It’s Over Three Hundred! — Reviewing ‘Miles Morales: Spider-Man’ #18

Once upon a time, in the ancient era that is 2011, Peter Parker was killed off. His Ultimate Comics version. From that death, there arose a whole new Spider-Man, one youthful, biracial Miles Morales.

In the decade+ since his debut, Miles has taken the comics world (and beyond) by storm, making the leap from comics to television, and most recently, multiversal-loving big screen films. Very few characters have that kind of meteoric rise after their comic book debut, but Miles is a special character.

So special that Miles Morales: Spider-Man #18 is also serving as the 300th issue of Miles’ solo comics  career. Grab the party hats and celebrate with Cody Ziglar, David Marquez, Sara Pichelli, Juan Cabal, Matt Horak, Luciano Vecchio, Federico Vicentini, Bryan Valenza, and Cory Petit.

Wow, what a creative team we have here.

There is a whole array of all-star artists, including many who have visually brought life to the character at some point, including his co-creator Pichelli.

Artist jams have become common in comics, especially at Marvel, beyond these anniversary-style pieces or even anthology books. Sometimes they work. Other times the art clashes or other issues crop up. A book like this though, it just works. All of these artists have very different styles but the changing of styles is handled exceptionally well and flows so smoothly.

They all understand what it takes to really bring true life to a Spider-themed book. Lots of fluidity and a sort of controlled chaos. Where it really feels like you are moving along with the super acrobatic lead character. Coupled with action scenes that just hit harder than a rampaging Rhino, and character beats that are so emotionally charged it’ll cause instant reaction.

We feel the pain and issues that Miles wrestles with headed for a potential final battle with Rabble. Each moment between the two opposing forces battling feels like a no-holds barred affair, even though we know most will be inherently safe by the end. Often, it’s hard to really nail the big-time anniversary celebration feeling with a story, but not this time.

Weaving it all together, handling the rapid art changes like an absolute champ, is Valenza. Keeping an inherent theme to the colors from start to finish, while allowing them to naturally breathe and change with the artwork. Achieving that situation where one’s own style still fully shows while trying to adapt to others is a top tier skill.

I’ve loved every single bit of the work that Ziglar has done with this character since taking over as writer.

Hands down, he might be the writer who absolutely undeniably understands who and what Miles Morales is and can be. Whether it’s the character moments or the big-time fights, it all just works. We feel the energy and none of it feels forced or contrived in any fashion. Nor does the return of elements feel like it’s done just for the sake of tying up loose ends. Looking at this issue, it’s clear that everything we’ve witnessed since the first issue had its reason.

Even the adventures Miles had that had nothing to do with Agent Gao or Rabble played their part. We see a Miles that has suffered and reached out to get the help he needed, putting him in a far healthier state of mind. One where he embraces the role of a hero and uses that to try and help his foe. Yet, willing to throw that all away and throw it down when that foe proves to be a bigger threat (placing his friends, allies, and other lives in grand danger).

Making those moments hit even harder is the work that Petit always puts in with the letters. Infusing them with the same energy, personality, and power as every other visual on the page. Making sure it flows around the artwork, framing it sort of, keeping the eyes on track. Allowing the characters to really vocalize in a manner that is played out precisely within our minds. Dropping in plenty of little modifiers what deepen, lighten up, or even visually spice up even the simplest of words.

Books like this instantly remind me of why Spider-Man, whether in Peter or Miles variety (and some other spinoffs in there too), is one of my absolutely top of the list favorite characters ever.

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #18 is now available from Marvel Comics.