An Introduction to Spider-Man: Homecoming

In Homecoming, we meet with a young Peter Parker following the events of Captain America: Civil War, returning to live with his Aunt May and coming to terms with his powers and identity. And, in any case, as director Jon Watts states, ‘you can only kill Uncle Ben so many times’.

‘It’s not a hug; I’m just reaching for the door.’

Homecoming sees Parker team-up with Tony Stark, which is by no means a new collaboration; Spidey and Iron Man thrilled audiences fighting together on the same side in Civil War; and yet, in Homecoming, Empire Online commented that Robert Downey, Jr. ‘literally phones in most of his performance, but in the best possible way.’

From the comics, we know that this team-up can be effective, and we would expect Parker to enjoy his augmented abilities as part of the Stark-designed suit. But what will the ramifications of this crossover be? Indeed, will the suit (as Stark’s motives seem likely to) hinder as well as they might help Parker in any way?

‘That guy’s still out there – I just gotta do this on my own.’

‘That guy’ is Adrian Toomes, an aged but augmented bank robber. That guy’s alias is The Vulture, played by the brilliant Birdman himself, Michael Keaton. Keaton’s Vulture hates Stark because of his wealth. Keaton’s Vulture will likely hate Spidey for sticking up for Stark. Stark will tell Parker not to get involved in supervillain business. Stark will save Parker initially. Spidey will then likely save Stark from The Vulture’s fatal claws. And the rest is anyone’s guess…