Warning! Spoilers forAmazing Spider-Man#9 ahead!
Spider-Manfoe Shocker just got a major upgrade in Marvel lore, giving fans the version of the villain they really want to get a glimpse of in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. InAmazing Spider-Man, Shocker has reappeared with new gear and a squad of lackeys, the Aftershocks, setting him up for another memorable run as an antagonist for the Webslinger.
Amazing Spider-Man#9, by the creative team of Joe Kelly and Michael Dowling, reminds readers that Shocker is an imposing adversary, which is especially important after asomewhat underwhelming MCU appearance.
For many fans, this version of Shocker already feels like a blueprint for a future film role, leaving them eager to learn how the story plays out.
Shocker Returns As The Formidable Villain For Spider-Man MCU Fans Wanted
Shocker’s return at the start ofAmazing Spider-Man#9 finds him, and his Aftershocks gang of henchmen, successfully pulling off a heist. Later in the issue, it is revealed that this was an “audition” forTombstone, one of Marvel’s most ruthless gang leaders, who it is also confirmed paid for Shocker and his crew’s upgraded gear.
Notably, this interaction between Shocker and Tombstone hints at the economics of supervillainy in the Marvel Universe. “You’re the first hitter in years who borrowed money for an ‘upgrade’ and paid up on time,” Tombstone says. This ties back to the moment earlier when an injured, out-of-costume Peter Parker lets Shocker get away as he flees the scene of his robbery.
In other words, Spider-Man is usually there to thwart these kinds of heists, leaving bad guys dangerously indebted to Tombstone for the modifications to their supervillain gear. This time, Shocker caught Spidey at a vulnerable moment, and was able to get away and pay off his debt, leaving him more dangerous than ever and free to plan his next move.
Marvel Just Gave Readers The Version Of Shocker Than Ought To Make His Way Into A Spider-Man Movie
Shocker appeared as a minor antagonist inSpider-Man: Homecoming, and the casting of Bokeem Woodbine suggested that the producers of the MCU had bigger plans for the character, plans which haven’t materialized in subsequent films. However, should he ever return,this is the version of Shocker Woodbine deserves to play.
InHomecoming, Shocker was a member of the Vulture’s crew, and so it would be a full circle moment for him and the Aftershocks to appear in a more significant role. Alternatively, Shocker could make a great first villain for an eventual reboot of the Spider-Man films, whenever that inevitably comes.
More than just a slick new take on his look, Shocker’s appearance inAmazing Spider-Man#9 made the character intimidating, and competent as a criminal.As a perennialSpider-Manantagonist, Shockerought to be given a proper chance to prove his place in the pantheon ofmost dangerous MCU villains.
