Doctor Octopus might be in control of Spider-Man’s body, but what happens when he is possessed by Venom?

(Panini Books)

The tangled web weaved by Otto Octavius, whose mind has been transplanted into the body of Peter Parker, is slowly beginning to unravel…

Not only has he lost the support of NY Mayor Jonah Jameson, he has also alienated his Aunt May, his colleagues in the Avengers are growing increasingly concerned about his behaviour, and behind the scenes the Goblin King is secretly seizing power over the city’s underworld.

But even as Otto’s arrogance blinds him to what is happening around him, the Superior Spider-Man finds himself bonding with the Venom symbiote, which sends him on a violent crimefighting spree, and further undermines his personal relationships.

With more power at his disposal than ever before, it could take the combined forces of the Avengers to finally bring the Superior Spider-Venom down, but is that a strategy his estranged teammates are prepared to follow?

The end begins here for the Superior Spider-Man. With just one collected volume left in the series, it is evident here that writer Dan Slott is moving all of his pieces into play for the final spectacular showdown between Octavius and the Goblin King…

But before we reach the grand finale, there’s still so much to relish in this innovative new take on Spidey, which has done more to invigorate the 50-plus year-old character than any other development in his long career. Sure, it’s not Peter Parker’s psyche spinning those webs, but it’s still his physical body, reputation and personal relationships which are at stake here.

There’s never been any doubt that Parker will eventually reclaim control from Octavius, but the thrill has been in the ride, and how Slott will actually resolve this horrendous mess he has created for the much-loved hero.

Again, we start to see the first signs of his masterplan coming to fruition here, although there’s a long way to go before the resolution, and no guarantees all of the various players will still be alive at the end.

Another fantastic instalment in the Superior Spider-Man series, which has continued to deliver the goods throughout its run.