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There's a new super-pet in the Marvel Universe, and he's already taken on an A-list supervillain and won.
We're talking of course about Stanley the Spider-Goose, the star of a two-page back-up story in August 9's Amazing Spider-Man #31 (which also carries the Legacy number of Amazing Spider-Man #925) by writer/artist Cale Atkinson.
In the adorably expressive short, Spider-Man finds himself bonding with the unlikely companion of a wild goose as they both chill on a rooftop, enjoying the New York City skyline. Spidey takes selfies with the goose, regales him with stories of his past exploits, and even gives him the somehow totally appropriate name Stanley.
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But danger strikes when Spidey and Stanley's chill hang spot is busted up by Doctor Octopus, who arrives on the roof to challenge Spider-Man to their usual fisticuffs. However, before Spider-Man can even jump into action, Doc Ock is taken aback by Stanley's presence.
Stanley - being a true super-pet at heart - leaps into the fight, pecking and harassing the bewildered Doctor Octopus until he fully retreats.
Unfortunately, Stanley takes a quick heel turn, snatching a cookie out of Spidey's pocket before flying off to newer and bigger adventures, with Spider-Man left in the lurch by his newfound frenemy.
Sadly, it doesn't seem as though Stanley the Spider-Goose is gonna be sticking around beyond this hilariously charming short story, but Marvel's super-pets are prominent enough that they're starring in a new 2023 limited series titled Marvel Unleashed. So maybe there's a future for Stanley after all.
Read up on the best animal superheroes of all time.