Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man #4 Review

No Arc Named

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Artist: David Marquez

Color: Justin Ponsor

Lettering: VC’s Cory Petit

Production: Irene Y. Lee

Ass. Editor: Emily Shaw

Editor: Mark Paniccia

Released: 8/6/2014

Marvel,Monthly release, $3.99

I have been reading the adventures of Miles Morales as Spider-Man in the Ultimate Universe, since the first issue of his Marvel Now series. I find the character’s grounded personality and relative inexperience easy to relate to. The series has been handled well by Brian Michael Bendis keeping me engaged every issue. This month’s offering is no exception. Miles faces down the hulking and fire breathing Green Goblin, on the exact spot where Peter Parker died.

The story picks up with Miles’ estranged girlfriend Katie Bishop, distraught, explaining the events of the previous issues. This sets the standard for the high emotional state for this climatic issue. Throughout, the writing is handled very well and shows us each character that has an emotional stake in the confrontation between Miles and Norman Osborn. At this point, the issue can become a little convoluted, because characters who have shown up in the past are featured, but also, characters that have only been talked about show up. The addition of these characters increases the tension of the fight, because we see the new emotional investment into the confrontation. However, trying to keep up with some of the additions could be a little confusing if picked up by a first time reader.

The fight between these two super powered beings is intense. The narration of Miles as he is facing down Norman adds to the mounting tension as they face off. This is a great example of how Miles is different from Peter, but shows how Spider-Man represents the everyperson who has super powers and has to deal with the many issues that confronts them.

The art of the book flows well in the action scenes and is detailed well giving the book a fun cinematic feel. There is a panel or two that I can recall being little below the bar set by the rest of the book and series in general. It stands up well, and adds to story nicely; keeping up with the tone.

The series has been going well since issue one, and this issue stands with the rest. I have been and will continue to read the title. There are some great answers given in this title, and more questions that have popped up over the course of this issue.