Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrated by Sara PichelliToday the historic Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1 arrives in comic shops and on the Marvel Comics App kicking off an all new era for the world’s most popular super hero! You met Miles Morales this summer, but now you can learn just how this regular kid from Brooklyn gained super powers… and just how it’s all tied to Peter Parker, the original Spider-Man! But before Miles dons his all new Spider-costume, he’ll first have to deal with dangers–and secrets–like no other super hero has experienced before. Superstars Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli present the new comic bookseries that’s captured the attention of fans, press and pundits from all over the world–and deliver a new kind of super hero for the 21st century!
After much anticipation, it’s here! A new number one! A new direction! It’s a New Ultimate Spider-Man! Many people have been looking forward to the new Spider-Man Miles Morales and just how he’ll fit into the Ultimate Universe. But does this book have the proportional strength of a spider, or does it end up like Peter Parker in a Warren Ellis book?
Check it out after the cut!
While the controversy of a new and decidedly not-white Spider-Man raged on, I was quietly pro-Miles, as it gave the Ultimate Universe a chance to be different from the 616-U, while that difference wasn’t being a dick. The results though, while positive, were somewhat curious at spots. There were certain bits of blatant “comic book logic” that forced the suspension of disbelief pretty heavily and didn’t really add to the narrative.
First there’s Miles’ famous Uncle Snoop Dogg, whose job is more trouble than innocent little Miles bargained for (no, he’s not selling pot or a P-I-M-P.). While yeah, some extraordinary circumstances are pretty much par for the course, there was a lot expected of the reader. From the fact it looks like his uncle is up to no good and how the spider comes into contact, it felt a little…forced.
But it wasn’t entirely bad. In fact, it was mostly good. Miles as a lead character, while initially on the shy side, seems like someone who can truly carry a book. He seems genuinely concerned with those around him, and it seemed like his heart broke when he got something that many people were vying for. The empathy he has will certainly translate well into being a superhero, and possibly better than Peter. He’s not introduced as the epitome of a nerd with a chip on his shoulder (let’s face it, Peter had a chip on his shoulder the size of a wrestling promoter), even though he is intelligent. He’s just a good kid.
And aside from Miles, his connection to Norman, while convenient, will make for some great stories, even if I expect a kid to pee his pants when he sees the Ultimate Green Goblin. His mother and father aren’t stereotypes, and I thank Bendis every moment for that. One of my fears is that the family might have been lazily written, depending on stereotypes and tropes from other works. But I was never more glad to be wrong. Thank you, Bendis.
And speaking of Osborn, one of the best moments is in the beginning, where Osborn retells the story of Arachne and Athena, which was a particularly douche-y moment for the goddess of wisdom, and also illustrates just how Osborn sees himself in the world and simultaneously re-enforces Bendis’ belief that Norman should be the Lex Luthor of the Marvel Universe. He’s the smartest man in the room and he knows it. He’ll throw it in your face while also tossing a roll of cash to fund your research. Even if his only appearance is in a flashback, it certainly assures us he’ll be in this kids life sooner or later, as well as the Ultimate Prowler, who Miles may already know.
Working with Bendis to tell the story of Miles Morales is Sara Pichelli, whose work is some of the best I think this book or any other has ever seen. Comparable to Stuart Immonen on his best day, her layouts and character designs are gorgeous; the detail she puts into the simplest facial expression to the most intricate cityscape are phenomenal and worth the price of admission by itself. The last page, which I will not divulge for the sake of spoilers, is one of the most breath taking I’ve ever seen, and I’m wondering how she did it. Sure it looks like a simple picture, but really looking at it, it makes you think how she made it look so seamless. It was absolutely stunning. I cannot wait to see what else she adds to the series and her work in the future. Consider me a big fan.
If you’re at all curious about the new book, I implore you to check it out. Is it perfect? No, but it’s one of the better books coming from the House of Ideas lately, and it would look great in your collection. And let me tell you, Miles will melt your heart. Make mine Miles!
Final Verdict: 7.5 — Buy!
