There’s a new Spider-Man comic on the block, and it features not one but two of them! Miles Morales and Peter Parker are teaming up for a duo series, which should get you excited, but even more exciting is the creative team. Humbert Ramos draws the book, and he’s in the top five artists ever to draw him. Next up is writer Greg Weisman, who you may know from Gargoyles. Together, they deliver one of the most kinetic issues of Spider-Man I’ve ever read.
The agility, the bendiness, and the quickness of Spider-Man is on full display in Spectacular Spider-Men #1. It’s obvious from the first page Ramos is going full tilt with crazy moves and crazy angles with a play on layouts and how far a body can bend. If you like his style, you’ll love this book. The impossibly thin limbs add to the spider-like quality of both characters. The action also never stops, pushing both characters as they fight a hulked-up Jackal. There are also some fabulous webbing effects you won’t want to miss.
The story cuts back and forth between the one battle with Jackal, Miles and Peter getting coffee, and what appears to be random moments around the city. The latter stuff honestly confused me and will likely need some kind of explaining later, or else it’s completely random. The chaotic nature of the crosscutting makes for a schizophrenic read, although there are elements that work.
That’s a big Jackal.
Credit: Marvel
One element is Peter and Miles and their whole vibe. They’re buds, and Weisman makes it clear early on this series is about their bonding. Given Peter’s luck, a giant Jackal pops up and ruins things, but the coffee shop scenes show Peter is a big dork and Miles is trying to apologize for him. Weisman also brings in some familiar supporting characters as well as some new ones to play around with.
When you put this comic down, however, it may feel a bit thin. There’s lots of characters, but given the main event is one long battle it does feel like not a lot happened. Pair that with the confusing bit about people not being able to lie, and I’m befuddled as to where this is going. That’s not a great place to leave a reader.
If you dig art that highlights the speed and agility of Spider-Men, you’ll love Spectacular Spider-Men. Weisman is laying some interesting groundwork with supporting characters on top of the fabulous art, but don’t be surprised if you’re unsure where this is all going.
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