Marvel Comics has released an ominous new teaser image, confirming plans for a sequel to the "most notorious Spider-Man story ever told."
Does Spider-Man: Reign fit the bill? The four-issue limited series was released in 2006, with Kaare Andrews on writing and art duties. Set thirty years into the future, Peter Parker was forced into retirement after superheroes were outlawed by the authoritarian government's police force, "The Reign."
Suiting up once again to battle his old foes and to stop New York's villainous Mayor, Spidey eventually vanquished Venom and the Sinner Six, vowing to return to his heroic ways.
Why is the story considered "notorious"? Well, it also revealed that Mary Jane died of cancer brought on by exposure to Peter's radioactive semen during intercourse over the years.
It was an undeniably bizarre reveal, albeit one which made sense when you stop and think about it (just don't think about it too long).
It's possible this tease is a misdirect and that Andrews is instead returning to Marvel Comics for another sequel. After all, with MJ front and centre in this image, we can't help but wonder if we're getting a follow-up to the "One More Day" storyline which ended Peter and his wife's marriage.
That's quite easily Spider-Man's most notorious story as it remains a real sticking point for fans even 16 years after being published. Readers have long hoped it would somehow be undone, though the closes we've come to that is during Nick Spencer's Amazing Spider-Man run (it's widely believed Marvel Comics pulled the plug on that, along with the resurrection of the true Harry Osborn).
We'd guess a reveal is coming with Marvel's December solicitations, so expect further details to follow soon.
In the meantime, you can check out Andrews' teaser art below.