It’s only January, and Spider-Man is already swinging in big with an Annual — and honestly, that alone got me hyped. Annuals always feel like special occasions, and this one wastes no time reminding us why Spider-Man stories resonate across generations. Right from the start, Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 (2026) puts Spider-Man center stage alongside a rookie hero on the rise: Rapid.
I was genuinely excited for this issue because Rapid is such a relatable character. He feels like a true everyman — the kind of hero that any reader can see themselves in. In many ways, he mirrors what made Peter Parker special in the first place. That grounded relatability is exactly why I knew I had to pick this Annual up. And when I saw that Screwball was also part of the mix? I knew chaos wasn’t far behind.
PROS
Rapid feels real — painfully real
One of the biggest strengths of this Annual is how well it depicts Rapid as a character. He isn’t flashy. He isn’t perfect. He’s us.
Rapid is juggling a job.
He’s taking care of his family.
He doesn’t have time for the gym.
He’s tired. He’s stressed.
And on top of all that, he’s trying to be a good superhero.
This story puts the real hardships of being a hero front and center — something we often forget when reading superhero comics. Real life doesn’t pause just because you want to do good. Bills still exist. Exhaustion is real. Responsibility doesn’t disappear. This Annual does a great job showing that sometimes, the hardest part of being a hero isn’t fighting villains — it’s finding the energy to keep going.
Spider-Man as the perfect mentor
What makes Rapid’s story even stronger is Spider-Man’s role as a mentor. Peter never treats Rapid like a sidekick. He doesn’t talk down to him. Instead, he sees Rapid as his own hero — someone with genuine potential to rise.
One of my favorite moments is Spider-Man openly acknowledging that Rapid represents a very specific kind of hero: one who faces overwhelming real-world stress, yet still chooses to go out there and save lives. As Spider-Man explains to the public in this issue, Rapid is dealing with pressures that would break most people — and yet, he still shows up.
At the end of the day, that’s what being a hero really is:
Doing good, even when times are not good.
Civilians stepping up — humanity at its best
Another highlight of the Annual is how it portrays civilians and the public. Not only do they support Spider-Man, but they rally behind Rapid as well — and it goes even further than words.
People are actively putting themselves in danger to help others. To save lives. To protect heroes like Rapid and Spider-Man. That sense of collective kindness and courage is incredibly uplifting.
This Annual shines a hopeful light on humanity’s potential — something that feels especially meaningful in today’s tumultuous world. It’s the kind of story that reminds readers why superhero comics matter: they don’t just entertain; they inspire.
Screwball chaos — wild, fun, and unsettling
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Spider-Man Annual without some madness, and Screwball delivers exactly that. Her brand of chaos is as loud, unpredictable, and visually wild as ever. The script leans fully into her unhinged energy, making her scenes a rollercoaster of absurdity and danger.
What’s especially interesting is how Screwball feels scarier now than she did years ago. Her obsession with spectacle, attention, and audience engagement has evolved — and it’s unsettling in a very modern way.
But one of the most satisfying moments comes when her audience begins to turn on her. Instead of cheering for chaos, they side with Spider-Man and Rapid. It’s a powerful rejection of cruelty-for-entertainment, and it reinforces the idea that people ultimately crave heroes, not spectacle.
Mental health and self-care — an important reminder
One of the most grounded and important themes in this Annual is the focus on self-care and mental health. Rapid is plagued by headaches throughout the story, and for a while, he fears it’s something deadly or power-related.
But the truth is simpler — and more relatable.
He’s exhausted.
He’s overwhelmed.
He’s burning out.
That realization hits home. It’s a reminder not just for Rapid, but for readers as well: rest matters. Taking care of yourself isn’t weakness — it’s survival. Sometimes the most heroic thing you can do is slow down, recharge, and protect your own well-being.
CONS
I wanted more story
My only real complaint is that for an Annual, I expected the story to be longer or meatier. By the time I reached the end, I genuinely thought there would be another big chunk of story left — and I was surprised when it was already over. That’s not because the content was bad, but because it was so engaging that I wanted more time with these characters.
FINAL GRADE: A
Conclusion
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 (2026) is a heartfelt, inspiring story that highlights what makes Spider-Man stories timeless. Rapid is a fantastic addition to the Spider-Man mythos — a hero with enormous potential, grounded humanity, and a journey that feels just beginning. I’m genuinely excited to see more of him and to watch him grow not just as a superhero, but as a person.
Seeing Spider-Man stand beside him — not above him — makes that journey even more powerful. If this Annual is any indication, Rapid has a bright future ahead, and I can’t wait to see where his story goes next.
English (US) · 