Superhero publishers often find themselves chasing their hits with schedules clogged by year round events and so many series creating sequels for stories dated by their decade, so it’s easy for readers to grow cynical. Dark Web #1 introduces an event that offers itself as a sequel to the beloved X-Men crossover of the 1980s: “Inferno.” It features the return of the Goblin Queen with the force of Limbo in tow to terrorize New York City in an event set to run through many series, miniseries, and one-shots with bookends (Dark Web: Dusk #1, this issue, being the beginning). The most notable change this time is that Peter Parker’s clone Ben Reilly joins Jean Grey’s clone in the role of antagonist – making the sequel a Spider-Man crossover, as well. Yet from the midst of much continuity and nostalgia emerges a story that thrills readers entirely of its own accord in a brilliant introduction to a sincerely promising event.
