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Is It Good? Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man #1 Review

Comic Books

Is It Good? Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man #1 Review

The Marvel Ultimate Universe underwent a bit of change up with the last big event, with many titles coming to an end only to begin anew with a fresh start. One title that came back, Ultimate Spider-Man is still being written by Brian Michael Bendis, longtime writer of the comic. It’s a new jumping on point for the comic, but can it hook the readers in and get them interested? Is it good?


Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man #1 (Marvel Comics)


miles-morales-the-ultimate-spider-man-1-cover

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Time has passed since Galactus showed up and nearly wiped New Jersey off the map. S.H.I.E.L.D. is gone and is transporting its remaining prisoners away to other prisons and jails, including one very special prisoner by the name of Norman Osborn; two wannabe Spider-Man lookalikes are robbing businesses and armored trucks and Miles Morales is about to make a big leap in his relationship with Kate Bishop. Things will soon be changing again.

miles-morales-the-ultimate-spider-man-1-nick-fury-peter-parker
To be perfectly honest, I don’t think S.H.I.E.L.D. would have had too much of a problem if you socked the guy earlier.

I’ve been trying to keep up with the Ultimate Spider-Man comics, but I fell behind quickly due to the fact that I have only been reading the trade collections (not even the hardcovers, the paperbacks which come out even more slowly). So a lot of what has been going on with Miles’ story, like his relationship with Kate or his dad not talking to him, I’m not overly familiar with the details on. However, as a first issue and a new jumping on point, Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man should allow me to get into the comic without too much difficulty, right? This is… sort of true.

For a brand new #1, this issue wasn’t particularly very good at introducing new readers into the series. Yes, there is a nice little recap and summary page at the beginning, but it doesn’t offer up any details or insights into what it all means (like what the Roxxon Corp is and why is it evil or why won’t his father talk to him?). The issue sort of introduces all of the characters along with some insight into what they’re like, but you don’t really get to know them all that well outside of the basic characteristics and story roles. One area where the comic definitely nailed the feeling of a new beginning is through it’s delivery of new storylines and surprises that’ll continue throughout the run but a little more explanation for new readers just jumping aboard would have been nice.

miles-morales-the-ultimate-spider-man-1-crates
You sir live in a comic book universe; I think you are referring to the wrong person about who is too stupid here.

Notwithstanding, if you an old, continuing, or even returning (like you missed a few issues like myself) reader this issue shouldn’t pose any difficulties in terms of enjoyment or getting into what is offered. It follows up on the previous events very well; the new twists, surprises, and progression will definitely have fans interested in where the story is going next. The character development and moments are strong, especially Miles conversations with his friend, Ganke. It’s a good return overall thanks to strong writing overall from dialogue to the pacing. This issue is definitely worth reading if you have been reading up until now.

The artwork is by David Marquez, who has been drawing Ultimate Spider-Man in the past, and his work is strong. The characters look very distinct from their faces down to their body types, unlike many other comics I’ve seen out there. The layouts are good, easy to read and follow, and there are no awkward transition and sudden changes. Imagery and mood is strong at points, especially with one of the surprises that happens in the book. Overall, it’s a good looking comic and fans of the book should have no problems with it at all.

miles-morales-the-ultimate-spider-man-1-spidey
Don’t make me come down there and wash your mouth out with soap young man.

Is It Good?

Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man #1 is a great debut. The storylines are intriguing, the character work is solid, the writing is strong, and the artwork is even stronger. The issue is not very good at bringing in new audiences as it has tons of backstory and continuity built up and included therein but old and returning fans will certainly find a true and satisfying experience.

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