Spider-Man – The Short Halloween #1
đ Genre
Comedy, Superhero, Slice-of-Life
đŠž♂️ Main Characters
-
Spider-Man (Peter Parker) – The friendly neighborhood superhero trying to keep things under control on Halloween night.
-
Human Torch (Johnny Storm) – The fiery prankster and Spider-Man's frenemy, known for his impulsiveness and humor.
-
Various New Yorkers – Including partygoers, costumed citizens, and confused trick-or-treaters who add to the chaotic fun.
✍️ Writer
Bill Hader – Known for his work on Saturday Night Live, Hader brings his signature comedic timing to this unique Marvel outing.
Seth Meyers – Another SNL alumnus, Meyers contributes witty dialogue and clever storytelling that perfectly balances superhero action with humor.
đš Artist
Kevin Maguire – Renowned for his expressive character work and comedic facial illustrations, Maguire's style brings out the absurdity and charm of the story.
đ Editor Details
Editor: Tom Brevoort – A longtime Marvel editor responsible for overseeing major titles and bringing creative synergy to this one-shot.
đą Publisher and Brand
Marvel Comics – Released under the main Marvel Universe imprint (Earth-616 continuity), showcasing a lighter, standalone tale.
đ Release Year
2009
đž️ Brief Plot Summary
Spider-Man – The Short Halloween is a laugh-out-loud one-shot that unfolds over a single chaotic night. It’s Halloween in New York City, and Spider-Man is simply trying to patrol the streets and avoid trouble. Unfortunately, the Human Torch has other ideas.
After a series of mishaps involving mistaken identities, outlandish costumes, and party disasters, Spidey finds himself caught up in a mess of trickery and misunderstandings — many of which are caused by Johnny Storm’s carefree antics. From chasing down imposters to crashing a costume party, Peter’s night is anything but heroic… and that’s what makes it so unforgettable.
đ Notable Arcs or Storylines
As a one-shot, The Short Halloween stands alone but cheekily nods to the classic Batman arc The Long Halloween — playing on the title while flipping the tone completely. It's a rare Marvel story that leans heavily into satire, poking fun at superhero seriousness while embracing holiday-themed silliness.
đ§ Fan Theories or Interpretations
Fans have speculated that this comic subtly explores Peter and Johnny’s dynamic as a symbol of duality in heroism — responsibility vs. recklessness. The Halloween setting, filled with masks and misunderstandings, becomes a metaphor for the roles superheroes "wear" in public vs. who they really are underneath. Others view it as a light-hearted love letter to Marvel’s comedic potential, showing that even heroes need to laugh.
⭐ Review Summary
Spider-Man – The Short Halloween is a refreshing detour from the usual high-stakes superhero drama. The writing duo of Hader and Meyers delivers sharp, rapid-fire humor that perfectly fits Spidey's world. Kevin Maguire’s art is expressive, vibrant, and elevates the comedic beats with exaggerated reactions and dynamic paneling.
While it’s not a story of deep emotional growth or epic battles, it shines through its character charm and clever tone. If you're a fan of witty banter, holiday mischief, or the unique chemistry between Spider-Man and the Human Torch, this comic is a must-read. đđ·️đ„
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
