Notice! This post contains SPOILERS for Amazing Spider-Man #64Spider-Man I just used a Pokémon to defeat a god in a big magical showdown (seriously). Taking place during the new "8 Deaths of Spider-Man" storyline, Peter Parker is starting to get pretty good as a rookie spellcaster, having been chosen by Doctor Doom, the current Sorcerer Supreme, to enter the Cyttorak Yearly Pact, which helps keep the world safe from countless cosmic threats. That said, the Webslinger's new Pokémon-themed attack is a testament to his own hilarious genius, in addition to Spider-Man's new magical armor provided by Doom.
As seen in Amazing Spider-Man #64 by Justina Ireland and Marcio Menyz, Spider-Man faces the fourth and fifth Scions of Cyttorak, starting with Callix, who is accompanied by two vicious hellhound-type monsters. Having already died and been magically brought back three times, Spider-Man is quite determined to win his fourth confrontation without having to lose his life once again. To that end, Spider-Man casts a surprising spell, which allows him to gain an advantage thanks to a very powerful and legendary Pokémon.
Spider-Man Just Used Arceus During His Newest Magic Showdown
Yes, THAT Arceus
As seen in the new issue of Marvel Comics, Spider-Man uses the “Binding of Arceus” to trap Callix's ferocious canines. Although Callix is initially unimpressed with the spell, he is shocked to see his dogs completely unraveled and sent back to where they came from. Hilariously, Spider-Man confirms that he used a different spell than the one he spoke out loud, while also adding that Arceus is in fact a Pokémon, and not an actual source of magical power drawn from the Marvel Universe.
Hilariously, the name of Spider-Man's Pokémon is pretty good, especially considering the ploy isn't fully revealed until the next page. This means that Pokémon fans who read this issue were probably initially confused by the spell's fake name before realizing that the use of the legendary Pokémon's name was intentional rather than some kind of weird coincidence. Likewise, it's also important proof that Spider-Man is still just as nerdy and pop culture-loving as any of us in real life. It's also quite fitting that Arceus is a god in the Pokémon universe, having created the entire world.
Spider-Man's new Pokémon reference cements his status as an epic Marvel Magic user
The Ultimate Spell Casting Strategy
Quick on your feet, Spider-Man's new strategy of saying a completely fake spell out loud to hide the intended spell before it's too late is a very smart move. Plus, using a Pokémon's name is just icing on the hilarious cake. It certainly proves that one of the strongest elements of the entire Marvel Universe will always be Spider-Man's sense of humor in the face of great danger (and in this case his likely death).
"While the Pokémon strategy was pretty cool, it's certainly the kind of thing that can only be done once (maybe twice)..."
After Callix's defeat, the issue ends with Spider-Man preparing to face his sister Cyra. As such, it will be very exciting to see how far this sense of humor will be able to go in light of all the extreme pain and suffering that Spider-Man has faced with each death and resurrection.. While the Pokémon strategy was pretty cool, it's certainly the kind of thing that can only be done once (maybe twice).
Amazing Spider-Man #64 is now on sale at Marvel Comics.