Marvel is kicking off a big year for Spider-Man by teaming the iconic Webslinger with a next generation superhero, the fan-favorite speedster Rapid. While fans expect the MCU’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day to force Peter Parker to grow up fast, in the comics he is playing the role of established mentor to his new protégé.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2026 Annual #1 is written by Saladin Ahmed, with art by Federico Vincenti. The preview for the issue starts with Rapid seeking Spider-Man’s counsel, before they are interrupted by the villain Screwball.
Marvel fans are eager for Peter Parker to help guide the next group of young Marvel heroes, starting with Rapid.
Spider-Man Takes On A Mentorship Role, As The New Marvel Hero “Rapid” Returns
The Amazing Spider-Man 2026 Annual #1, Written By Saladin Ahmed, Art By Federico Vincenti; Available January 28, 2026 From Marvel Comics
Rapid made a splash with his Marvel Comics debut in last year’s Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man #1. The character’s costume, powers, and personality, as it has manifested so far, all mark him out as having staying power in Marvel canon. Now, the hero is once more teaming up with the iconic hero Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man 2026 Annual #1.
However, as the preview makes clear, Rapid is having trouble adapting to the “great responsibility” that comes with having “great power.” He’s having a hard time making time to go out and be a hero, when he also has a family to support. His father counts on him to use his powers to slow “the cancer…eating his brain.”
And most notably, Rapid’s powers are taking a toll on him. Before readers can learn more, the villain Screwball interrupts the conversation. However, the scene up to that point speaks to how Marvel can best use Spider-Man in today’s comics: to help elevate and support new heroes still trying to find their audience.
Rapid Needs Spider-Man’s Help To Become An Established Marvel Hero, And Spider-Man Needs To Finally Grow Up
Peter Parker’s Future In Marvel Lore Involves Helping The Next Era’s Heroes Develop
It’s clear Marvel has plans for Rapid beyond The Amazing Spider-Man 2026 Annual #1. The question is whether Marvel will commit to letting Peter Parker play the mentor role to the extent necessary to truly help the new hero blossom. Many of Spider-Man lore’s modern problems stem from Marvel’s hesitation to let Peter grow up.
Yet as the MCU features a young Peter at much the same point of his career as Rapid is in the comics now, Marvel can change what readers know about the canon version of Spider-Man by finally letting him embrace an “elder statesmen” role shepherding the next generation of heroes.
- First Appearance
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Amazing Fantasy
- Alias
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Peter Parker, Ben Reilly, Otto Octavius, Yu Komori, Kaine Parker, Pavitr Prabhakar, William Braddock, Miles Morales, Kurt Wagner
- Alliance
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Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Secret Defenders, Future Foundation, Heroes for Hire, Mighty Avengers, New Avengers, Web-Warriors
- Race
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Human