"Gang War"
PublisherMarvel Comics
Publication dateDecember 2023 – February 2024
Main character(s)
Creative team
Writer(s)Zeb Wells
John Romita Jr.

"Gang War" is a 2023 storyline published by Marvel Comics. It was created by Zeb Wells and John Romita Jr. The story involves Spider-Man and the local superheroes working to deal with a gang war between the different families after Tombstone was shot and the crime families plan to take over the criminal underworld.

Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 6 #39, Deadly Hands of Kung Fu: Gang War #1, and Luke Cage: Gang War #2 were dedicated in memory of Keith Giffen who died from a stroke on October 9, 2023. Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 6 #40, Luke Cage: Gang War #3, Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #14, and Spider-Woman Vol. 8 #2 saluted the retirement of Alison Gill.

Publication history

Gang War will detail the different crime families going to war after Tombstone was shot by Shotgun during the wedding of Janice Lincoln and Randy Robertson. With the crime families blaming each other for calling the hit and planning to take over the criminal underworld, Spider-Man works to keep the gang war from getting worse with help from the local superheroes while also dealing with the anti-vigilante laws that will cause all the sides to come into conflict with the NYPD.[1][2]

Plot

Lead-up

On the day when Tombstone's daughter Janice Lincoln was going to marry Robbie Robertson's son Randy Robertson, it is attended by Peter Parker, Aunt May, Martha Robertson, and the crime lords Hammerhead, Mister Negative, Crime Master, Diamondback, Madame Masque, Black Mariah, and Owl. Just then, Shotgun crashes the wedding on his motorcycle and uses special bullets to wound Tombstone. Peter Parker slips away to become Spider-Man and pursues Shotgun. He follows Shotgun through the forest until he loses him. As Tombstone is loaded into an ambulance, the crime lords blame each other for the attack. Madame Masque leaves in her limousine as Hammerhead sets off an explosive in it.[3]

As Spider-Man and Rek-Rap deal with Re-Po (who was made from Peter Parker's debt collector by Madelyne Pryor) in his mission to get Rek-Rap and the other demons back to Limbo, Hammerhead talks with his branch of the Maggia as one of them mentions about what happened to Madam Masque. Just then, they are visited by Count Nefaria who will take the blame on what happened with his daughter Madame Masque. While touching Hammerhead's head, Count Nefaria states that the crime lords will bow to the Maggia once again.[4]

As Hammerhead watches the news about Randy Robertson talking about Fisk's law, Hammerhead gets a call from his minion Jake about how they found Lady Yulan's grunts and how he speculated that Lady Yulan's grunts are either vampires or hate holy water. As Hammerhead orders Jake to take Father O'Neil home, he also tells them to lose the masks they got from the Inner Demons as they have a big day tomorrow. The next day, Hammerhead meets with Lady Yulan, Mister Negative, Owl, and Black Mariah. As Lady Yulan and Mister Negative hold each other accountable for what happened, Hammerhead states that he is backed by Count Nefaria and Silvermane as Owl states that he will stand down for now. Hammerhead states that Madame Masque's territory is up for grabs and that they'll divide Tombstone's territory. Black Mariah states that if Harlem is up for grabs and that nobody has told Janice Lincoln about it. In Tombstone's hospital room, Janice tells him that he had to fight off Black Mariah's gang and Diamondback's gang. After a brief talk with Randy, Janice as Beetle flies off. At the Seat of Power, Count Nefaria talks with Silvermane about the upcoming gang war. Just then, Silvermane loses control of his robotic body where he attacks Count Nefaria and removes his head as a mysterious person that Silvermane recognizes quoting "About the gang war, I think it sounds kind of fun"![5]

At Arthur Avenue, Owl asks who ran him out of Red Hook, Brooklyn. Crime Master denies any knowledge as he currently has a partnership with A.I.M. who are strictly defensive and mercenary as an A.I.M. Agent is seen with him. As Lady Yulan and Mister Negative still blame each other for what happened, Shang-Chi is present as he is representing the Five Weapons Society. As Diamondback has his own plans for Madame Masque's territory, Hammerhead notes that Diamondback has allied with Hydra and is suspicious that Madame Masque was offed. Diamondback states that Count Nefaria would know he would never make a move on his daughter. Janice arrives with White Rabbit as Janice states that she will not let them take her father's territory. As Spider-Man and Miles Morales apprehend Slyde, Miles brings up the time when Spider-Man was gone for six months and how he had to work with Misty Knight, Mayor Luke Cage, and Randy Robertson to get the Anti-Vigilante Act enacted by Wilson Fisk repealed. At Gracie Mansion, Mayor Luke Cage gets a call from Randy about the amount of repeal supporters attending. As Hammerhead sees the marching, Randy is approached by Janice in her Beetle attire where she could not go through with killing him and advises him to leave New York City while he still can. Just then, some gunmen show up to shoot at Randy. As Spider-Man tells Mayor Cage that he wants to help, he is surprised that nobody told Spider-Man. Spider-Man quotes "Told me what"? Robbie Robertson in Tombstone's hospital bed as a nurse informs him that Randy has been shot. As Janice wants to help Randy get through this, Robbie blames Janice for what happened and advises her to leave immediately. Hammerhead's girlfriend was surprised that he held onto Madame Masque's mask as he considers it his trophy. The girl then uses a combination of magic and an Adamantium bar to strike Hammerhead in the head. Beetle shows up and learns that the girl in question is actually Madame Masque. She reveals to Beetle that the girl who died was actually a random woman she paid to pose as her while Madame Masque posed as his date. When Madame Masque states that it is time to knock the gangs down, Beetle states that Hammerhead had Randy shot. She then mentions to Beetle that all the gangs want a war and will give it to them. At the McCarthy Medical Institute, Spider-Man shows up to give his condolences to Robbie about what happened to Randy. Robbie advises Spider-Man to catch the culprits responsible. They are both surprised when a massive gang war breaks out. As Beetle flies off telling Madame Masque that nobody will claim Harlem, Madame Masque calls up Shotgun telling him "we're go". Spider-Man informs Mayor Cage that he is about to do some superhero work as Mayor Cage states that he will keep the police out of Spider-Man's way. He quotes "Not my way, our way. I need a team".[6]

As Miles Morales aids Blade and Bloodline in fighting R'ym'r's vampire forces, Hobgoblin is looking at a map of Brooklyn.[7]

At Manhattan City Hall, Mayor Luke Cage holds a press conference to address the crime rate in the city where costumed gangs have targeted banks, related financial institutions, and tech companies that caused a lot of damages and some lives to be lost. Mayor Cage answers the questions from Stacy Combs of WNYD TV, Robbie Robertson of the Daily Bugle, and J. Jonah Jameson of the "Threats and Menaces" website about the NYPD being capable of stopping the costumed gangs and the Anti-Vigilante Act. After telling his security detail that he needs to take a leak, Mayor Cage sneaks out of City Hall and goes to Harlem to talk to Danny Rand where it is suggested that they would need some "Heroes for Hire". A waitress informs Mayor Luke Cage about the news where the NYPD is in a shootout with the costumed criminals armed with high-tech weaponry. After hailing a cab, Mayor Cage heads to the scene of the crime as the police sergeant informs him about what is happening. Though the police sergeant won't let him take action due to the Anti-Vigilante Act and advises him to call the Thunderbolts or Agent Gao and the Cape-Killers next time. Later that night, Mayor Cage talks to Danny Rand about the bullet that managed to penetrate his skin as Danny looks at a sample of it. Danny finds that it is coated in an Adamantium alloy. Mayor Cage visits a scientist named Hanson Holmes who analyzes the Adamantium alloy bullet and suspects that one person who has this skill is Alistair Smythe. Mayor Cage thought he was dead as Hanson claims that "doesn't stop the folks you fight".[lower-alpha 1] After getting a location where Alistair Smythe is, Mayor Cage gives some money to Hanson. Mayor Cage then talks with Mrs. Holmes until he gets a call about more criminal activity. Mrs. Holmes makes Mayor Cage a new costume so that he can fight the criminals. At Hunts Point in the South Bronx, Mayor Cage enters a building and fights his way past the costumed criminals. After fighting some of them, they suddenly walk away from Mayor Cage. In his laboratory, Alistair Smythe talks about bringing New York to its knees as he wishes that his father Spencer Smythe was here to see that Spider-Man was one of the problems that are no more. In Hell's Kitchen, Cloak and Dagger fight the costumed criminals. After dragging some of them into the Darkforce dimension, Cloak tells Dagger that he can sense no fear in them. Mayor Cage arrives and exposes them as robots created by Alistair Smythe. After the remaining robots flee, Mayor Cage states that he is putting together a team to battle crime in New York where he wants them as his first recruits. As more attacks occur, Cloak and Dagger tell Mayor Cage that they are in.[8]

In The Bronx, Spider-Woman is fighting Armadillo, she learns that he was working with Baron Helmut Zemo's crew upon being promised a cure and that he has no idea on what Hydra has been up to. In Financial District, Manhattan Diamondback enters a Hydra facility where he gets the status on the products he's having him produce. Madame Hydra appears on the screen stating her knowledge of the upcoming gang war and that Hydra would like to back him. In Manhattan, Jessica Drew tries to figure out what happened to her baby child. She is visited by Captain Marvel where nobody has seen her in awhile. As Carol Danvers voices her knowledge of what happened with the Web of Life,[lower-alpha 2] Jessica mentions that something of hers is missing and heads out while telling Ca to lock up for her. Captain Marvel talks with Madame Web who states that she thought the Web of Life was restored and that she knows that something is still missing. At Financial District, Manhattan, Spider-Woman infiltrates a nightclub as Diamondback tells his minions that he has made his bid to become the new Kingpin and how Captain Hydra "lost his re-election campaign" while mentioning that Hydra is now backing them. Spider-Woman then takes action and attacks Diamondback and wants answers on why he has allied with Hydra. Diamondback states that Hydra is not only giving him new drugs and summons Hydra's latest member Green Mamba who overpowers her. Diamondback and Green Mamba then leave as Diamondback asks his minions to keep an eye on her. Spider-Man later recovers and takes down Diamondback's minions. She takes a picture of a diamond as evidence and later runs into Spider-Man who states that all the crime bosses are overrunning New York City and that he is needing allies to fight them. Spider-Woman agrees to Spider-Man's proposal under the condition that she gets to take down Diamondback.[9]

Main plot

In New York City six hours after the first strike, two people work to get to Central Park where there is no fighting there when they are ambushed by Ringmaster who informs them about what is happening like Crime Master being backed by A.I.M. as he mind-controls them to join his army of brainwashed civilians as they fight Crime Master and A.I.M. From above, Spider-Man, Miles Morales, Spider-Woman, She-Hulk, and Elektra's Daredevil appearance watch the conflict from the rooftop as they join the fight with Spider-Man reminding them that there are brainwashed civilians in Ringmaster's ranks. Ringmaster tries to brainwash Elektra only to be punched by her as she has spent a lifetime training her mind. Spider-Man and Spider-Woman take down Crime Master. At Gracie Mansion, Mayor Luke Cage gets a call from Spider-Man about arranging for Crime Master, Ringmaster, and A.I.M. Agents who need processing. Luke mentions that Mister Negative is moving in on Lady Yulan's territory, Diamondback is making a play for Downtown Manhattan with Hydra's help, Hobgoblin is making noise in Brooklyn, and the commotion has stirred up Monster Metropolis under Murray Hill. One advisor mentions about Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan. Elektra heads off to deal with the trouble in Hell's Kitchen, Spider-Woman goes to Downtown to confront Diamondback, Miles Morales heads to Brooklyn, and Spider-Man asks She-Hulk to deal with Monster Metropolis while telling everyone to be careful. At Harlem, Black Mariah attacks a warehouse where White Rabbit and her henchman Kareem are hiding out. Just then, Janice Lincoln in her Beetle attire arrives with fellow Syndicate members Lady Octopus, Scorpia, and Trapstr as Beetle declares that she inherited Harlem from her father. They take down Black Mariah's men as Beetle flies her up and drops her. When Lady Octopus asks if Janice dropped her, White Rabbit states that Black Mariah will survive. A sound is heard as White Rabbit quotes "Told ya"! At Harlem Hospital Center, Robbie Robertson is by Randy Robertson's bedside. He is visited by Tombstone who is told about what is happening outside. At Murray Hill, some monsters from Monster Metropolis emerge so that they can have this "Murray" brought to them so that they can kill him and claim Murray Hill for Monster Metropolis. After She-Hulk and Spider-Man fail to reason with the monsters, they end up fighting them. Shotgun watches from above as his employer informs Shotgun that Tombstone is awake and that he can take care of it after the "Land Rush". Meanwhile, Janice informs White Rabbit, Lady Octopus, Scorpia, and Trapstr stating that Spanish Harlem is theirs with Black Mariah off the table, the Upper East Side has been taken care of by Spider-Man and is up for grabs, and would like to take care of Sugar Hill first which is near Diamondback's territory. Just then, Tombstone arrives as he gets a status report on the gang war. Janice tells her father that he wants to inherit his territory. After Beetle heads out to fight, Tombstone orders White Rabbit to take good care of her. Meanwhile, Madame Masque has locked up a still-alive Hammerhead as he claims that the made men will come for her. Back at Murray Hill, Spider-Man and She-Hulk have defeated the monsters from Monster Metropolis as they give their status reports to Mayor Cage. Just then, Spider-Man and She-Hulk are approached by Tombstone. When She-Hulk asks about Spider-Man teaming up with Tombstone before, Spider-Man quotes "I don't want to talk about it".[10]

In West Village, Rose is told by Digger that their men are ready as Rose is getting into his outfit. When Digger tells Rose that Janice Lincoln is running Tombstone's territory, Rose states "He's going to lose her first". In Meatpacking District, Manhattan, the Tracksuit Mafia are planning to move in on the Inner Demons' property until Tombstone shows up where he, Spider-Man, and She-Hulk fight them which ends with the remaining members getting away. Tombstone states that the Inner Demons won't show up here because they are too busy fighting Clan Yulan. In Downtown Manhattan, Madame Masque tells a wounded Hammerhead that she was an overlooked weapon for him. After stepping on Hammerhead's neck, Madame Masque dares him to "Call them, all of them". In Harlem, Kareem tells Janice, Electro II, Lady Octopus, Scorpia, and White Rabbit that Diamondback's group aren't going without a fight. Janice dresses up as an Inner Demon in order to put fear in Diamonback's men. Meanwhile, Tombstone tells Spider-Man and She-Hulk that he has arranged a meeting with Fisk as Spider-Man assumes that he is talking about Rose. He states that he wants to stop the gang war by making a deal with Fisk. Meanwhile, Hammerhead's men arrive only to find Madame Masque where she calls his group a failure. In addition, she also shows them Shotgun with a defeated Count Nefaria and Silvermane's head in his arms. When Shotgun throws them to the ground, Madame Masque picks up Silvermane's head and states they took an oath to follow the Maggia leaders as Silvermane's head tells them that Madame Masque leads the Maggia now. At Sugar Hill, some hoodlums are only by one of their own to call Diamondback about the company that they are getting. They are then attacked by Beetle, Electro, Lady Octopus, and Scorpia as Beetle states that they have a new boss. To her surprise, she finds that everyone else on the property was defeated by Rose and Digger. Tombstone states to Spider-Man and She-Hulk that the Fisk they are meeting with is not Rose. Spider-Man and She-Hulk are surprised that the Fisk in question is actually Wilson Fisk who is accompanied by Typhoid Mary and some Hellfire Club soldiers.[11]

As Spider-Man, She-Hulk, and Tombstone meet with Wilson Fisk, they learn from him that Rose has been drawn into the gang war and is making a play for territory and revenge. When Tombstone states that he can tell Rose that he is right here, Fisk states that he's actually going after Janice as he had enlisted some Hellfire troops to make sure this gang war goes his way. After Typhoid Mary does some taunting that annoys Fisk, Tombstone and Fisk break out in a fight that Spider-Man and She-Hulk try to break up. Meanwhile at Sugar Hill, Beetle, Electro II, Lady Octopus, Scorpia, and White Rabbit have run into Rose and Digger where Beetle states to Rose that Harlem is hers. When she insults Digger, Rose allows Digger to let them at the Sinister Syndicate. Spider-Man and She-Hulk struggle to break up the fight as Typhoid Mary joins the fight wielding an Adamantium-dipped sword that she got from Krakoa. Meanwhile, Digger grabs Lady Octopus' tentacles and Scorpia's tail. Electro II tries to shock Digger only for them to tell her that they are already dead. Then he proceeds to rip of Lady Octopus' tentacles and Beetle's wings as Beetle breaks Rose's glasses. Elsewhere, Madame Masque, Shotgun, and Silvermane's head learn about the struggle downtown between Shang-Chi and Mister Negative, their acquiring over Crime Master's former territory, and Rose fighting Beetle as Madame Masque is shown using Silvermane's head as a paperweight. When Shotgun mentions about Janice Lincoln having an army, Madame Masque mentions that Kingpin is back in town where he will not let his son get killed. While stating that it will be House of Fisk vs. House of Nefaria soon, Madame Masque tells Count Nefaria that she has a use for him. Spider-Man tries to break up the fight between Kingpin and Tombstone only for Kingpin to throw Spider-Man into the Hellfire Troopers stating that "the grownups are talking". She-Hulk gets stabbed by Typhoid Mary who stated that she was flirting with Spider-Man. Spider-Man tells the Hellfire Troopers that he's fighting "Wolverine's was right...You guys are the worst". Back at Sugar Hill, Beetle is still fighting Rose while the rest of the Sinister Syndicate are fighting Digger. Just then, some armored soldiers show up as one of them quotes "Light 'em up"! The fight between Kingpin and Tombstone ends as he gets a call from someone on what happened. Then he quotes to Tombstone "It's over"![12]

Subplots

Daredevil: Gang War

In Hell's Kitchen, Elektra's Daredevil appearance is fighting the Heat as she makes her way towards their leader. Her narration describes the Heat as a group of corrupt police officers and former police officer bringing their "brand of justice" into Hell's Kitchen. She and Daredevil once crippled their ranks.[lower-alpha 3] It was mentioned that Rafael Scarfe has taken leadership of the Heat. Some hours ago in the Upper East Side, Spider-Man has informed Mayor Luke Cage about the defeat of Crime Master, A.I.M., and Ringmaster. Mayor Luke Cage states that everybody is stretched out thin while noting that he doesn't know who he can trust to deal with the Heat. Daredevil tells Spider-Man, Miles Morales, She-Hulk, and Spider-Woman that she'll handle the Heat. Back in the present, Elektra corners Scarfe and interrogates him on who is backing the Heat. Her interrogation on Scarfe is crashed by an assassin which allows Scarfe to get away. After the assassin retreats, Elektra is contacted by Spider-Man as she informs him on what happened. After falling back to her apartment, Elektra assumes that this female assistant might be working for the Hand even though Matt Murdock sacrificed himself to destroy the Beast of the Hand[lower-alpha 4] Elektra is then visited by Owl who she goes on the defense against. He wants to call a truce as he tells Elektra that Madame Masque, Hobgoblin, Diamondback, the Heat, Lady Yulan, Mister Negative, Shang-Chi, and Ringmaster are wanting to claim New York as their own while mentioning his knowledge that someone is backing the Heat. Before leaving, Owl informs Elektra about a shipment coming in tonight that the Heat plan to obtain. A little later, Elektra informs Spider-Man about the Heat's anonymous benefactor. Arriving at Pier 87, Elektra arrives to see a late night delivery arrive. Rafael Scarfe speaks with the assassin sent by the Heat's anonymous benefactor. To tend to Rafael's injured arm, the assassin put's his arm in a box as it emerges with a prototype cannon on it. The assassin also tells the rest of the Heat that her benefactor can help provide it as Elektra prepares to attack.[13]

Elektra recaps on the day when the Heat first showed up and how she and Daredevil fought them. Back in the present, Elektra fights the Heat as Rafael Scarfe uses the prototype cannon to attack her as she does a tactical retreat. The assassin is revealed to be X-23's clone Bellona as Rafael wants her to inform her employer to hook them up with the same cannons. Rafael slices his left arm as Elektra returns and sees that Bellona has claws like Wolverine. As Elektra battles Bellona, Rafael calls to his men to evacuate him and grab whatever they can before fleeing. As the warehouse collapses, a wounded Rafael makes it out with some of the Heat trapped under the rubble. Elektra then catches up to Scarfe and knocks him out. Then she contacts Mayor Luke Cage about a building collapse and that the Heat is down for the count. As the police and fire departments show up to the ruins, Elektra goes to look for Owl. Elsewhere, Bellona meets up with her employer who turns out to be Madame Masque. After a brief talk on why Madame Masque doesn't hire other assassins to do her bidding, Bellona is given her next task which is to kill Elektra. Bellona states that "Elektra is a good as dead".[14]

Luke Cage: Gang War

At City Hall, Mayor Luke Cage informs Spider-Man about looting and vandalism outside of the fires. The police captain informs Mayor Cage about the intel regarding a run on Ryker's Island that might cause the prisoners to escape. After most of the people leave the office, Mayor Cage informs Danny Rand about putting a team together. At Hudson Yards, Jessica Jones is fighting her opponents as Mayor Cage in his superhero outfit comes to her aid. After defeating the opponents, Luke tells Jessica that they are actually Spider-Slayers built by Alistair Smythe. Meanwhile, Alistair Smythe builds more Spider-Slayers while noting about an opposition that he is facing. At Ryker's Island, the police are working to prevent the Spider-Slayers from breaking into Ryker's Island as the police captain calls headquarters to send backup. In the nick of time, Luke Cage arrives with Jessica Jones, Danny Rand, and Cloak and Dagger to fight the Spider-Slayers. Afterwards, they enter Alistair Smythe's laboratory where they fight more Spider-Slayers. Danny Rand finds Alistair Smythe and defeats the Spider-Slayers with him before being defeated by Alistair Smythe. The rest catch up to Danny to find him defeated. After Cloak teleports the Spider-Slayers away, Dagger states that Danny needs medical attention. As Alistair Smythe notes that New York's criminal underworld is rising, he escapes while setting his laboratory to self-destruct. Luke Cage's group manages to get out in time. Moments later, Mayor Cage is in his office as Alistair Smythe attacks City Hall with giant Spider-Slayers having figured out that he was the disguised hero that led the attack on his laboratory and plans to return the favor. Mayor Cage then exclaims "Sweet Christmas"![15]

In Rochester, New York, Alistair Smythe is watching the news about the gang wars where the police are overwhelmed and the governor has called in the National Guard. He recaps to how his father Spencer Smythe had built the Spider-Slayers after seeing the Sentinels fight the X-Men. Back in Manhattan, Mayor Luke Cage is grabbed by one of the giant Spider-Slayers as Cloak saves him. Despite the fact that a police officer states that he will violate the Anti-Vigilante Act, Mayor Cage tells him to take him in once all of this is over as he sends Cloak to get some backup. Alistair states to Mayor Cage that will never win. As Mayor Cage lands a punch on a giant Spider-Slayer, the police provide cover fire. Cloak shows up with Dagger, Danny Rand, and Jessica Jones. Alistair was prepared as he unleashes some normal-sized Spider-Slayers. As Danny states to Mayor Cage that they are outgunned, he runs off to pull off an idea he's got. More Spider-Slayers show up to attack Mayor Cage's group. At the Rand Corporation, Danny is in the Tech Division where he starts to get to work there. During the fight, Mayor Cage is called up by someone to come behind the gray building as they can't leave. He meets up with Danny who states that he got a specific technology from Tokyo. Mayor Cage then returns in a giant powered armor that he calls the Cagebuster.[16]

Miles Morales: Spider-Man

At Misty Knight's safe house, Miles talks with Doc Sasquatch's protege Keisha Kwan about Spider-Man and how he was missing for some months. In the present, Miles is swinging around when he finds snow on one block. He discovers that Frost Pharaoh and his group the Ank-Colytes are fighting Bumbler, Vespa, and their group the Buzz Boys. Miles Morales starts by attacking the Buzz Boys. After a flashback where Miles had trained with Misty Knight and Colleen Wing, he puts his sword training to good use as he defeats the Buzz Boys. Then Miles fights Frost Pharaoh who pilots a giant robot which gives him some difficulty. In the nick of time, Misty and Colleen arrive where they help defeat Frost Pharaoh. Afterwards, they are confronted by the Cape-Killers members Scorpion, Taskmaster, Hightail, and Gust where Agent Gao's transmission has her voicing her knowledge about the gang war that have spread the Cape Killers thin. Meanwhile, Hobgoblin approaches Aaron Davis for help with a "spider problem". Aaron states that he is a spider expert.[17]

Somewhere in Brooklyn, the Enforcers members Ox, Montana, and Fancy Dan are approached by a mysterious person who gives them an offer. Montana comments that the mysterious person is planning to give them weapons so that they would "hitch their wagons" to Hobgoblin's gang while Ox states that they should rub him out. Fancy Dan hears a noise as Hobgoblin arrives and wins them over. The mysterious person in question is revealed to be Prowler as they will get the weapons they need if they can kill Spider-Man. Meanwhile, Miles, Misty, and Colleen get into an altercation with the Cape Killers while, Starling enlists Miles' clone Shift for help. At the same time, Hobgoblin and the Enforcers watch on the screen the altercation between Spider-Man and the Cape-Killers as Prowler states that it is time for a field test. Miles contacts Peter about the Cape Killers as She-Hulk argues with Agent Gao by stating that Spider-Man and those who have been recruited by him have all been deputized by Mayor Cage. Agent Gao orders the Hightail to return to base with Misty Knight and Colleen Wing where the latter will retaliate if her swords are broken. Scorpion is put in command of investigating Hobgoblin's activities in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn as he takes Miles and Gust with him. Several blocks later, Miles, Scorpion, and Gust are attacked by Prowler and the Enforcers using high-tech weaponry. Miles fights his uncle where he states that Aaron working for Hobgoblin is low while Prowler responds that it's complicated. Despite some difficulty, Scorpion and Gust defeat the Enforcers. As Miles continues fighting Prowler, he tries to get some answers out of him. As Prowler begins to target Gust, Scorpion tackles him. Their fight rages on as Prowler is unable to find the right time to explain his motives. Just then, Starling arrives with Shift and Ms. Marvel as backup.[18]

At the Beyond Corporation, Hobgoblin chases after a scientist. As he tries to make use of the security droids, they are disrupted by Rabble. They demand that they be given a specific drive. As the scientist claims that it won't work anyway since Beyond Corporation destroyed the tracking servers ages ago. Rabble kills the scientist and claims the drive. Then he states to Hobgoblin that he spoke to the facility's A.I. as the technology they obtained will enable them to track down Queen Goblin. Miles Morales, Ms. Marvel, Shift, and Starling have successfully subdued Prowler. He states to Miles that he is not dealing in weapons and that he is trying to stop Hobgoblin while putting on a show during the fight with the Enforcers. He also mentions how Hobie Brown got him into being Prowler ever since he became the latest Hornet and has him continue acting as Prowler to find out what plans Hobgoblin has for Brooklyn. Hobie warns Aaron that he will repossess the Prowler identity if he slips up. Prowler then states that Hobgoblin is working with Rabble. Miles vows that they will stop Hobgoblin and Rabble. Meanwhile, Rabble is getting annoyed that Hobgoblin keep rushing her and how she can fix a "stupid suit" herself. Then she rants that she is broken because Spider-Man took her future from her. Once it is complete, Hobgoblin tells Rabble that they are going to show everyone what Rabble's gifts are for. Meanwhile, Miles, Prowler, Ms. Marvel, Shift, and Starling are making their way to Hobgoblin's base with Gust and Scorpion being brought along for the ride. Upon arrival, Prowler tells Miles that Hobgoblin has hired some muscle to help him out. Ms. Marvel notices Goldbug III, Lady Stilt-Man, Man-Bull, Mr. Fish I, Ricadonna, and Shocker outside the building. Prowler did state that Hobgoblin has his own personal army and are not lightweights. While Miles, Prowler, Ms. Marvel, and Gust enter the building, the others will "go loud outside". Miles tells Starling that she's part of the "loud team" because her suit has tech that Rabble can control. Scorpion, Shift, and Starling fight the villains outside. Miles, Prowler, Gus, and Ms. Marvel go through the building and make their way to the weapons lab. Miles' spider-senses go off as they are attacked by Rabble's drones. Then they are ambushed by Hobgoblin and Rabble.[19]

Deadly Hands of Kung Fu

In a flashback twenty years in the past, Zheng Zu gives a lesson in battle tactics to a young Shang-Chi. Zu warns that deception is the key to winning wars and that personal honor would lead to failure. In the present, Shang-Chi recounts his father's lessons while observing the beginning events of the Gang War from the Five Weapons Society's headquarters in Chinatown. Shang-Chi orders his warriors to stand down, as Chinatown has remained unscathed from the gang violence, against the advice from Captain Feng, who argues that inaction will make him look weak and allow the rival gangs to attack his territory. Clan Yulan fires a rocket launcher at the Society's headquarters, which provokes Shang-Chi into a confrontation with her. Lady Yulan gloats that unbeknownst to Shang-Chi, she had her vampires infiltrate Chinatown and deceived him into thinking he still controlled the area. The vampires ambush the Society, but Shang-Chi defeats them with the Ten Rings. Shang-Chi publicly announces to the rival gangs that he will crush them if they try to threaten Chinatown again just as Spider-Man arrives; his interruption unintentionally allows Clan Yulan to flee. Spider-Man confronts Shang-Chi for involving the Five Weapons Society with the other crime families despite Shang-Chi's promise to him about reforming the Society and expresses concern that Shang-Chi's threats to the other gangs will intensify the violence. Knowing that his men and Chinatown's citizens are listening to his response, Shang-Chi reassures Spider-Man that he only wants to keep Chinatown safe and promises to keep the Society confined within its borders, which satisfies Spider-Man. A disappointed Feng claims Shang-Chi could easily end the war by conquering the city with the Ten Rings, but Shang-Chi refuses due to his principles. The next day, Shang-Chi and the Society distribute supplies throughout Chinatown, but are ambushed by Mister Negative and the Inner Demons, who shoot Shang-Chi with a Darkforce cannon. Shang-Chi is able to overcome the Darkforce and destroys the cannon but collapses from his injuries and left unable to wield the Rings. Shang-Chi is taken back the Society's headquarters to recuperate, but Feng uses the opportunity stage a coup against a bedridden Shang-Chi and has his sorcerers seal the Ten Rings within a magic prison. Feng claims that Shang-Chi's actions have weakened the Society and attempts to kill him, but Shang-Chi quickly recovers and beats down Feng. Shang-Chi had anticipated Feng's coup and feigned his injuries to reveal Feng's treachery, repeating his father's lessons about deception. Feng and his loyalists flee, but the Rings remain trapped in their seal. Master Ling warns Shang-Chi that there isn't enough time for him to break the charm before the rival gangs and other heroes will come for him, but an undeterred Shang-Chi retorts that fighting unarmed is more fun.[20]

Spider-Woman

In the Financial District, Diamondback throws the owner of the penthouse that he claimed off the balcony as he tells his female assistant Narelle about the list of Wall Street executives that Hydra doesn't want him to "ice". While looking out the window, Diamondback is told by Narelle that his gang is fighting the Inner Demons and that they are holding their own against the Inner Demons thanks to the Diamondback formula that they were given. While ordering Narelle to pull their forces back so that the Inner Demons can "handle the Avenger". As for Green Mamba, he came out on top over the NYPD raid with help from his pheromone abilities. In Uptown, Jessica Drew asks Tilda Johnson about what she has learned about the Diamondback formula. Tilda states that she is not going by Nightshade anymore as her niece Logan is taking the alias "for a spin"[lower-alpha 5] Logan states that she had her job interviews cancelled because of the gang wars. Tilda states that the chemical analysis takes time as Jessica states that Tilda was recommended to her by Misty Knight. At Hydra's Typhon Group location in Battery Park the next day, Spider-Woman infiltrates the building after posing as a worker. Diamondback, Narelle, and Green Mamba meet with Madame Hydra and her scientists as Madame Hydra tells the lead scientist to call her Viper. After crawling through the elevator vent, Spider-Woman is attacked by some Hydra Agents. Spider-Woman takes them down as Madame Hydra hears the conflict where she mentions that Spider-Woman is in the building. She finds Diamondback, Madame Hydra, and Green Mamba escaping in a helicopter as she demands to know why Hydra is pumping drugs in New York City and what they did to her son. Madame Hydra states that she is no position to demand answers. As Green Mamba uses his powers on Spider-Woman, Madam Hydra states "But I can tell you this with absolute certainty, you will never see your baby boy again". Spider-Woman then begins to fall from the helicopter.[21]

Gang War territories

In the beginning of every issue, a map detailing the different territories ruled by each crime lord in New York City is displayed and constantly updated each issue whenever ownership changes during the story. Territories liberated by Spider-Man and his allies are marked with spider-symbols:[6]

Issues

Gang War: First Strike:

  • Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 6 #37-38
  • Amazing Spider-Man - Gang War First Strike #1
  • Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #12
  • Spider-Woman Vol. 8 #1
  • Luke Cage: Gang War #1

Main plot:

  • Amazing Spider-Man #39-44

Tie-ins:

  • Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #13-17
  • Daredevil: Gang War #1-4
  • Spider-Woman Vol. 8 #2-4
  • Luke Cage: Gang War #2-4
  • Deadly Hands of Kung-Fu: Gang War #1-3
  • Jackpot #1
  • Spider-Man Unlimited Infinity Comics #19

Reception

According to ComicbookRoundup, the entire event received an average rating of 7 out of 10 based on 65 reviews.[22]

Notes

  1. ↑ As seen in Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy.
  2. ↑ As seen in Spider-Man Vol. 4 #7 at the end of the "End of the Spider-Verse" storyline.
  3. ↑ As seen in Daredevil Vol. 8 #1-4.
  4. ↑ As seen in Daredevil: The Red Fist Saga.
  5. ↑ As seen in Marvel's Voices: Pride #1.

References

  1. ↑ Myrick, Joe Anthony (July 23, 2023). "Spider-Man Unites Epic New Team As Massive Gang War Erupts in Marvel's NYC". Screen Rant. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  2. ↑ Lynch, Mark (October 14, 2023). "Marvel's Spider-Man: Gang War trailer reveals a plethora of villains". Bam! Smack! Pow!. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  3. ↑ Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 6 #31. Marvel Comics.
  4. ↑ Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 6 #37. Marvel Comics.
  5. ↑ Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 6 #38. Marvel Comics.
  6. 1 2 Amazing Spider-Man - Gang War First Strike #1. Marvel Comics.
  7. ↑ Miles Morales: Spider-Man #12. Marvel Comics.
  8. ↑ Luke Cage: Gang War #1. Marvel Comics.
  9. ↑ Spider-Woman Vol. 8 #1. Marvel Comics.
  10. ↑ Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 6 #39. Marvel Comics.
  11. ↑ Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 6 #40. Marvel Comics.
  12. ↑ Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 6 #41. Marvel Comics.
  13. ↑ Daredevil: Gang War #1. Marvel Comics.
  14. ↑ Daredevil: Gang War #2. Marvel Comics.
  15. ↑ Luke Cage: Gang War #2. Marvel Comics.
  16. ↑ Luke Cage: Gang War #3. Marvel Comics.
  17. ↑ Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #13. Marvel Comics.
  18. ↑ Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #14. Marvel Comics.
  19. ↑ Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #15. Marvel Comics.
  20. ↑ Deadly Hands of Kung Fu: Gang War #1. Marvel Comics.
  21. ↑ Spider-Woman Vol. 8 #2. Marvel Comics.
  22. ↑ "Gang War Comic Book Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
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