The comic book world was recently set ablaze with the release of Superman/Spider-Man #1, a landmark crossover that brings together the icons of the DC and Marvel Universes. Written by Mark Waid with stunning art by Jorge Jimenez, this issue is a masterclass in superhero storytelling. Below is a page-by-page breakdown of the main story, “Truth, Justice, and Great Responsibility,” covering the high-stakes alliance between the Man of Steel and the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.
The Ego of Otto Octavius
The story opens in New York City with Dr. Otto Octavius, better known as Doctor Octopus, brooding in his laboratory. He is interacting with an advanced A.I. named D-CERN, testing its knowledge of the world’s leading scientific minds. When the A.I. cites Dr. William Magnus and Dr. Bruce Banner as the authorities on cyber-robotics and radiation, Ock’s ego is visibly bruised. He smashes the device with one of his mechanical tentacles, lamenting that the public only sees him as a criminal, ignoring his unparalleled genius. He asks what it will take to educate the “seven billion lackwits” on this planet.
Brainiac’s Proposal
As Octavius wallows in self-pity, a new voice interrupts him. Brainiac, the “Collector of Worlds,” takes control of Ock’s laboratory and his mechanical arms. Brainiac mocks Ock’s desire for human recognition, calling it “self-pity,” and offers him something far greater: a place in galactic history. He demands Ock’s cooperation in exchange for knowledge and power that transcends the “mudball” of Earth.
A Meeting of Minds in Metropolis
The scene shifts to Metropolis, where we find Clark Kent and Peter Parker. Clark is giving Peter a lift, and the dialogue establishes their burgeoning friendship. Peter is characteristically broke, joking that a guy once stole his identity and then begged him to take it back. They are heading to S.T.A.R. Labs to investigate a lead Peter has regarding a high-tech theft. Clark refers to them as “Woodward and Bernstein,” though Peter finds the reference a bit outdated.
The S.T.A.R. Labs Heist
Upon arriving at S.T.A.R. Labs, they meet Dr. Jenet Klyburn. She is visibly distraught and informs Clark that they are a little late, as the wire services have already picked up the story of a radioactive material theft. She describes the thief as a “mysterious figure with inhuman strength” who also took a significant amount of attendant technology.
Fast Neutrons and Data Streams
Dr. Klyburn explains the nature of the stolen tech. The lab had been experimenting with “Fast Neutrons,” a method of using radiation to transmit data far more efficiently than standard Wi-Fi. The key advantage of this technology is that the signal cannot be blocked by any known material, making it a potentially devastating tool in the wrong hands.
The Kryptonite Twist
The true danger of the theft is revealed when Clark asks why Dr. Klyburn is being so secretive compared to other labs working with Fast Neutrons. She reveals that while other labs use Californium, S.T.A. on Labs was using Kryptonite. This news clearly alarms Clark, as the radioactive mineral is his greatest weakness.
Spider-Man’s Discovery
While Clark talks to the doctor, Peter sneaks away to the point of entry. Using his keen eye and scientific background, he identifies “distinct claw marks” that are unmistakably from Doctor Octopus’s tentacles. Realizing that Ock now possesses Kryptonite, Peter knows he has to act fast before the situation escalates.
Splash Page: Truth, Justice, and Great Responsibility
Page 10 is a breathtaking splash page that serves as the official title card for the story. It features Superman and Spider-Man in action, soaring above Metropolis as the threat begins to manifest. The credits for Waid, Jimenez, Morey, and Napolitano are prominently displayed against the backdrop of the city’s skyline.
The Villains’ Alliance
Back at their hidden base, the partnership between Brainiac and Doc Ock is explored. Brainiac reveals his true motive: he has been infected with a debilitating “mind virus” by sentients from a distant star system. He intends to use Ock’s expertise and the stolen Kryptonite tech to “offload” this virus into the brains of the human population, which he considers “carbon apes” and perfect repositories for corrupted data.
Transmitting the Virus
Octavius has already completed the transmission device, using Brainiac’s ship as a relay satellite. He is fascinated by the Kryptonite, or “xenomineral,” and realizes its potential to create the “ultimate neural net”. He is ready to begin the transference, eager to show the world the reach of his genius.
Galactic Ambition
Brainiac promises Ock that by working together, they will leave Earth behind and “world upon world will bow before the genius of Otto Octavius”. Ock is fully onboard, seeing this as the moment his reach finally equals his grasp. The two villains share a moment of cold, calculating ambition as they prepare to launch their broadcast.
Superman’s Weakness
In the skies over Metropolis, Superman and Spider-Man are searching for the source of the K-radiation. Superman is already feeling the effects, describing it as a painful sensation “cut with something”. Spider-Man realizes that Ock is literally broadcasting on a Kryptonite radiation band using Fast Neutrons.
Chaos in Metropolis
The broadcast begins, and the effects are immediate and horrific. All across Metropolis, people start suffering as the data stream is forced into their brains. A truck crashes, and screams fill the air as bystanders are overwhelmed by the mental override. Superman and Spider-Man watch in horror as the city descends into chaos.
The Agony of the Signal
The signal is not just distracting; it is physically painful for everyone within transmission range. Even Spider-Man feels his head pounding as “garbage” data tries to overwrite his thoughts. Superman is struggling even more, as the Kryptonite-infused signal is actively weakening him, making it difficult to maintain his flight and focus.
A Rescue in the Rubble
Despite his weakness, Superman spots a building collapse using the last of his X-ray vision. He identifies three people trapped inside with no firefighters available to help. He and Spider-Man dive into the wreckage, with Spidey using his Spider-Sense to warn of falling debris.
Heroic Partnership
Superman is visibly failing, looking like “a sneeze could drop him”. Spider-Man offers him “insurance,” using his webs and agility to provide cover while Superman focuses on the rescue. Together, they manage to pull the civilians to safety just as the building continues to crumble.
Deducing the Mastermind
After the rescue, Spider-Man notes that this level of indiscriminate slaughter isn’t Doc Ock’s typical M.O.. He suspects Ock has a partner who specializes in “raw data”. Superman agrees, realizing the scale of the threat is beyond what Octavius usually attempts.
The Plan of Attack
Superman identifies the broadcast device in a lab three blocks north. He tells Spider-Man to go and shut down Octopus while he deals with the “ally”. Superman knows the data stream is becoming fatal for the citizens of Metropolis and that they are running out of time.
Superman vs. Brainiac
Superman confronts Brainiac on his ship. Brainiac is indifferent to the suffering he is causing, stating that he is simply “cleansing” himself of a virus and that human brains are merely “trash receptacles” for the corrupted data. Despite being weakened by the ship’s internal systems, Superman prepares for a final stand against the cosmic villain.
Spider-Man vs. Doctor Octopus
Meanwhile, Spider-Man finds Doc Ock at the broadcast site. Ock reveals that he has synthesized a version of Kryptonite to neutralize Superman, but he hadn’t planned for the Wall-Crawler. Spidey tries a different tactic: he appeals to Ock’s ego, mentioning a Clark Kent article from years ago that called him a “brilliant… another Einstein”.
The Master Planner’s Gambit
Ock is briefly distracted by the mention of the article, but his pride remains his driving force. He calculates the stress points of the building and uses his tentacles to bring the entire structure down on Spider-Man, hoping to bury the hero while he finishes the transmission.
Brainiac’s Betrayal
As the fight escalates, Brainiac decides to cut his losses. He uploads his consciousness to a distant outpost and leaves the ship, cutting the power as he departs. This sends the massive vessel into a terminal trajectory, falling right toward the heart of Metropolis. Superman, still trapped in a “Kryptonite web,” calls out to Spider-Man for help.
Victory and the Daily Planet
In a final, Herculean effort, Spider-Man breaks free from the rubble and manages to deactivate Ock’s machine, stopping the lethal broadcast. This allows Superman to regain enough strength to catch Brainiac’s ship and prevent the extinction-level event. Later, at the Daily Planet, Perry White is impressed by the photos Peter took, offering him a voucher and a standing invitation to the office. The story ends with Superman and Spider-Man sharing a moment of mutual respect as they look out over a safe Metropolis, with Superman offering to show Spidey around the Superman Museum.
