Spider-Manhas a long history of being associated with Japan, and that connection is taking a big leap forward in the newestSpider-Manmanga, entitled “Shadow Warrior.” The new manga has revealed its cover art exclusively for Screen Rant, and it’s already looking quite good.
The firstSpider-Manmanga was appropriately known as “Spider-Man: The Manga,” and ran from 1970-1971, making it one of the earliest Japanese adaptations of a Western superhero to manga form. Since then, there have been several other attempts at bringing the world ofSpider-Manto life in manga form, such asSpider-Man Jand the Marvel Mangaverse version of the character. While many of these weren’t particularly well-received,Spider-Man Manga: Shadow Warrioris looking to buck this trend and tell a story worthy of the webhead’s legacy.
Spider-Man Faces Kingpin and Venom in a New Setting
Spider-Man Takes on Edo-Period Japan Alongside the Two Villains
The new cover depicts Spider-Man staring down Kingpin, while a mysterious figure in the front dons the Venom symbiote, looking like he might be a problem for both of them. Spider-Man has a distinctly anime-esque style to his design here, whileKingpin looks as menacing as ever. Kingpin appears to be wearing some traditional Japanese garb, while Spider-Man seems to have some sort of armor over his left arm.The art and story are both by Shogo Aoki, and the manga is due for release on Jun 30, 2025.
The story focuses on versions of Peter Parker, Miles Morales, and Gwen Stacy who have followed Kingpin back in time to 19th-century Japan, where the criminal mastermind has set himself up as the governor of Edo. However, Kingpin didn’t travel through time empty-handed. He brings with him a mysterious symbiote, which soon attaches itself to a young man named Hyo, turning him into a new iteration of the super-villain Venom. This brings chaos to the already difficult situation in which the Spider-Men (and Spider-Gwen) find themselves, giving them two foes to deal with.
Spider-Man Teams Up With His Counterparts
The New Manga Brings Over Popular Spider-verse Characters like Spider-Gwen
A team-up between Parker’s Spider-Man,Morales' Spider-Man, and Gwen Stacy’s Ghost Spider is already an appealing prospect, and this unusual setting adds a number of new threats for the team to face. Kingpin has legions of samurai warriors at his disposal, in addition to the Venom symbiote. The preview pages provided with the cover art reveal the trio’s teamwork, as Peter is injured and the other two must step in to distract Kingpin while they make their escape. The other preview page offers a classic manga full-page spread, depicting the new Venom character atop a pole.
It’s certainly fun to see new interpretations of a classic character like Spider-Man, and adding two of his most popular counterparts to the mix ensures that the story will remain entertaining. If you’re keen to see how Spider-Man stops Kingpin and Venom and sets the timeline right once again, be sure to check outSpider-ManManga: Shadow Warriorwhen it hits shelves on June 12, 2025.
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is the name given to several individuals who have employed a spider-moniker throughout Marvel Comics. Typically gaining their powers through a bite from a radioactive spider, the different Spider-Man heroes employ super-strength, agility, and intellect while utilizing webbing to swing and tangle up their foes. The most notable of these Spider-Men is Peter Parker, who remains one of the most popular superheroes throughout the world.
