Warning: SPOILERS for Spider-Man #2
The world may never get to see J.J. Abrams direct a Spider-Man movie, but thanks to Marvel Comics he's still getting the chance to create his version of the web-slinging superhero with his son, Henry. While also delivering the best possible Star Wars cameo fans could ever hope for.
Readers shouldn't hope for a collision of the Star Wars and Marvel Universe just yet (despite Disney now owning both), but the Abramses' take on Spider-Man does keep much of the new trilogy's 'out with the old' spirit alive. Sure, Peter Parker's son becoming Spider-Man could probably never happen on film, but Abrams is making the most of the opportunity regardless. Because if Marvel won't let him carry his longest running Lost/Star Trek/Star Wars cameo into the MCU, he can do it in comics. Believe it or not, Greg Grunberg just made his Marvel Comics debut.
Even if readers don't know Grunberg's name, they will certainly know his face--as an actor, at least, and not necessarily as Abrams's human Easter Egg, childhood friend, and ongoing good luck charm.
After playing a regular on Felicity, a CIA agent in Alias, the dying pilot on Lost, a 'friend' of Ethan Hunt's in Mission: Impossible III, and the voice of Jim Kirk's stepdad in Star Trek, Grunberg got promoted to the big time in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. His role as Temmin "Snap" Wexley, star pilot of the Resistance alongside Poe Dameron, gave him an extensive role in the Star Wars comic books and novels. And in Spider-Man #2, he makes his leap to the comic book page in Marvel's world (albeit an alternate one in which Mary Jane was killed, and Spider-Man quit).
In the comic issue, he plays a civilian trapped in the rubble of what used to be the Oscorp Headquarters. Considering that more than a decade has passed since Spider-Man swung through New York City, he's more than a little confused to be rescued by the wallcrawler. Not as confused as Ben Parker, obviously, since he's not even really sure if he is Spider-Man. Not yet, anyway. The good news is that the unnamed man is rescued by a superhero his friend claimed was probably washed up, earning serious bragging rights. All things considered, the kind of comic relief part that Grunberg probably would play, were this a live-action adaptation.
While this is technically an Abrams Easter Egg, credit must also go to artist Sara Pichelli for capturing the actor's likeness well enough to be instantly recognized. The issue drops new mysteries of its own, too--beginning with the destruction of the Oscorp building as a possible attempt to lure this new Spider-Man out, so Cadaverous can kill him, as well (for what purpose, we don't yet know). For now readers can find the credits and plot synopsis below, before heading to pick up their own issue of Grunberg memorabilia from the closest comic book shop.
- Spider-Man #2 (of 6)
- Written by: Henry Abrams, JJ Abrams
- Art by: Sara Pichelli
- Cover by: Olivier Coipel
- The most anticipated comic event of the year continues from J.J. Abrams (Star Wars, Star Trek, Lost, Alias), Henry Abrams and Sara Pichelli (SPIDER-MAN, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY)! Peter and Mary Jane have had their first run in with the new villain Cadaverous and it did not go well. What horrific impact from this horrific villain will scar them the worst?!
Spider-Man #2 is available now from your local comic book shop, or direct from Marvel Comics.