Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man #1 – Review

by Brian Michael Bendis (Writer), David Marquez (Artist), Justin Ponsor (Color).

Spoiler Alert!

The Story: In the wake of Cataclysm Miles attempts to find his way as more than one familiar face returns.

The Review: Damn! after 200 issues this series continues to just run like clockwork, it’s rarely if ever less than good and the most recent volume of Ultimate Spider-man continues to deliver. In the aftermath of Galactus destroying New Jersey and attempting to consume the earth, Miles Morales is attempting to make sense of his life now that his father has abandoned him.

While his new status as an orphan is at the forefront of his mind so too is his ongoing romance with Katie Bishop, this marks an enjoyable distinction from the previous volume where the relationship was relatively underdeveloped. While it’s nice to see more of a renewed focus on the romance of this book, Katie is such an unknown factor compared to MJ, Gwen and Kitty in the Peter Parker days that it’s hard to buy that Miles is considering coming clean with her. Hopefully readers will get to learn more about Katie and who she is as a character in upcoming issues.

Miles dealing with his father’s abandonment of him is pretty interesting now that Miles has no parental figure in his life, it further separates and distinguishes Miles from Peter Parker. It can be rough for a teenager to not have the adult guidance that a parent can provide and so it’ll prove interesting to see how the character deals with this absence moving forward. As of right now Miles has a support group that consists of Ganke, Katie, MJ and Gwen but the lack of an adult presence in the book does make it feel like a critical element is missing, Spider-man is about youth but it’s hard to make that point without contrast.

Age of Ultron #10 – Review

By: Alex Maleev, Bryan Hitch & Paul Neary, Butch Guice, Brandon Peterson, Carlos Pacheco & Roger Benet w/ Tom Palmer, David Marquez, Joe Quesada (Artists), Paul Mounts & Richard Isanove (Color Artists), VC’s Cory Petit (Letterer)

Review: I finished Naughty Dog’s PS3 magnum opus The Last of Us last night. It was terrific. I won’t spoil anything for my fellow gamers out there but suffice it to say that it’s got a pretty unexpected ending, far more ambiguous and open to interpretation than many of the potential finales fans suggested. Crowning the entertaining and tension-fueled hours that led up to that point, the ending managed to tie everything off neatly; it faithfully resolved its protagonists’ journeys and was bold enough to make like there won’t ever be a sequel – like it counted – even though such a thing is inevitable because money. That, my friends, is how it’s done. You do not do it like Age of Ultron #10.

 And why not? Because this issue winds up feeling more like a slap in the face than a fulfilling denouement. Even viewed on its own merits this is a troubled comic.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #22 – Review

By: Brian Michael Bendis (Writer), Sara Pichelli (Art), Justin Ponsor (Colors), VC’s Cory Petit (Letterer)

The Review: You may not have noticed but Bendis is putting out another event book at the moment, a small indie title called Age of Ultron about a robot looking for love in all the wrong places. It’s pretty cool, and I recommend you check it out if you’ve not already done so. But away from that side-project, Venom War rages on in the pages of Ultimate Comics Spider-Man; and it’s awesome. While it remains to be seen just how much of an impact AoU will have on its universe, Venom War marches confidently ahead, creating several key moments which are sure to echo down the halls of Ultimate Spider-Man continuity for an eternity. Or maybe not. After all, this issue does end with Miles’ tearing his costume to pieces and shouting “No more!”

Is that a spoiler? Not really. This aspect of future issues has been relatively well publicized by the cover to next month’s issue, a homage to the classic Romita ‘costume in a trashcan’ image from Amazing Spider-Man #50. And as interesting as that destination is, the more interesting thing is the action-packed, heart-wrenching journey that gets us there.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #20 – Review

By: Brian Michael Bendis (Writer), Sara Pichelli (Artist), Justin Ponsor (Colors), Cory Petit (Lettering)

Review: When I look at the triumvirate of titles that currently makes up the Ultimate universe I can’t help but give thanks for Ultimate Comics Spider-Man. Brian Wood’s Ultimate Comics X-Men has me somewhat on the fence; on one hand I admire the courage taken in burdening its cast with such a dour outlook, but on the other I find it exasperating waiting for something – anything- truly exciting to happen. As for Sam Humpries’ Ultimate Comics Ultimates…well, the less said about that the better; alas, I’m down with the 1610 ‘til it – or I – suffer an inevitably gore-soaked death, and will plod along by its side loyally until then.

But Ultimate Comics Spider-Man is a different beast altogether. Brilliantly scripted by a revitalised Bendis and illustrated by a small rotating cast of top-flight artists, I’m hard-pressed to remember a time when a comic from The Big Two has consistently delivered the goods for this long.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #16.1 Review

By: Brian Michael Bendis (Writer), David Marquez (Artist), Justin Ponsor (Colorist), Cory Petit (Letterer)

The Review: At first glance this is kind of a strange move from Ultimate Comics Spider-Man. The book’s technically still in the midst of the Divided We Fall/United We Stand storylinebut has taken the decision to drop a Point.One issue just before the crossover draws to a close. This is most likely down to editorial requirements so that Spider-Man and the Ultimates ship their conclusions to the event in the same month, but no matter; even when this creative team are dealt a logistical curveball they still manage to smash it out of the park.

Essentially this issue follows The Daily Bugle’s Betty Brant, hot on the trail of Spider-Man’s secret identity for an article which she hopes will propel her to stardom. She starts with a close inspection of the footage of Miles’ climactic fight with his Uncle Aaron when she stumbles across five important little words: “You are…just…like me.” Betty recognizes this as one of the most decisive moments in this new Spidey’s mythology and sets out to discover the truth behind the character’s origin. Betty first digs into Uncle Aaron’s history as costumed thief The Prowler, and then uncovers a major find while scouring his abandoned apartment for clues – this in turn leads to some minor revelations regarding Oscorp’s role in how our hero received his powers. Some final snooping on Miles and his family seems to fill in the remaining blanks. At its heart this story is a procedural drama about one journalist’s quest to land the biggest scoop of her career, and even with Spider-Man himself barely making an appearance it’s still a thoroughly engrossing read.

I’m not quite sure how Bendis does it. He’s been writing this title for well over 10 years but still seems to approach each issue like it’s his first, always brimming with energy and enthusiasm. While he’s been known to make a habit of composing his scripts a little on the talk-heavy side, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man benefits the most from this practice with a series of convincing back-and-forth exchanges between Brant and her often-reticent cast of contacts. With the Police she’s sweet and charming while with her source at Roxxon she’s a hard-nosed manipulator who’s quick to resort to blackmail to get the information she needs. The book’s best moments see her butt heads with J Jonah Jameson over the veracity and/or need for this story. Here’s where that decade-plus history on the book really comes into play. Bendis has crafted the Bugle’s Editor-in-Chief into a character whose history with Spider-Man is deep and rich, a man who’s learned the hard way what it means to put the story before the person it affects. In my mind he almost steals the show from Brant, but both are wonderfully handled here.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #5 – Review

By: Brian Michael Bendis (writer), Chris Samnee (art), Justin Ponsor (colors),

The Story: Uncle Aaron learns not to trust other criminals, and Miles stops his first mugging. They grow up so fast!

The Review: When I first started reading comics, Ultimate Spider-Man was the first Marvel book I picked up. The promise of fresh stories not mired by decades of continuity drew me in, but it was the quality and charm of that book hooked me. I have been a fan of the series all the way through its run, and have really appreciated how classy and mature Marvel has been about the death and replacement of Peter Parker with Miles Morales. I eagerly awaited each issue of our new hero’s introductory arc, and savored each one. However, after reading Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #6, oddly, I am beginning to miss Peter.

Before we get to that though, let’s talk about the issue on its own merits. Honestly, it’s pretty good. While I miss the absolutely gorgeous work of Sara Pichelli, Chris Samnee does a fine job as fill-in artist. His style is far more cartoony than Pichelli’s, but he misses none of the nuance in the script, he gives the action great fluidity, and really captures Miles as still a kid figuring out the whole super-hero gig. Samnee also manages to give intensity to the more serious parts of the story, like Uncle Aaron’s encounter with the new Scorpion and Miles’ confrontation with his Mom about his family’s troubles with the law. There are some minor flaws, however; in a few panels, Miles appears to be about forty rather than thirteen, and for some reason when we see an image of Peter Parker, the spider symbol on his costume is upside down.

I’m also conflicted about the colors, courtesy of Justin Ponsor. Personally, I don’t care for such flat colors in this title. I can’t help but feel that more vibrant choices would have better matched both the inks and the tone of the story. But to be fair, Ponsor does succeed in producing an urban vibe in this issue, allowing the tones of concrete and brick to dominate the page. Also, this dull quality is actually pretty effective in Aaron’s scenes, helping Samnee’s art communicate a more sinister and unwelcoming atmosphere.

Rob G’s Top Ten Number #1’s

The following list is my picks for the best first issues, based on comics that have been released during by tenure as a hobbyist, i.e the past twenty years. They are from series that were or are ongoing series, not minis. The only factor in choosing these books was simple: Greatness.

1. Y The Last Man

Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra

Unmatched storytelling and utterly masterful writing. So many plot threads perfectly bundled up in perhaps the best example of non-linear storytelling.

2. Four Eyes

Joe Kelly and Max Fiumara

An incredibly unique story, told perfectly with outstanding art. Whips you up and takes you to a place that is both familiar and fantastic.

3. Preacher

Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon

Like Y The Last Man, an expertly crafted story, with brilliant pacing and perfect dialogue. Plus, insanely novel concepts and characters.

4. The Walking Dead

Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore

A regular paged issue that seems like a novella. Haunting, engaging, fun and most importantly, Rick is a character you want to travel with.

5. Batman and Robin

Grant Morrison and Frank Quietley

Morrison and Quietly. Usually that says it all, but this was something unexpected with its new take on the dynamic duo, creating a new mythos rather than perfecting an old one– like they do in All Star Superman.

6. Planetary

Warren Ellis and John Cassady

Mind-bending and genre-jarring. Ellis scoops you up while Cassaday blows you away. For Sci-Fi, there is Firefly for TV and Planetary for Comics.

7. All Star Superman

Grant Morrison and Frank Quietley

Everything Superman should be  in both character  and appearance. Also, perhaps the best colored comic in the past 15 years.

8. The Ultimates

Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch

The Avengers you want and a team of characters that make sense. Story hits you as the art wows.

9. Ultimate Spider-Man

Brian Bendis and Mark Bagely

The best Spider-Man ever. Period. Perhaps the most endearing comic character ever created. Instant love.

10. The Unwritten/Invincible

Mike Carey and Peter Gross/Robert Kirkman and Corey Walker

Both these issues set up addicting stories and characters. Like the other comics in this list, greatness was evident from the get-go.

Be sure to weigh-in in the comment section!

Ultimate Spider-Man Requiem #1 – Review

By Brian Bendis (writer), Mark Bagley and Stuart Immonen (pencils) Scott Hanna and Wade von Grawbadger (inks), Pete Pantazis, Justin Ponsor, and Edgar Delgado (colors)

The Story: In the aftermath of Ultimatum, JJ Jameson is full of repentance and remorse for his non-stop attacks against Peter Parker, Ultimate Spider-Man. He digs up a story about Spidey saving the day and rescuing Tony Stark and Mary Jane from hydra agents. As the heroic story hits home and resonates with JJ, he is delivered the terrible news that Spider-Man is dead.

What’s Good: Everything. Seriously. This is a great one-and-done tale of Bendis and Bagley at their best. This is the kind of story that made USM one of the best series ever and why all comic fans should hope that Bendis can resurrect the greatness of this series in Ultimate Spider-Man.

I can’t decide what is better the art or the writing here. I’ve always held that what makes a great artist is not as much the technical know-how, but the decision the artists makes in depicting a scene. Bagley has a rare knack for this talent and I always thought he was born to draw USM. He captures the excitement, actions, and true sentimentality that infuse this comic the magic that only comic books are capable of creating. Immonen book ends this comic, but it is really Bagley’s show here and he totally steals it.

Bendis crafts a natural and interesting dialogue here that may circle around cliche subjects, but end up coming off great between Mary Jane and Iron Man. Spidey has his typical witty lines and as he used to do regularly, Bendis had me laughing out loud with the delivery and content of Spidey’s jokes.

This issue is meant to be a eulogy and in that effort it is a complete success. Just like a eulogy wants to bring out the good in a person and honor them, this comic does just that, showcasing the best of USM. Also, just like a eulogy it makes one realize what you miss.

Listen, I’m not trying to sound too dramatic and corny here but you get my point. USM was one of the best comics and Ultimate Spidey was probably the best incarnation of Peter Parker ever. And whether or not Peter is actually dead, this era has come to an end.

What’s Not So Good: I can see that some readers might be upset that this issue doesn’t shed any light on what happened to Peter at Strange’s manor during Ultimatum. But seriously, who wants to revisit Ultimatum? And really, does it matter if Peter is dead? Or how he died? Ultimatum has cemented the Ultimate Universe as a place where creators get to create interesting takes and perspective on characters. It can never be taken “for real” like the major Marvel U. Just bring back Peter for the next series and pretend that Ultimatum never happened. Why not just start the whole Ultimate Universe completely with no, and I mean no connection to the current Ultimate Universe? Just create a new pocket dimension and call it a day.

Conclusion: Long time fans of USM should buy this issue to relive what made this series so good. Non-readers of USM should buy this issue to get a taste of what you missed– hopefully it’ll motivate you to track down the trades of this series. I for one can’t wait for the second part of USM Requiem.

Grade: A

-Rob G.

Ultimate Spider-Man #132 – Review

By Brian Bendis (writer), Stuart Immonen (pencils), Wade Von Grawbadger (inks), Justin Ponsor (colors)

The Story: Ultimatum drudges on in Ultimate Spider-Man like sludge through a sewer. New York is still destroyed and people are still scrambling for survival.  Spidey and the Hulk confront monsters at Doctor Strange’s mansion,  while the people closest to Peter look for him, dramatically.

What’s Good: Peter’s inner-monologue and overall personality is highly kinetic and enjoyable. As alway, Bendis has a great and consistent take on Spider-Man. Although they can border on campy, I like Peter’s supporting cast and despite that they are supposed to be teenagers but act like they are plucked from 30 Something, they help this issue stay above water. Even if they only make a brief appearance.

I am also a big fan of Stuart Immonen; and the great art in this issue is par for the course with him. Spidey has been drawn by all the greats and I think Immonen’s particular take ranks up there with the best. In this issue, due to induced nightmares on the central characters, Immonen gets to draw a range of characters and action and nails it all.

What’s Not So Good: It’s really hard to care about what’s transpiring in this issue. In fact, it is difficult to not be resentful that the great world of Ultimate Spider-Man is being sacrificed for Ultimatum. There are so many pointless detours in this story, like Hulk being haunted by those who he killed and diving into Ultimate Dr. Strange– a character who has never worked.

I was also really confused about the main villain in this issue as all of a sudden he showed up as a blue Human Torch; but before that was supposed to be a spirit or something. At one point, like me, Spidey asked, “Why is this happening?” I guess we were both clueless.

I like the idea of a Hulk/Spidey team up and last issue was an excellent depiction of this dynamic (remember Peter telling Hulk, “Friends don’t smash friends”? How awesome was that?). But in this issue, the relationship was flat and didn’t add anything to the story. Also, seeing Hulk rage his way into defeating a spirit was a little illogical.

Conclusion: Its official: Ultimatum has ruined the Ultimate Universe– literally, as the bad of Loeb’s Ultimatum’s is stronger than the good of Bendis’ USM. Also, I hope Bendis isn’t planning on killing Spidey, but I think he is and replacing him with…Spider-Woman! I guess, for some unknown reason, one prominent Spider-Woman, found in the regular Marvel U, is not enough for Bendis to work with.

Although this issue is rather poor, it is a necessary piece in the puzzle. I’m hoping that the next issue will have a big rebound as the characters and plotlines coalesce.

Grade: C-

-Rob G.

Ultimate Spider-Man #128 – Review

By Brian Michael Bendis (writer), Stuart Immonen (pencils), Wade von Grawbadger (inker), Justin Ponsor (colorist)

The Story: The “War of the Symbiotes” arc concludes neatly with all plot threads tied and all mysteries surfaced. Peter confronts the haunting presences of both Carnage, in the form of a resurrected Gwen Stacey and Venom, in the guise of a desperate and driven Eddie Brock.  Additionally, the true motives and identity of Ultimate Beatle is finally revealed.

Eddie crosses the line by threatening Aunt May that leads to Peter  Parker instigating an especially memorable battle between Carnage and Venom that decides the ultimate fate of both.

What’s Good? This issue incorporates all the elements that make Ultimate Spider-Man click. There’s the personal drama dynamic, embodied in Peter’s brotherly love for Gwen. There’s the Super Villain threat for Peter to deal with. Then there is Peter’s innocent and pure moral compass working on overtime in the most dangerous of situations, which makes him impossibly endearing.  Lastly, we have Peter’s rage directed at Eddie; an emotion rarely displayed by Peter (I think the last time was when he clocked Nick Fury over the apparent death of Harry Osborne) but drives some of the most memorable and authentic depictions of him.
Stuart Immonen is Marvel’s Ryan Ottley. In my opinion, he is doing some of the most novel, creative, and up surging art out there. His snouted demon dog/evil ape Venom monster is remarkable.  Also, who can forget the haunting image of frail, little 16 year-old Gwen sitting helpless while sporting a Carnage face?

What’s Not So Good? Some of the dialogue at the end of the issue featuring Carol Danvers was a little clunky and unnatural, but to be fair it was lost in the great interactions between Tony Stark and Peter.

Conclusion: USM rarely disappoints and this issues in no exception. I look forward to seeing how this series will operate post Ultimatum, but I suspect everything will remain stellar in Bendis’ hands.

Grade: A-

-Rob G.

Ultimate Spider-Man #119 – Review

By Brian Michael Bendis (writer), Stuart Immonen (pencils), Wade Von Grawbadger (inks), Justin Ponsor (colors)

So Liz Allen’s the new Firestar, eh? I’m not sure how I feel about this, to be honest. My concern is that she’s already “too close” to Peter. Granted, this is an ensemble book of sorts, but there’s already one mutant in Peter’s supporting cast – do we need another?

This issue picks up where last month’s left off. Liz is flying around, freaking out, and Iceman comes to her rescue. Completely confused and in denial about the possibility of being a mutant, Liz flies off. Kenny, acting upon his suspicions of Peter being Spider-Man, tells him to go after Liz. In a moment of hesitation, Peter confirms Kenny’s theory and does what he’s told. The list of people knowing Peter’s identity continues to grow.

Eventually, Spidey catches up with Liz and Iceman (who went after her too). They explain to her the choices she’ll soon have to make in her life. This moment is particularly funny as Peter continuously tries to give her the “With great power,” spiel only to be interrupted time and again. This whole revelation with Liz’s new found powers plays out exactly as it should until it’s interrupted by an expected guest.

Brian Bendis once again delivers some top notch dialog. Sure, the story doesn’t advance as much as I’d like, and the beach sequence is a little too stretched out, but because the writing is so well done, I can let it go. Stuart Immonen’s art doesn’t blow me away like it did last issue, and there’s a few panels where Spidey’s head looks really weird, but problems aside, his art is solid throughout.

All the formalities are out of the way, now let’s see some action!  (Grade: B-)

-J. Montes

Ultimate Spider-Man #118 – Review

By: Brian Michael Bendis (Writer), Stuart Immonen (Pencils), Wade Von Grawbadger (Inks), Justin Ponsor (Colors)

I love Mark Bagley’s body of work on Ultimate Spider-Man. When I think of the title, his name will always be synonymous with it, much like Romita Sr. and Ditko and Amazing Spider-Man. But Stuart Immonen’s art, while drastically different than Bagley’s in style, knows how to flow with Brian Bendis’ script.

A look at the first page in Ultimate Spider-Man #118 clearly shows this. The way Pete can’t focus on his studies because of Harry’s death and how the shadows begin to set in his room really makes for a powerful opening. No words are needed because the panel speaks so powerfully for itself. The line work he puts in his characters remind me much of Leinil Yu (I think it’s the eyes, too), and his attention to detail, especially in the mall scene, is meticulous. Kudos to Justin Ponsor who does a great coloring job. His colors really amplify the mood of the book and bring a lot of life to Immonen’s work.

This issue marks the beginning of the “Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends” story arc, and it’s a perfect place for readers to jump on. Bendis does a ton of character work this issue and it’s such a good read. It’s all driven by the characters’ thoughts and there’s lots of “Aaaarghh’ss” to be read, but it’s hilarious. Everyone has their concerns and problems, and Bendis just nails the life of a young person. Johnny Storm arriving at school to cause trouble with everyone is downright hilarious and Firestar’s identity is sure to surprise! Month to month, Ultimate Spider-Man delivers. This issue is no different. (Grade: A)

– J.Montes