Spider-Man’s Web Wings Should Be A Permanent Part Of His Costume

WhenSpider-Man was originally created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, his costume had web wings that have since disappeared. While the new Spider-Man Ben Reilly recently acquired an altered version of the wings for his new costume, concept art by iconic illustrator Alex Ross proves the web wings should make a permanent comeback in comics.

In recent years, Spider-Man has been redesigned a number of times, from his Superior Spider-Man look and the Playstation game to his Stark tech suit in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Each ambitious new design has become popular among fans, even though Spidey’s most iconic costume is extremely specific in its details. However, the web crawler has shown that he can wear a wide range of suits that embody his personality. In Alex Ross’ book containing his work for Marvel Comics throughout his career titled Marvelocity, he includes a few alternate takes on Spider-Man.

In concept art originally intended for Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, Alex Ross imagines the costume with the web wings first included by Steve Ditko. The sleek take on the suit with dark lenses and black instead of blue, proves that the web wings can look good. Although often abandoned by artists, the wings have served a practical function in allowing Spider-Man to glide, sometimes amplifying his web swinging through the city. The feature has been long forgotten by most mainstream iterations of the character, but Spider-Man 2099 AKA Miguel O’Hara has utilized them with his suit in the future. Artists might see the underarm web wings as an unnecessary element, but they also help differentiate Spider-Man’s suit from other heroes.

Alex Ross’ concept for the costume depicts a more utility-oriented Peter Parker, with his web slingers visible on his wrists. It only makes sense that this suit should also reincorporate the wings, as they enhance his ability to get from place to place in New York City. In this sense, they serve a vital need for Spider-Man to do his job and protect the city. The underarm webs might look silly to some, but they came in handy often when Lee and Ditko first worked on the title. Currently, Amazing Spider-Man #81 depicts infamous Peter Parker clone, Ben Reilly, with a new suit that includes a souped-up version of the wings that allow him to fly. Written by Saladin Ahmed with art by Carlos Gomez, the new issue validates the costume design in 2021.

As first seen on the cover of Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962), Spider-Man swung with a thug in one hand. The task might have slowed him down a bit if not for the wings. Instead, the web slinger flies through the city, bringing the criminal to the authorities. Like many of Alex Ross’ depictions of the Marvel heroes, he simultaneously shows fans how they can evolve and the reason why their initial incarnations will never get old.

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