Published Jan 31, 2026, 8:30 AM EST
John Dodge is an MTV Writer for CBR who specializes in movies, television, comics, and pop culture. He has a deep knowledge of franchises like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel, and DC Comics, along with a passion for indie and horror titles. An expert on obscure productions from the ’80s and ’90s, John is known for his encyclopedic recall of cult classics like Beetleborgs.
Industry icon Mark Waid opens up about the editorial note that saved Superman/Spider-Man's main story before Marvel and DC officially publish each comic.
During a recent appearance on the World Balloon Comics Podcast hosted by John Siuntres, Waid discussed his decision to use Brainiac and Doctor Octopus as the villains for his opening story from the upcoming Superman/Spider-Man #1 crossover anthology issue. Surprisingly, the villains would have originally stayed largely in their own lanes if not for a single note from Marvel Comics editor Tom Brevoort.
"I thought I was done with the script, and I turned it in, and everybody was fine with it. Marvel and DC… and then Tom Brevoort had a note, and... it was a great note," Waid recalled. "He was like, 'Look, I have no skin in this game. I'm not editing this book. I'm just, as your friend, I'm giving you this note if you want to take it, but don't feel indebted to take it.'"
Waid continued, "What I had was what I ended up having. In the end, Superman and Brainiac are over here. Doc Ock and Spider-Man are over here... as Tom says, and it's so obvious in retrospect, 'I can see Superman fight Brainiac anytime. When do I get to see Superman fight Dr. Octopus? When do I get to see Spider-Man fight Brainiac?' I'm like, God d*mn it. So, that was just tearing up the floorboards, but it made for a much better story."
What To Expect From Superman/Spider-Man
Image via DC ComicsThe upcoming Superman/Spider-Man #1 anthology one-shot serves as a follow-up to 2025's hit Deadpool/Batman and Batman/Deadpool one-shot anthologies. These releases marked the first major Marvel and DC Comics crossovers in years, and went on to become the number one and number three bestselling comic book titles of 2025, respectively.
Announced back in December, Superman/Spider-Man #1 will feature eight stories from eight different all-star creative teams. While Waid and artist Jorge Jiménez will be taking on the issue's main story, the likes of Gail Simone, Greg Ruckka, Christopher Priest, Jim Lee, Daniel Sampere, and Rafa Sandoval will all be lending their talents to the title.
The official solicit synopsis for Superman/Spider-Man #1 from DC and Marvel Comics reads, "When journalists Clark Kent and Peter Parker find themselves chasing the same story, the conspiracy they uncover could change the world — especially if Brainiac and Doctor Octopus have anything to say about it. (And we bet they do!)"
The solicit adds, "Good thing our intrepid newshounds are secretly Superman and the Amazing Spider-Man. To bring this clash of reporters‑turned‑heroes to life, Mark Waid and Jorge Jiménez join forces to headline DC’s Superman/Spider-Man #1 with an unforgettable lead story."
Currently, Superman/Spider-Man #1 is slated to arrive in comic book stores everywhere on March 25. Just a few months afterward, fans can look forward to the release of Spider-Man/Superman #1 from Marvel Comics, which will serve up another round of crossover stories from some of the industry's biggest names.
The main story for Superman/Spider-Man #1 is set to be written by Brad Meltzer in his first return to Marvel Comics since 2019's massively oversized Marvel Comics #1000, which was released to celebrate 80 years of Marvel storytelling. Art for the main story from Superman/Spider-Man #1 is provided by Pepe Larraz, who joins Meltzer in pitting the eponymous heroes against Lex Luthor and Norman Osborn.
Superman/Spider-Man #1 releases wherever comics are sold on March 25.
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