Dark Reign: Sinister Spider-Man #3 – 2009 delivers a twisted, darkly humorous chapter in Marvel's bold Dark Reign era, placing the spotlight on one of the most chaotic and morally ambiguous characters to ever wear the Spider-Man suit—Mac Gargan, formerly the Scorpion, now fully bonded with the Venom symbiote. With Norman Osborn in charge of national security and reshaping the superhero landscape through his Dark Avengers, Gargan steps into the role of Spider-Man—not as a hero, but as a dangerous fraud with a monstrous appetite and no moral compass.

Written by Brian Reed, this issue continues to blur the line between satire, villainy, and black comedy. Gargan, posing as the public’s beloved web-slinger, is anything but heroic. His internal conflict with the symbiote, his disturbing impulses, and his utter disregard for human life are on full display. At the same time, Reed explores what happens when a villain is forced to wear the mask of a hero—offering an ironic twist to the superhero persona that Spider-Man represents.

In this third chapter, the facade begins to fray. While the media buys into the illusion of the Sinister Spider-Man, cracks begin to show in Gargan’s sanity and self-control. He’s pursued by new threats, questioned by allies, and increasingly tormented by the Venom symbiote's hunger and aggression. The result is a volatile mix of tension, violence, and twisted humour.

Chris Bachalo’s art style is a perfect match for this offbeat and chaotic tale. His signature kinetic layouts, warped perspectives, and gritty character designs bring out the surreal, grotesque nature of Gargan’s Spider-Man. Bachalo gives the book a frenetic pace and visual weirdness that enhances the distorted lens through which this version of Spider-Man is portrayed. The colours are rich and almost feverish, complementing the visceral tone of the narrative.

This issue continues to explore themes of identity, media manipulation, and the corruption of ideals—a core aspect of the Dark Reign storyline. It’s a must-read for fans who enjoy seeing classic Marvel characters twisted into new, morally grey forms.

Each copy is carefully preserved in an acid-free comic bag with a rigid backing board, ensuring protection for long-term storage or display. Orders are shipped promptly in a reinforced cardboard mailer, designed to safeguard the comic from bends, impacts, or corner wear. Enjoy fast UK delivery with professional-grade packaging, ideal for collectors and fans of the darker corners of the Marvel Universe.

Dark Reign: Sinister Spider-Man #3 (2009) is a darkly engaging instalment in a unique miniseries that pulls no punches in its portrayal of villainy masquerading as heroism.