.  I’m really excited for people to see what we cook up.

SPIDER-MAN #234
BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (W) • OSCAR  BAZALDUA (A)
Cover by PATRICK BROWN
SINISTER SIX REBORN  Part 1
Look for it in the September Marvel PREVIEWS!

Miles’ world has been shaken a lot lately, but nothing will compare to what the mysterious Iron-Spider and his brand new SINISTER SIX will do. Sandman, Hobgoblin, The Spot, Electro and Bombshell (?!) join this mystery villain to make Miles’ life a living hell.

**********

Vince Brusio writes about comics, and writes comics. He is the long-serving Editor of PREVIEWSworld.com, the creator of PUSSYCATS, and encourages everyone to keep the faith...and keep reading comics.