Quick answer: No, there is no official “zombie Spider-Man” character in Marvel comics. However, Spider-Man has been depicted as a zombie or zombie-like creature in some alternate universe and “What If?” storylines.
The idea of a zombie or undead version of Spider-Man is an interesting thought experiment for fans. Seeing the iconic superhero turned into a mindless flesh-eating monster makes for a fun horror twist on the traditional Spider-Man mythos. While not part of mainstream Marvel canon, the zombie Spider-Man concept allows writers to explore the darker, weirder corners of the Spider-Man universe.
Background on Spider-Man
Spider-Man is one of Marvel’s most popular and recognizable superheroes. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Spider-Man first appeared in 1962’s Amazing Fantasy #15. His classic origin story involves teenager Peter Parker gaining superpowers after being bitten by a radioactive spider.
Spider-Man’s key abilities include:
– Wall-crawling and sticking to surfaces
– Superhuman strength, speed, and agility
– A “spider sense” that alerts him to danger
– Genius-level intellect and inventiveness
Spider-Man is known for his red and blue costume, web shooters, spider emblem, and quippy sense of humor. He operates in New York City and is constantly struggling to balance his superhero and personal lives.
Key Characteristics
– Secret identity: Peter Parker
– Base of operations: New York City
– Alliances: Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men
– Rogues gallery: Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Venom, Carnage
– Love interests: Mary Jane Watson, Gwen Stacy, Felicia Hardy/Black Cat
Spider-Man remains one of Marvel’s most moral and upright heroes. He has an extremely strong no-kill code and sense of responsibility. This makes the concept of a zombified Spider-Man especially disturbing.
Zombie Versions of Spider-Man
Here are some of the main instances where Spider-Man or alternate versions of him have been depicted as zombies or zombie-like creatures:
Marvel Zombies (2005-2009)
This series takes place in an alternate universe designated Earth-2149, where a zombie plague has ravaged Marvel’s superhero population. A zombified version of Spider-Man is one of the main characters. This Spider-Man retains his powers and intellect but is overwhelmed by a desire to eat human flesh.
In contrast to his Earth-616 counterpart, the Marvel Zombies Spider-Man is a violent anti-hero who will readily resort to murder and cannibalism. He plays a central role in spreading the techno-organic virus that causes the zombie outbreak.
Marvel Zombies Return (2009-2010)
A follow-up series featuring multiple zombie-based realities. One of these worlds designated “Earth Z” features a Spider-Man who becomes infected but has enough willpower to avoid eating humans. He works on a cure and helps other uninfected heroes such as the Thing survive the apocalypse.
This take depicts a Spider-Man struggling to hold onto his humanity after being turned into a zombie. It’s a more heroic and tragic twist than his amoral Marvel Zombies counterpart.
“What If Spider-Man Had Stopped The Burglar Who Killed His Uncle?” (1989)
An issue of the classic What If? series that imagines an alternate reality where Spider-Man catches his Uncle Ben’s murderer before the burglar gets away. Consequently, this Spider-Man never learns his pivotal lesson about power and responsibility.
Without that essential moment, he becomes selfish, arrogant, and greedy. After getting access to an ancient spellbook, this corrupted Spider-Man transforms himself into a six-armed “Spider Monster” with the powers of a zombie.
Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth #8 (2010)
In this Deadpool story, Wade Wilson ends up in the Marvel Zombies universe and encounters the flesh-hungry Spider-Man. After an initial scuffle, Deadpool reasons with Spider-Man and convinces him to use his powers heroically.
Spider-Man restrains his hunger and works with Deadpool to try and find a cure for the zombie virus. In the process, he temporarily reclaims some of his humanity.
Powers and Abilities of Zombie Spider-Man
Most zombie or zombie-like versions of Spider-Man retain his basic powerset with some monstrous tweaks:
– Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, and durability
– Wall-crawling and adhesion
– Spider sense
– Web shooting and web manipulation
– Genius intellect (dimmed in feral zombie state)
– Infectious bite that can turn victims into zombies
– Ability to re-animate and control the dead (in some timelines)
– Loss of inhibition and increased aggression/rage
– Insatiable hunger for human flesh
– Deteriorating physical form with organs/limbs exposed
The addition of zombification makes Spider-Man an even more formidable threat. His strength and lack of restraint are boosted while his typically brilliant mind becomes more animalistic and predatory.
However, some iterations like Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth present a Spider-Man struggling against the zombie hunger. This suggests his core morality hasn’t been entirely consumed.
Notable Appearances
| Comic | Description |
|---|---|
| Marvel Zombies | Main protagonist, spread zombie plague |
| Marvel Zombies Return: Earth Z | Infected but avoided eating humans |
| What If? #17 (1989) | Transformed into monstrous “Spider Monster” |
| Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth #8 | Temporarily resists zombie hunger |
Some other cameo appearances include:
– Marvel Zombies Dead Days – Seen hunting victims
– Ultimate Fantastic Four #23 – Appears through portal
– Marvel Zombies vs. Army of Darkness #5 – Alternate good zombie version
– Exiles #85 – Infected by a zombie Sue Storm
The wide-ranging Marvel multiverse provides opportunities to remix Spider-Man in endless ways. The zombie versions are some of the more macabre takes on the character.
Analysis and Significance
The zombie Spider-Man concept allows for creative storytelling within the superhero genre:
Explores the Dark Side of Familiar Characters
Seeing wholesome icons like Spider-Man turned into zombies helps subvert expectations. It takes the characters and readers out of their comfort zone. The stories often examine just how far heroes can fall under the right circumstances.
Blends Superhero and Horror Tropes
Zombie tales tap into themes of contagion, apocalypse, and survival horror. Combining this with superheroes adds extra layers to both genres. It’s an opportunity to mesh comic book action with chilling zombie drama.
Allows for Exaggerated Action
As an undead monster driven by base desires, zombie Spider-Man can indulge in over-the-top violence and destruction. This provides justification for epic, gruesome comic book battles.
Poses Interesting Moral Questions
If Spider-Man loses control and starts hurting others against his will, does it make him evil? Can he be redeemed? The zombie premise creates complex morality issues.
Fan Wish Fulfillment
Fans likely enjoy seeing Spider-Man cut loose without his normal restraints. The zombie persona liberates him from the typical codes of superhero conduct.
Conclusion
While not an official mainstream version, zombie Spider-Man is a regular fixture across Marvel’s alternate realities, What If? issues, and horror-inspired comics. He encapsulates themes of plague, loss of control, and moral regression. The zombie premise removes Spider-Man’s inhibitions and human constraints, resulting in a terrifyingly formidable force. Yet in some portrayals, his core values shine through. Ultimately, the zombie interpretation provides writers with opportunities to break conventions and offer fresh twists on an iconic hero.