DC’s Superman/Spider-Man Team-Up Just Turned Into Something Even Bigger

Could things possibly get any bigger in a crossover headlined by Superman and Spider-Man, the two franchise superheroes for DC Comics and Marvel Comics, respectively? That's a trick question, of course, because any comic book fan worth their salt knows things can always, literally always, get bigger — as Superman/Spider-Man #1 (alternatively known as Spider-Man/Superman #1) is continually proving ahead of its debut on March 25.

A list of new variant covers and story details have emerged during the marketing blitz for the crossover that pays homage to the original, and iconic, version that made its way to comic book stores five decades ago. And thanks to the good folks at Bleeding Cool, even more storylines and cameos are being revealed, including the Cajun himself, Remy LeBeau a.k.a. Gambit.

Look closely, and you'll notice the two ladies in that panel are Lois Lane and Mary Jane Watson, because why not, right?

More details about the upcoming Superman/Spider-Man #1 are pouring out, and some of the storylines being revealed are clear evidence that the crossover, like its original, will be a must-read but, unlike its original, features the addition/cameo of several superheroes and supervillains who didn't make it into the first iteration back in 1976.

• "Jeff Lemire and Rafa Sandoval are 'delivering a heartfelt flashback centered on Pa Kent and Uncle Ben.' It's called The Bridge, set sometime in Kansas, when Ben Parker broke down in his truck during a thunderstorm after the bridge had been washed away, and was rescued by Jonathan Kent, who then had to rescue others.

• "Christopher Priest and Daniel Sampere are 'exploring a meeting between Superboy Prime and Spider-Man during the black-suit era.' It's called Tapping In, and it seems that Superman Prime is down for talking to Spider-Man's black suit. Because Spider-Man might not know about the symbiote suit being Venom at this point, but Superboy Prime, who has read Secret Wars and all of Amazing Spider-Man does.

Spider-Man and Superman Will Have LOTS of Company

But wait, there's more, so much more.

• "Matt Fraction and Steve Lieber 'revisiting Jimmy Olsen – with a Carnage twist' in the story Jimmy Con Carnage, in which Jimmy Olsen leaves Metropolis for New York and the Daily Bugle, commanded to take photographs of Spider-Man, even if he's not entirely sure what Spider-Man looks like. He's going to make J Jonah Jameson proud.

• "And the main feature, Mark Waid and Jorge Jiménez with Truth, Justice And Great Responsibility, which 'sees Clark Kent and Peter Parker chasing the same dangerous mystery, one tied to the villainous machinations of Brainiac and Doctor Octopus. Naturally, their investigation quickly turns into a full-blown superhero crisis once Superman and Spider-Man step into the spotlight.' As Doctor Octopus, radiation expert, steals Kryptonite for his new joint venture with Brainiac, he intends to extend the reach of his arms intergalactically."

It's no small wonder Brad Meltzer is so anxious, in a good way, to bring Superman/Spider-Man #1 to the masses to kick off spring. Even a controversial and divisive alternate cover from acclaimed Batman artist Frank Miller isn't enough to derail what's coming to the top of your pull list in late March.

"I've been waiting fifty years to write this book," Meltzer said. "Superman and Spider-Man have affected me more than most real people. I carry them with me everywhere — and our story cuts to the core of what it means to be a good person. I'm honored that Nick Lowe and everyone at Marvel even asked.

"Just wait until you see Pepe’s work. Get your capes and web-shooters ready."