History
Composition[]
After being kissed by Adriana Soria, Peter Parker underwent a metamorphosis into a giant spider before molting into a restored human form with augmented spider powers.[1][2] Several years later, Adriana Soria approached Miles Warren and presented him with a tissue sample of Peter Parker's molted spider body.[3] Using this tissue sample, the Jackal engineered a virus that mutated those infected into Homo arachnus.[4]
Symptoms[]
Those infected by the Spider-Virus are connected to the Web of Life and Destiny,[5] which in turn amplifies the Queen's own connection to the Web to the point where she is able to attain godlike power.[6] The virus has three stages, which progress over time or can be triggered by the Queen using her connection to the Web of Life and Insect Manipulation telepathy.
Initially the virus was spread by genetically-engineered bedbugs, though it later mutated into a highly contagious airborne form. The only beings unaffected by the virus were various superheroes, though in an alternate universe the virus mutated further to enable the infection of superpowered beings.[7]
The first stage of the Spider-Virus bestowed the infected individuals with powers identical to those possessed by Spider-Man after his first encounter with the Queen.
The second stage of the Spider-Virus begins the infected individuals' metamorphosis, growing extra limbs, fangs, claws, compound eyes, and hair.
The third stage of the Spider-Virus either transforms the infected individuals into giant spiders or humanoid spider-monsters. The metamorphosed individuals are under the control of the Queen, who is able to control them in the same manner as Homo insectus.
Notably, Anya Corazon, possibly due to being a totemic avatar of the Web of Life and Destiny, kept the powers bestowed by the virus's initial stage even after being exposed to the cure.
Cures[]
The only known cures for the Spider-Virus are the antibodies produced by the Anti-Venom symbiote,[6] being mutated by a substance like the Goblin Formula, Connors Formula, or Michael Morbius's pseudo-vampire serum, or items like the Godstone.[8]
Jack Russell was infected while in human form, but could cause the virus to go into temporary remission by transforming into Werewolf by Night. This was presumably due to the mystical nature of Russell's shapeshifting, as no level of immunity was observable in the Hulk (though it's possible that Bruce Banner, who the Hulk was never shown turning back into, was the uninfected half of their being).[7]
Notable People Infected[]
- Captain America/Spider-King (Steve Rogers)
- Spider-Girl (Anya Corazon) (Kept her powers even after being exposed to the cure.)
- Shocker (Herman Schultz)
- Carlie Cooper
- Max Modell
- Sajani Jaffrey
- J. Jonah Jameson
- Mary Jane Watson
- Wilson Fisk
- Hercules
Notes
- This virus, having mutated to the point of infecting every single person who is not some other kind of mutate, also appears in Earth-19919.
- After the initial outbreak, vials containing the virus were kept in Horizon Labs for study before they were stolen by Sin-Eater.[9]
See Also
- 24 appearance(s) of Spider-Virus
- 5 minor appearance(s) of Spider-Virus
- 10 mention(s) of Spider-Virus
- 1 image(s) of Spider-Virus