‘Miles Morales: Spider-Man’ #2 continues the momentum

Miles’ new ongoing series is still fresh and exciting.

January 11, 2023

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #2 sees Cody Ziglar and Federico Vicentini return to follow up their excellent debut issue. We open with Miles grumbling about the chores he’s stuck with as punishment for getting suspended from school. Last issue, Miles didn’t appreciate being condescended to by his sanctimonious teacher, and uncharacteristically shared what he thought about the situation. Hence the suspension.

One aspect of Miles as a character that is unique in superhero comics is just how many people he has in his corner. Sure, superheroes always have some sort of supporting cast, but the way not one but both of Miles’ parents are alive AND aware of his double life is notable. He has multiple friends who are aware of his situation and actively support him as well. They’re so supportive and emotionally intelligent in fact, that they have taken note of Miles’ outburst in class and are trying to help. However, Miles is conflicted. There’s nothing particularly sinister happening to him at the present (that he knows of), but he is having difficulty processing just how difficult and frankly bizarre being a superhero can be. This leads Miles to indulge in both some chore procrastination and some emotional procrastination as he separately tells both Ganke and Tiana that he’ll talk to them later when they reach out. This is somewhat understandable, but we know he will run out of “laters” sooner, and more explosively, than he’ll be prepared to deal with.

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Ziglar’s dialogue is fun and breezy, even if it occasionally makes me feel a thousand years old. Miles’ conversation with Misty Knight in the middle of the issue is especially poignant and considered. They share a moment of mentorship as Misty explains how they should be investigating the criminals they’re both pursuing in a moment of solidarity as heroes of color. It almost hurts to think about how it could only happen because something else in Miles’s life is being neglected in order for him to be there.

This issue is slightly more dialogue focused than the debut issue was. Thankfully, Federico Vicentini and his pigeons are here to make every panel still feel kinetic and impactful. You really feel Tiana’s withering look of disappointment, and understand the distance Miles is establishing by avoiding eye contact with expressive faces and considered perspective work.

The lighting in this issue is exceptional as well, thanks to Bryan Valenza’s coloring. A fairly significant portion of the issue appears to take place close to sunset and the way the sun puts characters in silhouette or glints off of Starling’s visor is truly pretty.

Later in the issue, Raneem’s intentions established at the end of the previous issue come into focus, while her motivations remain murky. Her tech-heavy appearance and the various “upgrades” Miles’ foes have been acquiring make the connection between the villains clear, but exactly why Raneem is teching out Miles’ rouges gallery and tracking down his friends remains unclear and compelling. With the reveal of an exceptionally cool character design reminiscent of the villain from Insomniac’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales and an incredible aerial battle between Raneem and Starling, the issue ends with some very strong pages that leave you ready for more.