The Last Wolverine #2 Review

 

Writer: Saladin Ahmed

Artist: Edgar Salazar

Colorist: Carlos Lopez

Letterer: Cory Petit

Cover Artists: Martín Cóccolo & Matthew Wilson; Tony Daniel & Jay David Ramos; InHyuk Lee; Gerald Parel

Designer: Jay Bowen

Editors: Cy Pedro Beltran, Mark Basso, Tom Brevoort & CB Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Price: $4.99

Release Date: November 19, 2025

 

When Revelation unleashed the X-Virus, it turned Humans into Mutants or killed them. Yet, the Mutants were not immune to its power. It made some more of what they were. Others who fled the area of infection lost their former Mutant abilities and appearance.

 

In Vancouver, British Columbia, Leonard Two Bears is about as far from where the Gene Bomb detonated as he can be in North America. When Vindicator breaks into his apartment, she tells him that the X-Virus is still spreading. It will eventually overtake not just Vancouver, but all of North America, and eventually the entire world. Then Heather Hudson raises the subject of her husband, and the man who helped Leonard become The Heavenly Wolverine. Will Leonard agree to help Heather? And can they free Logan from Revelation's control? Let’s leap into The Last Wolverine #2 and see!

 

Story

The X-Virus has killed millions. In the Revelation Territories, formerly bustling cities are overgrown, with nature reclaiming the urban landscape. The virus has also swept through Eastern Canada, overtaking cities and leaving villages behind. In areas safe for habitation, Humans have even opted for cybernetic companions instead of seeking a Human mate.

 

In The Last Wolverine #2, Kurt Waggoner is one of the lucky ones. Like Leonard, he traded the Revelation Territories for Vancouver. Outside the X-Virus’ influence, Leonard made peace with his Wendigo spirit, while Kurt lost his Mutant abilities. Like Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame, Kurt enjoys life with his Human wife and children. But Logan was his friend. And after Humans turned Professor Xavier’s school into a prison for Mutants, Kurt and Logan helped Rogue and Gambit mentor the Outliers. 

 

 

 

In Saladin Ahmed’s story, Vindicator promises Leonard they can save Logan. But the X-Virus will affect them long before they reach him. Heather Hudson is Human. Her Vindicator suit will have to work overtime to filter out the X-Virus, leaving no power to help combat Revelation's Seraphs. And as they travel, Revelation's agents will try to stop them.

 

For The Heavenly Wolverine and Vindicator to have a chance of succeeding, they need Nightcrawler. They're not certain Kurt can regain what he lost. Heather may succumb to the X-Virus. The Wendigo's ferocity may overcome Leonard's reason. But all three are desperate to save their friend, mentor, and husband from the brainwashed killer he has become.

 

 

 

Art

While blues and greens surround Vancouver, buildings rise toward hovering electric billboards. As Leonard and Heather converse on a rooftop, they behold the sanctuary they are leaving behind. The duo's yellow, blue, and red clothes echo the surrounding windows, while Leonard's white fur links him with Heather's suit. The tiger-stripe design of his suit seems at home with Heather's leonine orange hair. Yet a black, white, and red memory of Wolverine pairs with Heather's Vindicator suit. With her eyepatch, Heather evokes Nick Fury, while Leonard's fur and features recall Beast.

 

Carlos Lopez’s colors take on neon hues when Leonard, Heather, and Kurt meet in Stanley Park. White energy ripples across the belly of a decloaking plane as thrusters expel white pillars. As in Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark, a plane streaks across a map in The Last Wolverine #2. Then Edgar Salazar reveals how nature is overtaking civilization, as greenery obscures historic landmarks, like in Logan's Run and Planet of the Apes.

 

As three heroes mount their desperate mission, Cory Petit snikts black uppercase words into white dialogue balloons, narrative boxes, and clouds. The letters grow bold for intonation and shrink for lowered voices. Sound effects accompany hand-to-hand combat, weapons fire, and a hero reclaiming his powers in The Last Wolverine #2. Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a review copy.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Everyone needs a cause to fight for. But when we listen to voices telling us what we should do, it's easy to lose sight of who we are. Filled with likeable characters, scenic vistas, and vibrant coloring, The Last Wolverine #2 reminds us of the dangers of letting our zeal for a cause overcome our compassion.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

Laura Kinney: Sabretooth #2 Review

 

Writer: Erica Schultz

Artist: Valentina Pinti

Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg

Letterer: Cory Petit

Cover Artists: Elena Casagrande & Edgar Delgado; Jacopo Camagni; Nimit Malavia; Ashley Witter

Designer: Jay Bowen

Editors: Cy Pedro Beltran, Mark Basso, Tom Brevoort & CB Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: November 5, 2025

 

Mutants finally live free of Human persecution. Laura Kinney serves Revelation, the man who helped make that happen. As his Seraph, she protects him from the ailing US government and anyone else who sends agents to assassinate him. But life as a Seraph isn’t easy. Laura has lost her husband in Revelation’s service. While carrying out her duties, she cannot protect Alex, the son Zane gave her. And even when she is in Revelation’s compound, other Mutants can use Alex, who has yet to manifest any powers, to manipulate her.

 

So, Laura forges a desperate plan. She consigns her son to her siblings’ care. Will Revelation abide by Laura’s decision? And will her glorious leader discover Laura killed Hellion to keep him from blackmailing her? Let’s leap into Laura Kinney: Sabretooth #2 and see!

 

Story

When Revelation next requests her presence, he tells Laura to bring Alex back. Furthermore, he doesn't want any Mutants to leave his territories. He is especially worried about Mutants fleeing to Arakko. He wants her to lead Vanisher and a contingent of guards to Helicarrierville and prevent them from leaving his territory. Revelation insists that he only wants the best for the Mutants. But he also warns Laura not to fail.

 

While Laura Kinney: Sabretooth #2 begins in Revelation’s compound, the bulk of the story occurs in Helicarrierville. Laura, Vanisher, and the guards arrive to prevent anyone from leaving via Sage’s teleportation gate. However, Gabby isn’t going to stand still for that. Erica Schultz packs her story with action as the Mutants attempt to leave and Laura tries to prevent them. But while the plot highlights the rivalry between the two sisters, the battle seems part of a larger contest between Revelation and Apocalypse.

 

This series began with Laura extolling the virtues of life in Revelation’s territory while attempting to help her child escape it. Yet amid this paradise Revelation has created, Gabby and Laura constantly fight. Their brother Akihiro tries to help the sisters get along. Yet when Laura tries to reunite her family in Laura Kinney: Sabretooth #2, Gabby and Akihiro try to keep her son under their care. As in a divorce, Alex becomes a casualty of a feuding family, with contesting adults fighting for the right to raise him. 

 

 

 

Art

Valentina Pinti opens with Laura approaching Revelation in his long, narrow throne room. While she wears her functional, one-piece outfit, Revelation drapes himself in robes that drag on the floor. Revelation may have hoped to unite the Mutants under his rule. But as he walks between pillars evoking Sentinel legs, he stands between Laura and her father. His words conjure a black-and-white memory of her with Zane and Alex. Regardless of how this happy image compares with the reality of her marriage, it contrasts with Laura’s relationships with Gabby and Wolverine.

 

After the yellow that dominated Revelation’s compound, Rachelle Rosenberg portrays the crowds outside Helicarrierville amid a hazy purple. As Sage addresses the would-be emigrants atop a green mound, the makeshift arch behind her looks composed of repurposed components. After Laura, Vanisher, and Revelation’s guards appear within a starburst of light blue energy, red lightning shoots from the arch. Rainbows melt in the red energy field. Sage’s yellow glasses form a link with Laura’s outfit as she strives to get her fellow mutant to see things her way in Laura Kinney: Sabretooth #2.

 

 

 

Cory Petit fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters that grow bold for intonation, enlarge for raised voices, and rarely shrink. Laura shares her thoughts with yellow words in brown narrative boxes. Revelation makes a convincing argument with white letters in black balloons. Sound effects accompany internecine fighting, a non-football-related head injury, and the teleportation gate's activation. Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a review copy. 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

While Revelation's cause may be noble, he manipulates Laura, works Wolverine like a puppet, and hires Vanisher to enforce his will. Then again, Revelation ordered his wife's death for acting against him. Life may be the paradise many Mutants yearned for. But Revelation’s need to control everything dooms relationships in Kinney: Sabretooth #2.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

Laura Kinney: Sabretooth #1 Review

 

Writer: Erica Schultz

Artist: Valentina Pinti

Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg

Letterer: Cory Petit

Cover Artists: Elena Casagrande & Edgar Delgado; Dan Jurgens, Brett Breeding & Alex Sinclair; Anand Ramcheron; Nogi San; Pablo Villalobos; Rickie Yagawa & Tamra Bonvillain

Designer: Jay Bowen

Editors: Cy Pedro Beltran, Mark Basso, Tom Brevoort & CB Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: October 8, 2025

 

People have maligned, segregated, attacked, and hunted Mutants. Orchis tried to wipe them out entirely. One man fights on their behalf. His name is Revelation. Laura Kinney stands with him because she believes he won't let them down. So when the government sends superpowered people to assassinate him—villains who don't care about collateral damage—she kills them instead.

 

Laura won't stop fighting for Revelation. Whatever lay in the past, he has gifted the Mutants a paradise free from persecution. Yet no place can ever be perfect. Does anything worry Laura about her life in the Revelation Territories? And who does she have to share it with? Let’s leap into Laura Kinney: Sabretooth #1 and see!

 

Story

No matter how many times she tells herself she is safe, Laura Kinney knows she isn’t. She lost the man she loved. And she knows she can lose everything again. So when Laura learns that Gabby and Akihiro are planning to leave the Revelation Territories, she requests a meetup. Before he died, Zane gave her a son. Laura couldn't protect Zane. But she can remove Alex from the danger that encircles her leader.

 

In Laura Kinney: Sabretooth #1, Laura has adopted her late husband's moniker. She serves Revelation as a Seraph. Once again, she acts as a living weapon for others. But at least she fights for a cause she believes in and protects someone who keeps all Mutants safe. Yet life in Revelation’s Inner Circle seems more dangerous than idyllic. And although she asserts that Revelation protects the Mutants who disagree with him, she believes Gabby, Akihiro, and their friends are safer outside his Territories than in. 

 

 

 

Erica Schultz’s story targets idealists with a cause. It reminds us of the costs of raising banners and shouting rallying cries. After the Gene Bomb detonated, Laura had to make a choice. When people started dying or mutating, they once again blamed the Mutants for their troubles. So, Laura swore her allegiance to Doug Ramsey over the government that had let people malign, segregate, attack, and hunt down her kind.

 

Perhaps Zane was part of that choice. But her husband is gone. While Gabby has Akihiro, Sage, and others, Laura only has Alex. So, she calls on her family one last time. Whatever the future brings, she doesn't want her son to pay for her decisions in Laura Kinney: Sabretooth #1.

 

 

 

Art

Valentina Pinti portrays the Mutants’ freedom as they relax together in an illuminated riverside patio. Silhouettes climb the distant bridge and sneak past a guard patrolling the barriers blocking every lane. Gabby and Akihiro reach the abandoned shipyard first. Then Laura strides beneath the brick and wrought iron arbor, while her son crouches behind a box outside.

 

 

 

Rachelle Rosenberg contrasts the purple sky with the green ground. Like the plants that burst through pavement and crack walls, scars line Gabby's tanned face. Orange and red fill the background as she vents her anger, matching what occurs when Akihiro loses his composure. Alex’s blonde hair links him with his mother’s yellow-and-brown outfit. But it also links him with Revelation. Laura’s white, yellow, and gold leader glows amid the verdant plant life in his yellow-and green palace. Yet, like her and Wolverine, their dialogue radiates little warmth in Laura Kinney: Sabretooth #1.

 

Cory Petit fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters that grow bold for intonation, enlarge for raised voices, and rarely shrink. Laura shares her thoughts with yellow words in brown narrative boxes. Psychic communication appears in puffy clouds, while sniffs and snikts fill an evening when everything seems up in the air. Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a review copy. 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Families are difficult. Still, they’re supposed to keep you safe. Laura’s life has been an endless struggle. So, when she found someone to share it with in the safest place she could find, she took it. But Laura is paying for that now. Zane is dead. Gabby hates her. Logan is a stranger. Laura Kinney: Sabretooth #1 is all about family, and how the best decisions can return to haunt us.

 

Rating 9.2/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #38 Review

 

Writer: Cody Ziglar

Artist: Luigi Zagaria

Colorist: Bryan Valenza

Letterer: Cory Petit

Cover Artists: Federico Vicentini & Neeraj Menon; Anand Ramcheron & Ceci de la Cruz; Nogi San; Sergio Dávila & Cece de la Cruz; Todd Nauck & Rachelle Rosenberg

Designer: Jay Bowen

Editors: Kaitlyn Lindtvedt, Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe, & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: September 17, 2025

 

After battling and teaming up with Deadpool & Daughter to fight Agent Gao, Kwaku Anansi dragged Miles into another fight with Agent Gao and her divine benefactor. Battling gods and former police detectives with holy blades to grind can take a lot out of you. Miles could use some time off to reconnect with his friends and catch up on his schoolwork. But he looks up to Misty Knight. So, when Colleen Wing skips town, and Misty asks her intern to help investigate a crime spree, Miles leaps at the opportunity.

 

Miles may wear a Wakandan spider-suit, wield a venom sword, and thwip spider-webs, but he's still a teenager. He likes playing sports and games with his friends. Is Miles ready to investigate “cases” with his mentor? And how will he mesh with their new team member? Let's thwip into Miles Morales: Spider-Man #38 and see!

 

Story

You can’t take lots of heavy hitters off the board without creating a power vacuum, and that’s exactly what the Gang War did. While Tombstone became the new Kingpin, lots of other gangs lost their leaders and/or their territories. Controlling an underworld as big as New York City is a big ask. And Tombstone prioritizes his special projects. When Misty notices that all the thefts occurred at businesses in debt to crime lords, that gives her and Miles a starting point for their investigations.

 

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #38 introduces readers to Lance Lewis, aka White Cat, and his partner Monika Mori, aka Inari. Both boast unique backstories, cultural heritages, and special abilities. But Inari also brings a power pack along with her punch. 

 

 

 

Inari controls three kitsune, or supernatural Japanese fox spirits. All three have powers and are formidable foes. White Cat may have claimed that Miles was no fun. But he works alongside Inari's kitsune, who, like Miles, don't mind mixing business with humor.

 

That’s not the only similarity Miles notices between himself and his opponents in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #38. Cody Ziglar doesn't soft-soap White Cat and Inari's misdeeds. Still, Miles' recent experience with vampirism has taught him that sometimes people do things they don't want to. These experiences help him decide how to treat White Cat and Inari when he meets them again.

 

 

 

Art

While Luigi Zagaria grounds us in Miles’ everyday life, Misty and Felicia’s grand entrance hints at the action to come. As they drive through Brooklyn, Misty summons a holographic model of the evening’s stakeout. Given Inari, Yako, Tenko, and Zenko's heritage, tiny manga caricatures of Misty, Miles, and Black Cat overlay a bird's-eye view of Felicia’s jeep. When Inari dons her white fox mask, she emulates a popular mask worn at Japanese festivals. But while Inari uses her fox spirits to boost her attacks, Misty demonstrates the strength of her bionic arm, Miles thwips while he quips, and Black Cat performs stop-motion acrobatics.

 

Bryan Valenza lavishes a loaded palette in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #38. While Felicia's earrings link her with Misty's gold arm, her blue jeans link her with Miles. Felicia's red jeep also links her with Miles and Misty's costumes. Yet amid the bright and appealing colors, white forms a theme. From Felicia's hair to Misty and Miles' casual shirts, White Cat's hair and mask, Inari's mask, and the three kitsune, white promises that redemption is always possible.

 

 

 

Cory Petit uses large white block letters to locate us in time and space, and smaller ones to introduce White Cat and Inari. The black uppercase dialogue in white balloons grows bold for intonation and never shrinks. Greater-than and Less-than signs betray one thief's greater commitment to bridging cultural barriers. Sound effects enhance Felicia's exuberant driving, show what Tenko can do with three tails, and remind readers how valuable sipper lids are in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #38. Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a review copy. 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Misty Knight already puts Miles in his place. So, when Black Cat joins the team, she makes him feel bottom rung. But after all the teasing and teaching, Miles demonstrates wise and compassionate leadership in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #38.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #37 Review

 

Writer: Cody Ziglar

Artist: Luigi Zagaria

Colorist: Bryan Valenza

Letterer: Cory Petit

Cover Artists: Federico Vicentini & Neeraj Menon; Peach Momoko; Taurin Clarke; Gerardo Sandoval & Erick Arciniega

Designer: Jay Bowen

Editors: Kaitlyn Lindtvedt, Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe, & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: August 27, 2025

 

Villains keep turning Miles’ life upside down and inside out. He has battled Rabble to protect his family, Agent Gao to avoid jail, Vulture to keep his girlfriend, and Varnae to retain his humanity. After helping his spider-god, Kwaku Anansi, settle an ancient dispute with angry Ares, Miles looks forward to chilling with his homies. Will life give Miles a breather? Or will it thrust Brooklyn's Spider-Man into his most demanding battle yet? Let's slip on our Wakandan spider suits, leap into Miles Morales: Spider-Man #37, and find out!

 

Story

After bidding goodbye to his brother, gamma-powered therapist, allies, Ares' teammates, and his delighted deity, Miles and Ganke walked home past Velour Vick’s Custom Jewelry & Haberdashery. Cody Ziglar begins his next chapter in Miles’ life that evening, as a security guard spots white animals scampering between the illuminated cases. The animals show a fondness for bling, and their barks ring like laughter in the guard’s ears.

 

When Miles snuck off to Wakanda with the Black Panther, Shift used his shapeshifting ability to impersonate Miles at Brooklyn Visions Academy. His clone-brother found holding Miles' shape stressful. The unfamiliar surroundings and being among so many people didn't help. Ganke noticed Miles stressin' in the boys' room. But when Shift explained why he was being Miles' body double, Ganke helped him through the experience (and introduced him to the wonders of the cafeteria). 

 

Even though they didn't realize what was going on, Miles' other friends eased Shift's distress. Miles has a lot to thank them for, as they helped Shift forge a new life as Jaime Morales in a school of his own. So, he’s overjoyed to share the afternoon with them in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #37. 

 

But Misty Knight has plans for Miles’ evening. Once again, she reminds him of his position in their relationship and quotes her rules as readily as a Ferengi. But Miles doesn’t mind. He looks forward to assisting her. Unlike his battles with the Hobgoblin, vampires, Deadpool & Daughter LLC, and gods, Misty gives Miles a chance to do something fun while protecting his borough. Yet his action-packed detecting will introduce new combatants who challenge him in unexpected ways.

 

Art

Miles and his friends may not wear bespoke haberdashery. But through their similar attire and shared activity, Luigi Zagaria strengthens Miles’ bond with his friends. As he hangs out on the court, jogs while transforming into Spider-Man, and thwips into Misty's rebuilt garage, Miles looks more at ease than at any time since he started seeking therapy. A consultation over a map keeps the investigation low-key, in contrast to earlier planning sessions involving higher stakes and holographic displays. A dramatic upshot of Misty evokes her prior team-up with Manhattan’s Spider-Man. But this time, the Lizard doesn’t join the team, and Miles takes point as they pursue their mission plan.

 

While Luigi Zagaria delivers the action with panel-packed pages, splash pages, and cross-page horizontal layouts, Bryan Valenza paints day scenes with the hum and vitality of everyday life in New York. Miles shines in his Wakandan red, black, and purple suit, while Misty's red outfit illustrates the bond between them. As darkness falls, and the yellow/orange interior lights make the building windows shine, Miles transforms into transparent white and blues. The suit’s color change links with what his enhanced spider-sense helps him see. But nothing glows quite like their adversaries’ animals in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #37.

 

Cory Petit portrays Human speech and animal utterances with black uppercase letters in white dialogue balloons. He shares Miles’ thoughts with white letters in red narrative boxes. The letters grow bold for intonation, enlarge for raised voices, and never shrink. Black letters in yellow boxes provide translations and footnotes. As changing situations prompt a request for assistance, sound effects help us sense music, hear gunfire, feel a brutal impact, and witness greatness in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #37. Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a review copy. 

 

Final Thoughts

Miles is feeling tight after surviving Ares' Agon. The way Kwaku Anansi repaired his beloved Brooklyn was da bomb. But while a savage Spider-Man stalks the night in Manhattan, sending Shocker's Aftershocks to the ICU, more aftereffects from the Gang War threaten Brooklyn in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #37. 

 

Rating 9.8/10

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #36 Review

 

Writer: Cody Ziglar

Artist: Marco Renna

Colorist: Bryan Valenza

Letterer: Cory Petit

Cover Artists: Federico Vicentini & Neeraj Menon; Logan Lubera & Rachelle Rosenberg; Mark Bagley & Frank D’Armata; Stefano Caselli & Jesus Aburtov; J Scott Campbell & Sabine Rich

Designer: Gabriel Mata

Editors: Kaitlyn Lindtvedt, Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe, & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: August 13, 2025

 

The Beatles sang, “All you need is love.” The God of War disagrees. While Kwaku Anansi delights in stories, Ares draws strength from arguments, fights, and battles. Ares’ Agon with Anansi has empowered him like never before. Ares uplifted Agent Gao into his herald Alala. He promised to elevate Zip Zephyr to the upper echelons of Olympus. Now, like Ronan grasping the Infinity Stone, Ares uses the conflict to become the Olympian Skyfather.

 

Hercules is tired of teleporting. Miles wants to protect Brooklyn. But Ares ignores their wishes and brings the battle to New York. Will the Brooklyn Visions Academy fall before Ares’ appetite for destruction? Or will Asgardian Skyfather Thor prevent their rumble in the rubble? Let's offer sacrifices to our lords above, leap into Miles Morales: Spider-Man #36, and find out!

 

Story

Earlier in the Agon, Anansi used Ares’ Stymphalian birds against him. Hercules didn’t mind killing them again, especially if it meant fighting alongside Hulk-counselor Keisha Kwan. But Miles used the melee to convince Zip Zephyr to join forces. This time, Ares summons his beloved birds again. Unlike Anansi, the God of War won’t let the battle end in a tie. And while his ferocious birds attack Miles, Shift, Gust, Hercules, and Dr Kwan, Ares unleashes his anger on Anansi.

 

Cody Ziglar once again puts Miles’ character under the spotlight in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #36. Miles’ first concern is safeguarding the people in the streets. But he’s not just concerned for their safety. Unlike Tony Stark, Miles wasn't born into money. So amid the carnage and destruction, Miles worries about the survivors’ future. Taking notes from Dr Kwan, he again reasons with his opponents, encouraging them to embrace the better part of themselves.

 

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #36 is an action epic for the ages. Amid this clash of the titans, the chief battle rages in the combatants' hearts. Miles' concern for others will bring him to his knees. Ares's followers realize their leader doesn't care about collateral damage. But the overriding question is whether the characters can put the past behind them. 

 

 

 

Art

When Ares transported the players in his drama, he also teleported the setting. Marco Renna doesn't initially show the arena that descends below the pavement. Still, the dramatic upshots of Miles and his team suggest a view from the stands. Hovering above them, Ares and Anansi prepare for their one-on-one. Ares dominates the upper half of the second page of Miles Morales: Spider-Man #36 amid panels that showcase the fury of the Stymphalian birds. He may carry a gold spear, but like Legolas, Ares can launch a flurry of them in an instant. All Anansi can do is thwip in response. That, and sneak in some bodysurfing.

 

Yellow energy crackles off Miles’ venom sword amid the giant red birds’ attack. Gust and Zip summon bluish-white circular wind tunnels. Bryan Valenza shows both sides battling in and below an orange, yellow, and beige sky. Yellow and orange bolts launch not from Zeus’ hand, but from Miles’ head as his spider-sense works overtime, and the venom energy his Wakandan suit regulates. Chaos reigns blue and gold as Ares' forces fight against Anansi's forces. Yet as Zip confronts Miles, the shadow that darkens his features evokes Ares and Athena dining at Mount Olympus before they attacked Arachne.

 

Cory Petit thwips black and colored uppercase letters into dialogue balloons. Zip, Philomelus, and Pyrrha utter diagonal letters in white dialogue balloons. Since Ares made Agent Gao his herald, she speaks into color-bordered balloons, suggesting she ranks higher among the gods than Zip. Miles’ thoughts manifest as white words in red boxes. The words grow bold for intonation, enlarge for volume, and shrink for lowered voices. Sound effects accompany brutal blows, breath-taking impacts, smashed vehicles, and collapsing buildings. Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a review copy. 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Time and experience can tempt us to turn our backs on embracing the new. It’s easy to get set in your ways when you live forever. While Ares seems destined for misery, Anansi demonstrates why he's always so happy in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #36.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #35 Review

 

Writer: Cody Ziglar

Artist: Marco Renna

Colorist: Bryan Valenza

Letterer: Cory Petit

Cover Artists: Federico Vicentini & Neeraj Menon; Logan Lubera & Rachelle Rosenberg; Paco Medina & Edgar Delgado; Pere Pérez & Rachelle Rosenberg; Simone Di Meo

Designer: Gabriel Mata

Editors: Kaitlyn Lindtvedt, Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe, & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: July 9, 2025

 

Kwaku Anansi delights in expanding his web of stories. When Blade violates Miles Morales’ trust, Anansi spots an opportunity to grow closer to one of his spider-totems. The spider-god waits until Black Panther brings Miles into Bast’s realm. Then Anansi cures Miles by making him fight Black Panther. Only this time, Varnae possesses Black Panther instead of Blade.

 

Now, as Anansi prepares to battle Ares, Miles wonders why the spider-god healed him. Was he just a pawn in Anansi's schemes? And has Miles' healing inadvertently endangered Jaime, Gust, and his hulking therapist, Dr Keisha Kwan? Let's offer sacrifices to our lords above, leap into Miles Morales: Spider-Man #35, and find out!

 

Story

Anansi expands his web of stories because he values his spider-totems. His champions will help him tell a story for the ages. But like Miles, Anansi’s story is filled with pain and loss.

 

In Miles Morales: Spider-Man #35, Anansi tells how Ares, unhappy over not fitting in on Olympus, decided that misery loves company. When the god of war initiates a conflict to grow closer to Athena, Ares sparks a battle between himself and Anansi. But others halt the battle, leaving both combatants dissatisfied.

 

When Ares enlisted Zip Zephyr and Agent Gao's aid and requested an Agon, Anansi asked Miles to trust him. But Miles dislikes being used and endangering the people in his life. Miles demonstrates how much Dr Kwan has taught him by reasoning with the gods. His constructive criticism delights Anansi. Ares is not amused.

 

As Cody Ziglar contemplates how privilege and distinction can lead to division, he shows the difficulty of accepting inequality. Ares promised Zip Zephyr ascension and respect. But regardless of how powerful he becomes or how much he wins, Ares demonstrates his inability to learn from his and his family's mistakes in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #35.

 

 

 

Art

While Hercules enjoys feasting with the gods, Ares frowns, and Athena looks glum. When Zip rushes to fill his goblet, Ares kicks the wineskin into the wind god's face. Compared with the gods' unproductive day, Arachne works in her studio. Marco Renna shows Anansi wearing a suit and shoes to honor the Human who finds more satisfaction in her weaving than the gods do in their laxity. 

 

Bryan Valenza colors the webs connecting scenes from Anansi's past light green. Long before Ares renamed Agent Gao, the original Alala wore the same blue, white, and gold as she fought alongside him. A green-blue wave reminds us why Ares chose Pyrrha to support him once again. But the gods Pyrrha despises see their children battling in the orange-brown sky. The combatants’ causes shine as brightly as their attire in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #35. Yet their elders are more concerned with the smoke rising from the beige, tan, and lavender-gray land below.

 

Cory Petit thwips uppercase letters into dialogue balloons and narrative boxes as shadows fall on Anansi, Hercules, and Ares. White block letters locate us in time and space, while music notes spill from Arachne’s lips as she weaves her spell over Anansi. Ares, Zip, Philomelus, and Pyrrha utter diagonal letters in balloons with colored borders, while Miles interrupts Anansi's retelling with white words in red boxes. The words grow bold for intonation, enlarge for volume, and rarely shrink. Sound effects showcase Anansi's zeal to right a great wrong and Ares's determination to win regardless of the cost. Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

Anansi revels in inspiring stories. But one story troubles him because it remains incomplete. Hercules' kin may have invented Greco-Roman Wrestling. But as Anansi demonstrates that even gods can struggle to "get over it," the spider-god risks reenacting a Greek Tragedy in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #35.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.