Spider-training gets messy, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt
Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Versity #2 continues to lean into one of the most fun ideas Marvel has given the Spider-family recently: What if a group of young and experienced Spider-heroes had to learn, train, and grow together under the watchful eye of Norman Osborn? That setup alone already carries a lot of tension, especially because Norman is still Norman Osborn. No matter how much he insists that he has changed, every smile, lesson plan, and “training exercise” comes with the uncomfortable question of whether he is truly helping these heroes or slowly setting them up for something worse.
PROS:
This issue wastes no time putting that question into action. The story opens with Bailey Briggs, Spider-Boy, thrown into a combat trial against an upgraded Spider-Slayer. What makes the scene work is that it is not just a random action sequence. Norman frames the challenge as a lesson in preparedness, forcing Bailey to think fast against an opponent designed to mimic the powers and fighting styles of Peter Parker’s past enemies. It is a clever way to test Spider-Boy while also reminding readers how dangerous Norman’s knowledge can be when it is applied with precision.
The issue also does a strong job showing the different personalities within Spider-Versity. Bailey’s nervous energy, Miles’ cautious optimism, Gwen’s skepticism, Jessica Drew’s protective instincts, and the rest of the group’s reactions all help make the team feel lively. The banter gives the book a light, youthful energy that fits the “school” concept without making it feel too childish. There is a fun campus-life vibe throughout, especially when the group moves from intense training to dorm-room jokes, late-night chaos, and the realization that being a Spider-person means college life will never be normal.
One of the best parts of the issue is how it balances comedy with genuine stakes. The bar scene with Jessica Drew and Norman is a standout because it gives the book a sharper edge. Jessica does not fully trust Norman, and her concern makes sense. She sees the danger in giving someone like him authority over powerful young heroes, especially when his idea of “training” can easily cross the line into manipulation. Norman, meanwhile, insists that he is trying to learn from his mistakes and help the Spiders realize their potential. That push and pull gives the issue more weight than a simple superhero school adventure.
The action is also visually engaging. The upgraded Spider-Slayers create a real sense of scale, and the different Spider-heroes each get moments to show what makes them unique. The fight choreography is energetic and easy to follow, with the art making good use of motion, webbing, and vertical space. The page where the Spider-team jumps into action together is especially strong, giving the issue the kind of big team-shot excitement readers expect from a Spider-Verse-style book.
CONS:
If there is one downside, it is that the issue is juggling a lot of characters at once. While that is part of the fun, some characters naturally get less room to breathe than others. Bailey, Norman, Jessica, and Gwen get the clearest emotional beats, while a few members of the team feel more like background support for now. It does not hurt the issue too much, but readers hoping for equal focus across the entire Spider-Versity cast may feel like some heroes are still waiting for their spotlight.
FINAL GRADE: A++ Since the Students did well this week. Passed with flying colors!
Overall, Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Versity #2 is a strong continuation that understands the appeal of its premise. It is funny, fast-paced, and packed with Spider-family charm, but it also keeps the tension around Norman Osborn alive in a way that makes the story feel unpredictable. The issue succeeds because it is not just about Spider-heroes fighting robots; it is about trust, mentorship, second chances, and whether someone with Norman’s history can ever truly be the right person to guide the next generation. With the Spider-Slayers going off the rails and Norman ending the issue with that classic unsettling confidence, Spider-Versity continues to be a fun and promising addition to the Spider-Man corner of Marvel. I am definitely looking forward to more shenanigans with these Amazing Spidey students!
