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If you had told me back in 2000 the most famous Spider-Man would be named Miles Morales I’d say, “Who?” Miles didn’t even exist until 2011, and now with a film featuring him as the main hero and a fantastic new series from Saladin Ahmed and Javier Garron, it’s unfathomable to think of a Marvel universe without him. In this second issue, Miles teams up with Rhino, attempts to stay awake through every class, and tries to crack a mystery that could save a little kid’s life.
So what’s it about?
Read the preview.
Why does this matter?
The first issue was so damn accessible I’d recommend everyone read this series. It’s also a slightly older Miles so it feels fresh and on its own terms.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Good point! You are a villain.
Credit: Marvel Comics
The magic of this issue revolves around the “team-up” between Rhino and Miles. The last issue we learned Rhino is technically not a bad guy anymore, or at least right now, and both he and Miles have something in common: They’re closely tied to a child who was kidnapped. This has set up a sometimes hilarious and an always awkward team up that is straight out of the Odd Couple.
Ahmed continues to delve into the multiplicity required of Miles to maintain a school life, be a superhero, and be a friend. It’s an element that made the classic Spider-Man series so good and it works well here. You can’t be Spider-Man without lack of sleep, an unending desire to help others, and the stubbornness to never give up. You see that in a well-written montage of Miles attempting to get through classes. This issue also has a great action sequence (proceeded by some great visual comedy) and a cliffhanger that mixes things up nicely.
Javier Garron draws an excellent Spider-Man costume and David Curiel’s colors give it the perfect sheen. It looks detailed and realistic because of the lighting on it while the anonymity is accurate and sharp. It’s also well done how Miles is drawn a bit shorter than Spider-Man making it obvious he’s still just a kid even when in the suit. Rhino is huge and detailed in interesting ways too. He’s a silly character in concept but it is visually pulled off well here.
It can’t be perfect, can it?
The classroom scenes ground Miles’ life in reality.
Credit: Marvel Comics
The opening of the issue starts off a bit flat-footed. There’s some bonding going on between Rhino and Miles which sets up the unique dynamic (and some jokes later), but it runs four pages and sort of lingers. You’ll be itching for the narrative to get going.
Is it good?
A good second issue that hammers home a sometimes hilarious relationship between the older somewhat slow Rhino and the sharper but wet behind the ears Miles Morales. It’s a fun book that defies your expectations.
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