Writer: Zeb Wells
Penciler: Patrick Scherberger
Inker: Norman Lee
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #14, “The Black Cat!”, is a fun standalone adventure by Zeb Wells that perfectly captures the playful chemistry between Spider-Man and Black Cat while staying true to the core themes that have made Spider-Man one of Marvel’s most enduring heroes. Although published as part of Marvel’s all-ages Marvel Adventures line, the issue delivers the same mix of action, humor, romance, and personal responsibility that has defined Peter Parker since his earliest appearances.
The story begins with Spider-Man crossing paths with Black Cat (Felicia Hardy), who has stolen an ancient Hawaiian idol from the Guggenheim Museum. The artifact is rumored to bring terrible bad luck to anyone who possesses it, but Felicia dismisses the legend as another superstition. Spider-Man reluctantly teams up with her, and the pair spend the evening together as a series of increasingly bizarre accidents suggests the idol’s curse may actually be real. Throughout the issue, Zeb Wells leans into the classic flirtatious relationship between Peter and Felicia, with Black Cat teasing Spider-Man while Peter struggles to stay focused on stopping the theft rather than being distracted by her charm.
This original art page captures the quiet interlude between the two halves of the story. After spending the evening chasing—and flirting with—Black Cat, Peter Parker finally sneaks back into his bedroom after a long night as Spider-Man. Believing he has escaped unnoticed, he changes back into his civilian clothes, only to discover that Aunt May has been waiting for him. She informs Peter that Liz Allan has repeatedly called because he forgot to pick her up for the school dance. In one moment, Peter realizes that while he was caught up in his adventure with Black Cat, he completely neglected his personal commitment.
That scene perfectly encapsulates one of the defining elements of Spider-Man mythology. Peter Parker’s greatest victories as Spider-Man often come at the expense of his personal life. Here, his time spent with Black Cat directly creates problems for Peter Parker, reinforcing the classic lesson that no matter how exciting superhero life becomes, there is always a personal cost. It is exactly the kind of relatable, character-driven storytelling that has kept Spider-Man relevant for generations.
The story then returns to the Guggenheim Museum, where Spider-Man reunites with Black Cat as they continue investigating the mysterious idol. Their witty banter and undeniable chemistry remain the heart of the issue, blending action with lighthearted romance in a way that recalls many of the classic Spider-Man and Black Cat stories from Marvel’s main continuity.
Artistically, Patrick Scherberger delivers expressive, animated storytelling that perfectly suits the youthful tone of the Marvel Adventures line. The page opens with a cinematic establishing shot of Peter climbing back into his bedroom before transitioning into expressive character acting as he changes clothes and reacts to Aunt May’s news. The oversized final close-up of Peter Parker’s smiling face is an especially strong image, showcasing Scherberger’s ability to convey emotion through subtle facial expressions. Norman Lee’s polished inks give the page a clean, modern finish that complements the storytelling beautifully.
Original art from the Marvel Adventures Spider-Man series appears far less frequently than pages from Marvel’s flagship Spider-Man titles, and character-focused pages featuring Peter Parker are especially desirable because they emphasize the humanity that has always defined the character. Rather than relying on splash-page action, this page tells an emotionally complete story that reminds readers why Peter Parker is just as important as Spider-Man.
