Marvel’s extra-length issue of Amazing Spider-Man is set to introduce a brand-new hero into Marvel lore, as “Rapid” debuts in a story from award-winning author Chip Zdarsky, with the publisher promising that this new character’s “adventure in the Marvel Universe is only just beginning,” suggesting they have big plans in store for the character moving forward.

most iconic of them all, Spider-Man.

The Rapid character, who some fans have immediately guessed is a new speedster character, or a portal-generator, or perhaps an energy manipulator, has a sleek, exciting design, and appears to be an entirely new addition to Marvel’s vast roster of heroes.

"Rapid" Is The Latest Hero To The Marvel Universe, But Who Are They And What Can They Do?

Learn More In Chip Zdarsky And Cafu's Story From Giant-Size Amazing Spider Man #1

The wordless preview for Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man #1 doesn't give many hints as to who Rapid is, or what the context of their encounter with Spidey will be. All there is to go on are the few glimpses of the character released by Marvel, which feature them in a form-fitting black-and-purple suit, face partly obscured by a mask. In one , strands of purple energy crackle around them, and in the rest, the character is completely ensconced in this energy. The character's name suggests their power will be tied to movement, but the mechanics remain to be elaborated on.

Marvel's release refers to Rapid as "a hot new hero," while Spider-Man Editor Nick Lowe described them as "the coolest new Marvel character in recent memory."

The press release announcing the Spider-Man special is equally sparse when it comes to details about Rapid, yet once again, the details it does include are especially intriguing. Marvel's release refers to Rapid as "a hot new hero," while Spider-Man Editor Nick Lowe described them as "the coolest new Marvel character in recent memory." Lowe also added that Rapid "throws Spidey for a loop," suggesting that the character's introduction will have as many surprises in store for the Webslinger as it will for devoted Marvel readers.

Fans Are Already Eager To Meet Rapid, Confirming Fans Want More New Marvel Heroes

Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man #1; Available June 11, 2025 From Marvel Comics

The immediate response to Marvel's announcement of Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man #1 has been curiosity about Rapid, and perhaps the main takeaway is that much of the fandom's excitement seems to be driven by the fact that this is an entirely new character. No matter how many heroes Marvel has, new blood is always a welcome addition to the Marvel Universe, but it is often difficult for contemporary creations to make their mark among their more famous colleagues. Marvel's announcement seems to be suggesting that Rapid's introduction is calibrated to rectify that.

Another sign that suggests Marvel is seemingly "hot-shotting"Rapid to the top of its roster of heroes is the fact that the character is being introduced by Chip Zdarsky, an author who has established himself as one of the leading authorial voices in the comic book industry over the last several years. Zdarsky has done incredible work with established characters in the Marvel Universe, and if any creator can make a brand-new entry into Marvel's heroic ranks into an A-lister among the publisher's next generation of stars, it is him.

Source: Marvel.com

Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man #1 will be available June 11, 2025 from Marvel Comics.