Review: Outlawed Hits In ‘Miles Morales: Spider-Man #17’

Kamala’s Law has been passed, banning teen heroes from operating without oversight, but that’s not going to stop Miles Morales. With the C.R.A.D.L.E. task force searching Brooklyn for him, Miles has to be on high alert when he’s just trying to keep his neighbors safe.

I’m not entirely sold on the Outlawed event just yet because it feels like a Poochie version of Civil War, but so far the tie-ins have been light between Miles Morales: Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider. This issue introduces us to the new status quo in Miles’ life. His identity is still secret, so he can enjoy some time with his friends and family before suiting up.
That family connection is integral for Miles Morales: Spider-Man. It’s what sets this title apart from Peter Parker’s adventures. Miles’ parents are still supportive, even if the government will lock up their son if they catch him. You can see the conflict on their faces. They want to keep their son safe which would mean stopping him from his hero work, but they understand that he’s making the world a better place by going out there as Spider-Man.

Artist Carmen Carnero does a brilliant job with this character work. The family dynamic is captured perfectly. Even with this uncertainty, there’s still a welcoming nature to it all. You can tell that they love each other so much, despite whatever disagreements they may have. There’s a nice range on display in the scene with Miles and his family. We go from serious concern to laid back laughter.
As solid as Carnero’s work is with Miles out of costume, it’s even better when he puts his mask on. Miles shows off his spider-like agility in some terrific scenes, bobbing and weaving all over the place. He looks a little taller and lankier than what I’m used to, but it works well with the character.

Miles’ internal narration continues to appear as excerpts from his journal. Letterer Cory Petit does a great job here with these details, giving us a more personal and intimate look into the character’s mind.
One aspect of Miles Morales: Spider-Man, and all the Spider family comics, is how bright they look. This is a hero that very much operates in the daylight. He doesn’t lurk in the shadows. Colorist David Curiel makes Miles’s sleek black and red costume stand out in the sunlight, even when he’s fighting the task force.

This idea is perfectly encapsulated in an early scene where Miles walks a kid to school after a run-in with a bully. It comes across as perfectly natural as a super hero in full costume is casually walking on the sidewalk, making small talk with one of his neighbors. It’s sweet, funny, and just great. Writer Saladin Ahmed delivers this moment of heartwarming peace that will stay with me for some time. It’s another great example for why this character is so awesome.
There are a few new aspects introduced in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #17, each presenting a unique set of challenges for our hero. Kamala’s Law is just one of them. Miles’ adventures as Spider-Man are just as interesting as his life out of his costume. I feel like I’m a part of his life while reading this book and that’s such a great time.
Miles Morales: Spider-Man #17 from Marvel Comics is currently available at your local comic shop and digitally through ComiXology and Amazon Kindle.