Marvel presents a collection of new comics perfect for first-time Spider-Man readers in the Great Power, Great Mayhem collection. Teenage superhero Spider-Man has enough on his plate keeping New York City safe from the likes of Sandman, Vulture, and Kraven the Hunter, but when you add in his life as high-schooler Peter Parker, things get REALLY stressful. Luckily, Spidey’s got web-shooters, spider-sense, and a knack for creative problem-solving on his side!

With 60 years’ worth of stories across several different comic series, it can at times be a bit intimidating for new readers attempting to jump into Spidey’s world. This collection is aimed at both newbies to Spider-Man and younger readers. The result is a set of very fun stories that do a terrific job of capturing the spirit of the character during Peter Parker’s formative years at high school where he had his first encounters with some of his most famous foes. The book is presented in a smaller format to match Marvel’s collections aimed at young readers and early teens.

Taking influence from not only the original comics, but also Spider-Man’s appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Ultimate Spider-Man, writers Steve Fox and Marco Rizzo create some ideal scenarios for a young Spider-Man to be placed in as he juggles school with fighting crime. Ranging from a day clearing a beach of rubbish being interrupted by a brawl between Sandman and Hydro-Man; Nightmare invading Peter’s mind when he is falling asleep during a school as a consequence of his double life; and Overdrive ruining Peter’s first driving lesson, each story manages to nail the core aspects of what makes for a perfect light-hearted Spider-Man story.

There’s also plenty of characters from Spidey’s long history making appearances including Aunt May, Mary Jane, Randy Robertson, Flash Thompson and more. On the villains side, you get most of the classics including Doctor Octopus, Mysterio, Kraven, Sandman and The Vulture. But there’s also some modern touches sprinkled in with Cindy Moon being one of Peter’s classmates and more modern villains including Mr. Negative, Overdrive and Screwball making their presence felt.

The art team of Claudio Sciarrone, Mario Del Pennino & Arianna Florean brings these stories to life with a great visual flair. The art is bright and energetic to match the bright tone of the stories and has a cartoony style with both European and manga influences that will appeal to today’s generation of younger fans.

Spider-Man: Great Power, Great Mayhem is loads of fun and a perfect gateway for younger readers to discover Spider-Man. An easy recommendation for a Christmas introduction to Marvel!

Spider-Man: Great Power, Great Mayhem is out now from Marvel  (9781302952297, p/b, £12.99)

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