DC and Marvel are once again opening the doors between their universes, and this time they’re doing it with their biggest icons. In 2026, Superman and Spider-Man — the flagship heroes of DC Comics and Marvel Comics respectively — will share the page in a highly anticipated one-shot, Spider-Man/Superman #1. Even by the standards of modern crossover culture, this project is shaping up to be a landmark moment for the comic book industry, uniting legendary characters, superstar creators, and generations of fandom.
The announcement alone would have been enough to generate buzz, but Marvel added fuel to the fire with an early February reveal of the issue’s covers and creative details, giving fans a clearer sense of the scale and ambition behind the book. Rather than a single flagship cover, the publisher unveiled a wide array of variants from some of the most celebrated artists in the medium. Names like E.M. Gist, Pepe Larraz, Marcos Martin, Gary Frank, Todd Nauck, Sara Pichelli, Humberto Ramos, Jim Cheung, Phil Noto, and Russell Dauterman headline a lineup that reads like a hall of fame roster. For collectors, the covers alone may turn this issue into an instant must-have.
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Cover by Pepe Larraz
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Foil Variant by Mark Bagley
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Variant by Russell Dauterman
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Variant by Erik Larsen
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Variant by Erik Larsen
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Variant by Greg Capullo
On the writing side, the project is just as stacked. Brad Meltzer is leading the charge, joined by an impressive slate of collaborators that includes Geoff Johns, Louise Simonson, Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron, Joe Kelly, Stephanie Phillips, Jeph Loeb, and others. The sheer number of high-profile writers suggests a story that is both expansive and segmented, likely featuring multiple interwoven narratives spotlighting different characters and corners of each universe.
Meltzer has been especially vocal about his personal connection to the project. He described Superman and Spider-Man as characters who have shaped him more than many real-life figures, emphasizing that the story will focus on the core idea of what it means to be a good person. That thematic focus aligns perfectly with both heroes, who have long embodied responsibility, compassion, and moral clarity. Meltzer also highlighted the visual contributions of artists like Pepe Larraz, hinting that the book will be as striking visually as it is emotionally grounded.
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Variant by Peach Momoko
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Variant by Jerome Opeña
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Variant by Sara Pichelli
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Variant by Walter Simonson
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Variant by Ryan Stegman
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Variant by Gary Frank
Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski framed the crossover as both a celebration and a milestone, noting that it coincides with the 50th anniversary of previous Superman and Spider-Man team-ups. His comments suggest that accessibility is a priority, with stories designed to welcome new readers while rewarding longtime fans. That balance is crucial for a crossover of this magnitude, where the audience may include everyone from dedicated weekly pull-list readers to casual fans drawn in by the novelty.
The variant covers themselves offer tantalizing clues about the stories inside. A Gary Frank cover tied to a Geoff Johns story points to Spider-Man and Superman — along with their families — facing off against Mysterio, a villain well-suited for reality-bending crossover chaos. Humberto Ramos teases a Gwen Stacy and Lana Lang-focused tale written by Joe Kelly, hinting at character-driven moments amid the spectacle. Frank Miller contributes a cover featuring armored versions of Superman and Spider-Man alongside Batman, bringing another DC cornerstone into the visual spotlight. Skottie Young injects his signature humor into one variant, while E.M. Gist delivers a more epic, soaring depiction of the two heroes in flight.
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Variant by E.M. Gist
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Variant by Frank Miller
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Variant by Humberto Ramos
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Variant by Skottie Young
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Logo Mash-Up Variant (front)
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Logo Mash-Up Variant (back)
Other previously revealed covers include a logo mash-up pairing Spider-Man and Superman on one side with Venom and Bizarro on the other, as well as a Peach Momoko piece connected to a story by Stephanie Phillips and Phil Noto. Taken together, the covers alone communicate the crossover’s range: serious, playful, nostalgic, and modern all at once.
Beyond the Trinity-level star power, the story will reportedly involve a wider cast, including characters like Batman, Spider-Gwen, SuperBoy, and Thor. That signals a true universe-spanning event rather than a simple two-hero meet-up. The narrative stakes are expected to be large, with the collision of worlds likely driving both conflict and collaboration.
- Spider-Man/Superman #1 Wrap-Around Variant by Kaare Andrews
For fans, Spider-Man/Superman #1 represents more than a cool crossover — it’s a rare moment of unity between two competing publishers and their fanbases. These events don’t happen often, and when they do, they tend to become historic touchstones. If the creative energy and talent attached to this project are any indication, April 2026 could deliver one of the most talked-about comic releases in years.
In a medium built on imagination, the idea of Superman and Spider-Man standing side by side still feels special. For many readers, it’s the kind of dream pairing that reminds them why they fell in love with comics in the first place. And if the creators deliver on their promises, this one-shot might not just meet expectations — it could swing right past them.
Be sure to pick up this issue when it drops, and while you wait, why not check out some of DC and Marvel’s other recent crossovers like Deadpool/Batman and The Flash/Fantastic Four!


















