Review by Ian Keogh

The extrapolation of Spider-Man variations over the course of Spider-Verse spawned an even more sprawling sequel, and Covert Ops investigates what some of the alternate universe variants are up to during the events of Spider-Geddon.

It’s two very different stories, each occupying three chapters, starting with (Christopher) Priest uniting Spider-Kid, Spider-Girl, Spider-Woman and Scarlet Spider. Following a prologue detailing the desperate circumstances that eventually arise, each of the major characters is introduced, and their mission is to destroy a data crystal that could allow the revival of an unimaginably dangerous enemy. Setting events in an area where there’s danger of radioactive poisoning is novel, but also means the cast spend much of their time in lumpy protective suits, which isn’t greatly stimulating.

Paolo Siqueira draws more than anyone else (sample art left), but three chapters require four artists, meaning consistency’s hardly a strength, despite them all being good. They’re better than the story, in fact, which is loud, brash and hollow with the character notes surface only.

Spider-Girls is altogether more lively and engaging under Jody Houser because she deals efficiently with presenting characters readers can care about. Two versions of Spider-Woman are sent to an alternate universe to retrieve someone with an unnaturally strong connection to the Web of Life. We see her early as Spiderling, the daughter of a family of Spider-Men only just developing a spider-sense her parents don’t have. The story is largely from Annie’s viewpoint as she accompanies the others, and is emotionally appealing not just through her personality but because Houser applies some thought to the possibilities of other people who might be around on worlds with alternate Spider-Men.

Sympathetic cartooning from Andrés Genolet delivers the required emotions along with attractive action, and the entire set-up leads to vampires vs monsters, so what’s not to like? It even ties into the main story in a more than superficial way. The only shame is it being paired with a story you’ll never look at again. Both also appear in the Spider-Verse/Spider-Geddon Omnibus.