The MCU version ofSpider-Manis getting an updated origin story, thanks to the comic book prequel to the upcoming Disney+ seriesYour Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, which details the earliest days of the cinematic Webslinger, with some surprising twists. One of those twists is theinclusion ofRunawayshero Nico Minoru, who will have a critical role to play in the series.
AIPT offered a sneak preview of the new series, as well as an interview with author Christos Gage, and artist Eric Gapstur, who offered some exciting insights into what to expect fromYour Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man#1.
The series takes place in an alternate timeline, branching off from the main MCU continuity, that mirrors events that happen in the MCU, but with slight changes. Changes, such as Peter Parker’s mentor being Norman Osborn instead of Tony Stark, and instead of friends like Ned Leeds and Michelle Jones-Watson, his friends include Harry Osborn, Amadeus Cho, and even Nico Minoru.
Runaways' Nico Minoru Joins The Cast Of Marvel’s Alternate Timeline MCU Spider-Man Series
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man#1 – Written By Christos Gage; Art By Eric Gapstur; Available June 18, 2025 From Marvel Comics
Series writer Christos Gage teased the appearance of Nico fromRunawaysas part ofYour Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’sexciting new take on the Tom Holland MCU iteration of the character. As Gage explained:
“While this is definitely Peter Parker, the Spidey we know and love, he’s got a new cast of supporting characters – including Nico Minoru, who you may know from Runaways – and some surprising twists!”
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Manwas originally supposed to be based in the MCU proper, exploring the origins ofTom Holland’s Spider-Man, but that was eventually changed in favor of an alternate universe, with adifferent version of the character.The upside is that this has allowed the creators behind the series – on the page and on screen – a greater degree of creative freedom.
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One exciting result of that is the inclusion of Nico Minoru as an ally of Peter Parker;Minoru is a powerful witch, best known as one of the Runaways. In early images for theYour Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Manshow, Nico is seen meeting Pater Parker while Doctor Strange fights off a symbiote. Nico’s weapon of choice is the Staff of One; the staff is a part of Nico, and whenever she needs it, all she needs to do is spill blood. With the Staff of One, Nico can use any spell, but each spell cannot be attempted more than once.
Nico Minoru Returns To The MCU With Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, But The Character Won’t Be Exactly The Same
Nico Previously Appeared In The Runaways TV Show
Nico Minoru first appeared in Marvel ComicsRunawaysseries, and subsequently had a key role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe adaptation of the comic,in theRunawaysTV series. That means Nico is not new to the MCU, despite not having appeared in any of the films yet. Of course, this is an alternate continuity version of the character, meaning she will not be exactly like she was in any of her prior appearances; once more,the people working onYour Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Manhave creative leeway with the character.
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Nico Minoru is voiced by Grace Song inYour Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,a different actor than inRunaways.It remains to be determined what role, exactly, the character will play in the series. Nico may just be a friend of Peter Parker, but with the direction this show is taking, filling it with tons of heroes, Nico will probably have a bigger role to play than justSpider-Man’sfriend. The question is if she will be as powerful of a witch as her comics' counterpart.
Source:AIPT
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man#1will be available August 15, 2025, from Marvel Comics.
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is the name given to several individuals who have employed a spider-moniker throughout Marvel Comics. Typically gaining their powers through a bite from a radioactive spider, the different Spider-Man heroes employ super-strength, agility, and intellect while utilizing webbing to swing and tangle up their foes. The most notable of these Spider-Men is Peter Parker, who remains one of the most popular superheroes throughout the world.
