Morbius is a character that has a fan base, but never really sustains his own series. You can see that in the legacy numbering on this issue, which shows he’s had 43 issues. Vita Ayala and Marcelo Ferreira are on a great start in bringing this series to a new place that may just sustain a chunk of issues. In the last issue, go read it if you haven’t already, Morbius is written extremely well and the action is intense with a horror bent reminding us he’s no hero, but a monster. In issue #2 that couldn’t be more the case.
In the first few pages of this issue, Morbius is well aware he’s more monster than ever now that he’s tampered with his DNA yet again. In this scene, Ayala does a good job capturing his anguish as well as the hard truth. Utilizing another mirror shot — which effectively mirrors a moment Morbius had in the last issue — we connect with him once again, but now thanks to Ferreira’s ability to capture the grotesque nature of Morbius it is getting harder to do so. This series seems to be getting back to the basics of Morbius and his urge to drink by doubling down on his monstrousness and it works with flying colors.
Even worse…NOOOOOO! (In Darth Vader scream)
Credit: Marvel Comics
Flying kicks, too. Ferreira continues to draw great action which is not easy in close-quarter combat like we see here. I continue to marvel at the humanity Ferreira infuses in the character even as his face is becoming more inhuman by the second and blood drips from every body part. The use of color by Dono Sanchez-Almara and detailing in the shadows of Morbius’ muscular and monstrous body by inkers Roberto Poggi & Scott Hanna is also very well done. There are nooks and crannies on Morbius that’ll have you shivering. I won’t spoil it, but a fan favorite who appears at the end of the book is also expertly drawn. There is subtle detail on the character you don’t normally see capturing the shadows and light source impeccably well. On top of all this, Clayton Cowles continues to show why he’s one of the best in the business.
Ayala has done an exceptional job of capturing the duality of Morbius the monster and Morbius the victim of his own making. For too long he’s dabbled as mostly a hero and he’s being put back to where he was originally found. That’s exciting as Ayala has made the character new by recapturing what makes him work so well.
I had a blast with this second issue, which is a masterclass in shadow and light, but also the tragic hero. Don’t trade-wait this one — it’s a delight from beginning to end.
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