Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Spider-Boy #8

Throughout decades of storytelling, Spider-Man has worn some of the most dynamic and iconic costumes in Marvel Comics history, but the latest update to the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’s ensemble highlights one of his most important attributes – his scientific background. From his otherworldly Captain Universe attire to his iconic red-and-blue Webslinger outfit, Peter Parker has a different Spider-suit for every occasion, and now, his wardrobe includes a lab coat.

Spider-Boy #8 – written by Dan Slott, with art by Jason Loo – Spider-Man teaming up with his titular former sidekick to return villain Madame Monstrosity’s mutated Humanimals to human form. Using his years of experience with man/animal hybrids like the Lizard – and even himself back when he turned into a giant spider – Peter undoes their devolution while evolving his own iconic look.

Wearing his traditional Spider-Man costume, Parker’s ensemble includes a white lab coat, a fun nod both to the issue’s predicament, and his scientific expertise. However, this wardrobe change fits Spider-Man better than he probably realizes.

Spider-Man’s Lab Coat Signifies That His Intellect Is His Greatest Strength

Spider-Boy #8 – Written By Dan Slott; Art By Jason Loo, Erick Arciniega, & VC’s Joe Caramagna

Spider-Man is well known for his amazing physical power, but his greatest strength has always been his incredible scientific mind. Not only has it allowed him to use his powers in incredible ways since he first became a Friendly Neighborhood Wallcrawler, but it allowed a teenage Peter Parker to develop ingenious scientific breakthroughs like his trademark web-fluid or his miniature spider-tracers on a budget that could hardly qualify as a fraction of the size afforded to his fellow geniuses like Reed Richards or Iron Man.

Clearly, Pete isn’t going to add this coat to his standard wardrobe anytime soon, but it’s still a clothing choice that has some serious potential. Should Spider-Man choose to embrace his roots more fully, there are plenty of ways for him to incorporate a red and blue scientist’s coat – potentially with built-in web gliders and hidden compartments for all sorts of arachnid accessories. It might get in the way of his web-swinging here and there, but Peter Parker used to be married to a supermodel, so there’s no question he knows a thing or two about fashion over function.

Spider-Man’s History Is Defined By His Brilliant Mind

Peter’s Genius Made Him Who He Is

Spider-Man’s intellect has always been his greatest strength, and a scientist’s lab coat over his traditional superhero costume is a fun nod to the academic background that made him the hero he is to this day. While a coat may not be the most practical costume choice for an acrobatic arachnid, Peter Parker pulls off the look more than he probably even realizes. However, if this more experimental ensemble becomes a regular look, he’s probably going to have to start going by Doc Spider-Man.