Cody Ziglar and Federico Vicentini have been putting Miles Morales through the ringer ever since they boarded Miles Morales: Spider-Man. Miles has found a ferocious new enemy in Rabble, a new boss in Misty Knight and new uses of his electrostatic “venom blast” ability – but he’s also been pushed to his limit mentally and physically, with the events of Blood Hunt transforming him into a vampire. Miles Morales: Spider-Man #25 features another major paradigm shift, especially with the guest star that’s in its pages.
That guest star is none other than the Black Panther, who promises to help Miles with his vampirism. That help comes in the form of an all new suit, which is laced with surprises – including vibranium-infused webbing and a way to regulate Miles’ venom blasts – and travel to a place where Miles’ vampiric curse can be fully lifted. But before that, Miles has to deal with the vengeance of the Vulture…
I have to give Vicentini credit for his design of Miles’ new costume. Not only does it keep the red and black colors that’ve come to define the young web-slinger, but there’s also some design elements, such as markings around the mask, that have an African influence, which is fitting considering who gave him the suit. The action sequences remain as fast-paced as ever, but now there’s more ferocity to Miles’ movements as he strikes. In contrast, Black Panther is graceful in his movements, only striking when he needs to – and when he attacks, his blows have an impact.
Marvel Comics
Ziglar also has the chance to write a new dynamic now that the Panther’s in the picture. At first glance, Miles and Panther are worlds apart: one of them was king of an entire nation and a stalwart member of the Avengers while the other’s a high schooler dealing with immense pressure (and was also an Avenger for a while.) But like Miles, Panther suffered his own battle with vampirism during Blood Hunt, so he truly understands what he’s going through and knows how to help him best. Their interactions are arguably the best part of the book.
Another standout moment? The Vulture getting his own inner monologue and another costume redesign courtesy of Vicentini, with Bryan Valenza giving him a dark green hue that stands out in New York’s night sky. Ziglar’s done a great job putting his own spin on classic Spider-Man foes like Scorpion and Hobgoblin, especially with their animosity toward Miles. But with Vulture, things get personal. The best hero/villain fights are personal so I’m expecting things between Miles and Vulture to boil over next issue.
Ziglar is joined by Federico Sabbatini for a back up story, “Family Bitnitz”, where Miles encounters Deadpool’s daughter Ellie. Those who haven’t read Deadpool will probably want to pick it up after this, and those who are will love how Ziglar writes Miles and Ellie’s dynamic, as well as how Sabbatini captures both of their respective fighting styles. Miles Morales: Spider-Man #25 is a big issue filled with big swings, and I hope the creative team keeps up this energy for another 25 issues.
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