All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #2 Review

 

Writer: Stephanie Phillips

Artist: Paolo Villanelli

Colorist: Matt Milla

Letterer: Ariana Maher

Cover Artists: David Marquez & Marte Gracia; Alex Ross; David Baldeón & Israel Silva; Meghan Hetrick

Logo Designer: Stacie Zucker

Production Designer: Kat Walkington

Editors: Emerald Bensadoun, Martin Biro, Jordan D White & CB Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: September 24, 2025

 

Earth-65’s Gwen Stacy has often defined herself by what others took away from her. Fighting to regain what she lost meant adapting to changes in her powers and her life. Eventually, the Cosmic Cube cost Gwen her world.

 

So, Gwen has dug her feet in. She used the Cosmic Cube to reclaim her father and Fabian LaMuerto. Gwen is remaking her life on Earth-616. She has shrugged off the symbiote she never wanted and reclaimed her original powers. But as hard as she tries, Gwen can’t make cake grow on trees. Her romance with Fabian is fizzling, and she has lost a promising guitarist before she could form another band. Can Gwen discover who killed the roguishly handsome Wes? And what else will others take away from her this time? Let’s thwip into All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #2 and see!

 

Story

Cindy Moon of Earth-65 stole Gwen's original powers. But Cindy Moon of Earth-616 is her friend. She helped Gwen adapt to her new surroundings when Ouroborus from the Time Variance Authority relocated her to the Earth. When Gwen wanted to start a new band to fill the void left by The Mary Janes’ departure, Cindy was there for her. But after someone killed Wes in the room where they had their jam session, they tracked Cindy to her apartment and attacked her in All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #2.

 

Thankfully, Cindy Moon boasts fighting skills from her superhero career as Silk. Still, the attack sends Cindy to the hospital. Gwen could have written off Wes’ murder as somehow related to the guitarist’s past. But the attack on Cindy forms a disturbing pattern. Her dad doesn’t want Gwen to investigate either crime. But Gwen is tired of losing the people and things she loves. No one and nothing will stop Gwen from finding Silk's attacker in All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #2.

 

Once again, donning the costume costs a spider-hero happiness. Gwen’s father wants to protect her. But Gwen burns with anger at injustice. As Gwen pursues Wes’ killer and Cindy’s attacker, Stephanie Phillips’ story addresses how anger both empowers and limits us. The man found in the practice room covered in blood was frustrated with his lot in life. And like Gwen, that made him vulnerable to something that fed upon the anger and rage he fought so hard to repress.

 

 

 

 

 

Art

When Silk climbs through the window of her apartment, she staggers past scattered books, cushions, and a pizza box before sinking into her sofa. Just as she is falling asleep, a sound rocks her awake. Silk approaches an open window. Like Carlos LaMuerto, her reflection seems to judge her. Then spears pierce the air. Given her love of reading and learning, Silk fights the invader before her wall of bookcases. Yet she does not emerge the victor.

 

As Paolo Villanelli infuses All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #2 with drama and energy, Matt Milla contrasts Gwen’s battle between the light and the darkness with vibrant colors. A red paramedic’s truck outside the hospital forms a link with Silk’s injury. The blue, purple, pink, and green that filled Silk’s apartment invade the shades of coral in her hospital room when Gwen burns with anger. As during Silk’s night-fight, silhouettes return amid confrontations. Yet a starburst forms around Gwen’s face. Rays of yellow and white eventually turn pink and threaten to overcome a page. The starburst reminds us of the power Gwen wielded with the Cosmic Cube.

 

Ariana Maher thwips uppercase black letters into white dialogue balloons and red letters into turquoise-outlined boxes with conventional arrows. A thick line of turquoise underlines the words that locate us in time and space. The text grows bold and enlarges for intonation. Sound effects herald danger and accompany battles, while a door plate grounds its occupants in this story about treasuring the people in our lives. Thanks to Marvel for providing a review copy.

 

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, when we seek to control our lives, we forget that the greatest blessings can come about through serendipity. As Gwen Stacy tries to reclaim what she has lost, she ignores the fact that she never chose to be bitten by a radioactive spider. Yet while vowing to protect the “ghosts” often overlooked by others, Gwen abandons the alien who once helped her reclaim everything she lost in All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #2.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

Spider-Boy #16 Review

 

Writers: Dan Slott

Artists: Paco Medina

Colorist: Erick Arciniega

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Paco Medina & Edgar Delgado; Dave Bardin; David Baldeón & Jesus Aburtov

Designer: Adam Del Re

Editors: Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe & CB Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: February 12, 2025

 

Spider-Girl loves winning. Friends may come and go, but trophies, medals, and ribbons are forever. Spider-Boy hates the Dragon’s Challenge because he values friendships and helping others more than winning contests. So when his spider-sense reveals that Bullseye will turn on Spider-Girl, Spider-Boy is so preoccupied with her safety that he falls in the final round. Will Spider-Boy’s failure endanger the entire world? And how can Spider-Boy protect Earth if Hulkette punches him to the moon? Let's thwip into Spider-Boy #16 and find out!

 

Story

Years ago, when Spider-Boy disobeyed Daredevil and knocked out Bullseye in the Hellfire Club, his mentor forfeited his rights to the Golden Fang. When Spider-Boy disobeys Daredevil in The Dragon’s Challenge and doesn’t devote his full attention to Bullseye, Daredevil again yields to protect Bailey. Like Bullseye, Daredevil has a card to play. He may not outfight his nemesis for control of the Gaping Maw. But Matt Murdoch went to Law School. Perhaps he can outthink his opponent in Spider-Boy #16.

 

As Spider-Boy said, Spider-Girl cannot copy her victim’s thoughts and abilities. Like the mirrors in a funhouse, she can only mimic a distorted reflection of them. Spider-Boy tried to warn Spider-Girl that Bullseye was grooming her as a disposable tool. Yet when she stared into Bullseye’s lying eyes, Spider-Girl believed her mentor cared for her. Sadly, when they defeat Daredevil and Spider-Boy in Dan Slott’s story, Bullseye claims their prize for himself.

 

After Daredevil gets Bullseye disqualified from The Dragon’s Challenge, he poses a question to Spider-Girl. Would she like Spider-Boy as a teammate? Both spider young’uns thought the contest was over in Spider-Boy #16. But these matches were merely the preliminary to the battle for control of the Gaping Maw.

 

Accepting Spider-Boy as a teammate means protecting him from the gamma-girl who wants to punch him to the moon. But it also represents payback. After all, Spider-Girl helped Bullseye steal the golden fang from Bailey and Daredevil, forcing them to commit a dishonorable act to protect the world from Bullseye. 

 

 

 

Art

Paco Medina reveals a brightly colored room when Bailey gazes at a triumphant Bullseye and Spider-Girl. Yet the darkness surrounding Bailey is only dispersed by distant lights in Spider-Boy #16. The ninja leader removes her mask to congratulate the winners, only to reveal her disdain when she raises the evidence of Bullseye's crime. When Bullseye escapes, black birds fly around him, evoking the ravens that seek out Spider-Gwen after an apocalypse hits Earth-65.

 

As Spider-Boy and Spider-Girl combat a light-green opponent, Boy-Spider invades a room that should be his. Erick Arciniega fills Bailey's room at FEAST with the same red, brown, and gold that enrich the Gaping Maw’s headquarters, while Boy-Spider’s green shirt echoes the ninjas’ robes and their jade dragon statue. Boy-Spider claws through a red poster of Bailey's favorite film franchise while Spider-Boy and Spider-Girl's opponent fights with sharp talons. As he once chased viewers from a film celebrating the power of family, Boy-Spider rages when he sees a photo of Bailey getting the love he lost.

 

Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase black lettering into white dialogue balloons and narrative boxes in Spider-Boy #16. Words shrink for lowered voices, embolden for intonation, swell for volume, and change color for emphasis. Sound effects help us hear clawing, crashing, and crying out in rage as characters destroy and win golden treasures. Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Spider-Boy #16 ties up most dangling plot threads while tantalizing with possible new directions. It closes out this story about fighting by showing brains triumphing over brawn. As the story focuses on the dynamics of friendships, families, and the role of a mentor, it also suggests that no one is incapable of reform.

 

Rating 9.2/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

 

 

The Spectacular Spider-Men #12 Review

 

Writer: Greg Weisman

Artist: Emilio Laiso

Colorist: Edgar Delgado

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Production: Gabriel Mata

Editors: Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe & CB Cebulski

Cover Artists: David Baldeón & Edgar Delgado; Alessandro Cappuccio & Mattia Iacono

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: February 5, 2025

 

Juliet Marcos decides to do more with her powers when the Electros attack. The superpowered community rallies around to train their latest hero. But will Juliet, aka Elementary, follow Peter and Miles’ example? And how will she fare in a rematch with Max Dillon and Francine Frye? Let's grab a "Parker" from Max Vinck, thwip into The Spectacular Spider-Men #12, and find out!

 

Story

Peter and Miles enjoy Wednesdays at the ESU Coffee Bean. While sheltering his superhero career behind a veil of anonymity, Peter Parker exceeds his dream of becoming a regular. His coffee preference becomes a phenomenon. Flavor Fav Peter still isn’t sure how to define his relationship with Shay Marken. But showing her off makes the ladies in the Coffee Bean view the "Parker" creator as a catch.

 

Shay's relationship with Peter in The Spectacular Spider-Men #12 makes an interesting comparison with recent developments in Amazing Spider-Man. Miles and Kamala also tread the same ground differently than in Miles Morales: Spider-Man. While Brooklyn’s Spider-Man struggles post-Arcadium, Juliet Marcos transcends the trauma of losing an illusory lover.

 

Greg Weisman interweaves past and present and tackles drama with humor. While Miles treads emotional water, most who played Mentallo and Arcade's game have swum the shore. Juliet's lover in Arcadium didn’t know her in real life. But like Peter, Juliet’s joy attracts admirers.

 

As Coffee Bean regulars strive for improvement, Turk Barrett continues his decline. We didn’t glimpse his life before Turk called the number on the Coffee Bean's bulletin board. But Turk got so hooked on easy victories that he seeks any opportunity to get something for nothing in The Spectacular Spider-Men #12.

 

Art

Curtis and Martha Connors look as different as night and day. But despite his light flesh and her green skin, they share similar interests. Ben Grimm’s yellow hide aligns with the yellow Coffee Bean logo, suggesting his belonging with the regulars. When Ben teaches Juliet, her muddy skin turns bluish as if echoing her instructor's apparel. He claims Elementary may be one of the most formidable people he ever trained. Johnny Storm's tutelage echoes Ben's assertion when Juliet's eruption evokes a yellow-orange phoenix.

 

Emilio Laiso parcels three story threads into a nine-panel page that tracks individuals vertically. While customers fill the Coffee Bean, this page follows the primary heroes' emotional journey in The Spectacular Spider-Men #12. Edgar Delgado drains Juliet of her color as she winds through the streets with Peter and Miles, suggesting that a Friendly Neighborhood Elementary may not be in Juliet’s future.

 

Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase letters into white and colored balloons and narrative boxes while Juliet trains. While dialogue emboldens and italicizes for intonation, balloon shapes change with Juliet’s mentors. Letters swell and change color when Juliet channels her gifts. Words threaten to burst balloons when Electros sizzle. Juliet pops once but doesn’t dissolve when she clutches Anna’s hands. After Elementary scrunches and shatters, an animal’s chittering fills the ESU Coffee Bean. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

While the Coffee Bean crowd works on their relationships, villains enter the dating game. Max Dillon and Francine Frye find bonding more appealing than battling over branding. Their strategy to sizzle the spiders and complicate Elementary's life could detune their electrifying infatuation in The Spectacular Spider-Men #12.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Miles Morales: Spider-Man Annual #1 Review

 

Writer: Cody Ziglar, Curtis Baxter & Danny Lore

Artist: David Baldeón, Alitha Martinez & Elena Casagrande

Colorist: Dono Sánchez-Almara, Ceci De La Cruz & Dee Cunniffe

Letterer: Cory Petit

Cover Artists: Federico Vicentini & Erick Arciniega; Dike Ruan & Moreno Dinisio

Design: Jay Bowen

Editors: Kaeden McGahey, Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: August 21, 2024

 

While he enjoys crimefighting with his friends as Spider-Man, Miles Morales looks forward to personal time with his friends. But Miles won't spend Spring Break attending art shows or street fairs with Tiana, Ganke, Shift, and his baby sister Billie. Instead, he’ll face a foe scarier than Hobgoblin, Rabble, Agent Gao, or the Cape Killers. Can Miles forge a fragile peace with his irascible abuela Gloria Morales? And what other adventures might Miles undertake in this multi-story special issue? Let's grab our venom swords, leap into the Miles Morales: Spider-Man Annual #1, and find out!

 

On The Road: Story

Gloria recently returned to Puerto Rico and needs help unpacking. Jeff and Rio kindly offer her Miles' services. When you're in a bad mood, everything bothers you, and Miles finds plenty to grumble about. Still, when he arrives in Puerto Rico's capital city, he's stunned by its beauty. His flight arrives early, so he explores San Juan and befriends three generous teens. Then his phone rings and his abuela chews him out for keeping her waiting. Miles boards a bus for a circuitous journey filled with stops and starts until he reaches Gloria in Trujillo Alto.

 

In Miles Morales: Spider-Man Annual #1, Gloria makes it clear from the outset that she expects him to be on his best behavior. Miles soon discovers why. His grandmother presents him to her sisters and wants him to impress them. Their discussion helps Miles realize why she had to forsake her life in New York City and return to the island of her youth. Miles doesn't don his spidey suit in On The Road, but like the friends he met in San Juan, he uses his abilities to help the endangered. Cody Ziglar’s heartwarming story celebrates Latino culture and sparkles with humor as Miles and Gloria find common ground and forge peace between warring locals.

 

Leyendas: Story

In Curtis Baxter’s story, Miles isn’t griping about giving up time with his friends or flying the friendly skies in Economy. Instead, he complains about being cooped up in his abuela’s house. The skies have grown distinctly unfriendly. The wind howls. The rain batters the roof. Gloria suggests a divine reason for the hurricane. His parents have arrived, and his mother tries to nip Miles' curiosity in the bud, but even strong-willed Rio can't keep Spider-Man down. Miles doesn't brave the elements to save lives or protect the locals’ homes and infrastructure. Nor does he meet the mythical Juracán, who lashed Puerto Rico with a storm in a fit of jealousy. Still, he makes a new friend in Curtis Baxter’s story about urban legends and learns how the stories that define us change with the times.

 

Night Shift: Story

While On The Road and Leyenas ignored Miles’ vampirism, he’s struggling to cope with his new identity in Night Shift. Danny Lore’s story doesn’t associate Miles with the vampire that haunted the Puerto Rican town of Moca in 1975. Instead, it focuses on how isolating being different can be. Miles fears that Doctor Strange’s spell will wane and his bloodlust will return. Instead of seeking a talking cure with Doc Sasquatch or looking to Tiana for moral support, Miles fixes on Bloodline. He figures that her experience in fighting vampires might give her insights into controlling his unwanted urges. Miles may be grasping at straws, but he’s desperate. Reaching out to Bloodline is a dangerous proposition, given their complicated history. And even if she’s inclined to help, Miles knows how she’ll react if she suspects he's losing control. 

 

 

 

Art

David Baldeón wows with the stunning beauty of Puerto Rico in Miles Morales: Spider-Man Annual #1. His portrayal of Gloria and her sisters is fanciful and endearing. Miles moves swiftly through action scenes and demonstrates respect, nonchalance, leadership, and bravery amid his interactions with the locals. Dono Sánchez-Almara lavishes On The Road with a loaded palette. Her vibrant colors remind mainlanders of the tropical beauty that suffuses these sparkling jewels dotting the azure seas.

 

While Leyenas continues Miles’ vacation in Puerto Rico, Spider-Man steals the show. Alitha Martinez suffuses interiors with familial warmth and belonging, while Spider-Man braves the raging forces of nature. Miles looks dauntless as the elements pound him, and the person he meets exhibits flair and glamour. Ceci de la Cruz lavishes bright colors on Gloria's home, and the red on Miles' black suit shines amid the darkness. But everything glows on this dark and stormy night as Miles thwips toward the heart of the black and gray storm lashing Puerto Rico.

 

Elena Casagrande communicates the isolation Miles feels as the weight of his vampirism threatens to crush him. Dee Cunniffe lavishes blues, reds, pinks, and lavender on this story about navigating the ever-changing landscape of friendship.

 

Cory Petit thwips black uppercase letters into white dialogue balloons in Miles Morales: Spider-Man Annual #1. He shares Miles' thoughts as white letters in red narrative boxes and his journal entries as black letters on tan parchment. The delicate font never shrinks and emboldens for inflection. Energizing sound effects accompany a runaway vehicle and a storm’s ferocity. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

The Miles Morales: Spider-Man Annual #1 reminds us of the importance of self-care and family, that those we love may die but never abandon us, and the importance of achieving our potential. Along the way, Miles learns more about his Puerto Rican heritage and struggles to cope with his vampirism. The epilogue showcases the dangers awaiting Brooklyn's Spider-Man in forthcoming issues.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Spider-Boy #7 Review

 

Writers: Dan Slott

Artists: Paco Medina

Colorist: Erick Arciniega

Letterer: Joe Caramagna & Cory Petit

Cover Artists: Humberto Ramos & Edgar Delgado; David Baldeón; Natacha Bustos; Rahzzah

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: May 29, 2023

 

Madame Monstrosity changed Bailey Briggs into Spider-Boy, his friend Eli into Hellifino, and his mother Tabitha into her feline servant Tabby. Now, she's transformed his friend Christina into a Pigeon. But can Madame Monstrosity change any of the Humanimals back? Let's activate our anti-genetic modification shields, thwip into Spider-Boy #7, and find out!

 

Story

After Madame Monstrosity transforms people into Humanimals, she forces them to work for her. Madame Monstrosity promises to change them back into Humans after a period of indentured servitude. Sadly, she doesn’t know how.

 

Perhaps she might find the answer if she looked for it. But Madame Monstrosity prefers to dabble. To paraphrase the High-Evolutionary, she's not a creator. She merges animals and Humans to observe the results. In Spider-Boy #7, she wants to know how Spider-Boy made her forget him. Madame Monstrosity can’t be bothered with time-consuming scientific tests. So, the mad scientist opts for more direct methods.

 

Yet when Madame Monstrosity tortures Spider-Boy, she reveals her greatest secret. Bailey's Spider-Sense also detects that Madame Monstrosity is in danger! How can Spider-Boy use this revelation to help his friends and escape Madame Mostrosity’s grasp?

 

In Spider-Boy #7, Madame Mostrosity’s Humanimals face a choice. Either they accept who they are or cling to the belief that Madame Monstrosity will return them to their original forms. It is a test of their character. Will they remain slaves to Yesterday or accept who they are now? The Humanimals must choose to protect their friends or bolster the influence of a powerful ruler.

 

As for Bailey Briggs, he must use the knowledge he’s gained to help others. So, should he find a way to help Madame Monstrosity? Or should he place the mad scientist in danger?

 

What a choice! Or, to quote Squirrel Girl, Holy Macadamia Nuts!

 

 

 

Art

Dan Slott packs his story with characters, forcing Paco Medina to populate panels with people. Medina brings his A-Game to Spider-Boy #7, as Toy Soldier confers with Jarvis, Captain America, Thor, Squirrel Girl, Spider-Man, and Miles Morales in the entrance hall to the Jarvis Lounge. Madame Monstrosity activates her cattle prod with a smile while Spider-Boy's lips part to reveal his Tombstone teeth. Electricity arcs off the prod, and an image of the High Evolutionary appears before the glowing laboratory lights.

 

Tabby looks confused and frightened as Boy-Spider hugs his feline mother. Braving the disapproval of her porcine and equine supervisors, Christina pauses while hoeing a field as Tabby and Boy-Spider approach. Then Toy Soldier and Thor swoop in, preceding an Avengers quinjet. Drop your garden tools, Humanimals! It’s Hammer Time!

 

 

 

 

Erick Arciniega lavishes a loaded palette on Spider-Boy #7. The rising sun fills the sky with pink, purple, and blue as a carrier pigeon joins Spider-Man on his morning thwip. The Avengers’ colorful uniforms stand out from the brown and tan walls in the waiting area. Overhead lights illuminate Spider-Boy as he crouches in his cage in the gray laboratory. When Madame Masque departs, she slams the brown wooden door behind her. Despite her house’s Victorian exterior, the gray laboratory, halls, and stairways evoke a medieval castle.

 

As Dan Slott populates Spider-Boy #7 with so many characters, Joe Caramagna & Cory Petit do a Spidey team-up to thwip uppercase lettering into white dialogue balloons. Toy soldier gets green italicized lettering in contrast to the dominant black, while extreme emotions may color words or balloon borders. After wielding electricity, one of Madame Monstrosity’s balloons begins to melt. Thankfully, the arriving pigeons and their large Coos in clingy light blue balloons transform Christina's beak into a smile.

 

Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

When Spider-Boy needs rescuing from Madame Monstrosity's lair, his friends discover Bailey’s greatest superpower. Amid all the Whoing and Cooing, Spider-Man battles a Crocodile with a flamethrower, Squirrel Girl gets a Toy-Boy, and Madame Monstrosity asks Bailey for a Forget-Me-Not in Spider-Boy #7.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #16 Review

 

Writer: Cody Ziglar

Artists: Federico Vicentini & Federica Mancin

Colorist: Bryan Valenza

Letterer: Cory Petit

Cover Artists: Federico Vicentini & Richard Isanove; David Baldeón & Jesus Aburtov; Taurin Clarke; Nic Klien

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: February 14, 2023

 

Brooklyn’s Team Spidey crashed Rabble and Hobgoblin’s party in the old Beyond building. While Scorpion, Shift, and Starling tackled Hob’s hired hands outside, the Pumpkin-Meister and Techno-master gave Miles Morales, Kamala Khan, and Gust an explosive welcome. Can Miles' clone Shift, his girlfriend Tiana, and reluctant Team Spidey member Mac Gargan take on Ricadonna, Mr. Fish, Man-Bull, Goldbug, and Shocker? Can Brooklyn's Spider-Man, Ms. Marvel, and Agent Gao's young wind machine take on Hobgoblin and the Tech Whisperer? Let's ignite our venom-sabers, leap into Miles Morales: Spider-Man #16, and find out!

 

Story

Miles had a mini meltdown when he realized Rabble had teamed with Hobgoblin. But Kamala and Tiana helped him reclaim his mojo. Rabble still blames Miles for not getting into Brooklyn Visions Academy. In Miles Morales: Spider-Man #16, he uses Rabble’s grudge to bait her, hoping to distract her battle-focus. After all, Rabble's also prone to meltdowns, but hers are more maxi than mini.

 

Kamala Khan bolsters Miles by reminding him that she died. Now, she has returned to life and fights by his side. Despite his wavering spider sense, this bolsters Miles' mojo too. After all, she gave her life fighting beside the other Spider-Man. He doesn't want to make it two for two with the latest X-Men recruit.

 

Spider-Man weakened Rabble’s ability to talk to technology. Hobgoblin helped Rabble recapture some of what she lost. In return, she helped Hobgoblin track Queen Goblin's movements. She wants a rematch with the young punk who stole her future. Hobgoblin tried to use Aaron Davis to rub out Spider-Man. Miles’ uncle may have flaked out on him, but Rabble helped upgrade Hobgoblin’s tech. Hobgoblin's ultimate prize may be Queen Goblin. Still, he's ready for another battle with Brooklyn's Spider-Man. 

 

 

 

Cody Ziglar’s story features a no-holds-barred battle between Miles, Ms. Marvel, and Gust versus Hobgoblin and Rabble. Outside the abandoned Beyond building, Starling, Scorpion, and Miles' clone Shift take on Ricadonna, Mr. Fish, Man-Bull, Goldbug, and Shocker. Scorpion denigrated Hobgoblin’s security staff by claiming they were Z-Listers. Yet Team Spidey Outdoors struggles to put down these Killer Zs.

 

Like his outdoor squad, Miles' indoor team faces stiff competition. Something's needed to break the stalemate. That's bad for the other Spider-Man, as Peter Parker is counting on Miles’ help at the Battle Of Central Park in Amazing Spider-Man #43. Even if Peter lets Miles down, Miles doesn't want to repay the favor. More importantly, he can't let Hobgoblin and Rabble use what they've built here to aid Madame Masque. Someone needs to think outside the box in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #16. Who do you think it'll be?

 

 

 

Art

As the smoke clears, Spider-Man, Ms. Marvel, and Gust behold Hobgoblin and Rabble hovering on their gliders. Close-ups of Rabble and Spider-Man reveal their hunger for a rematch. Gust’s swirling air currents knock Rabble off her perch while Ms. Marvel's arm stretches and her hand enlarges to grasp the Tech Whisperer. Miles emulates the Cape Killer's latest recruit by thwipping a swirling web at Hobgoblin. Rabble shows she prepped for Miles' venom saber by summoning an energy blade in each hand.

 

Federico Vicentini & Federica Mancin keep everything in constant movement outside. Scorpion lashes his tail, Shocker's vibro-smashers arc and stream, and Lady Stilt-Man crashes the party to flail her long limbs in a panel or two. Ricadonna’s foot blurs as she kicks away Shift. But then, Ricadonna’s got an axe to grind in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #16. Who dares call her a Z-Lister?

 

Bryan Valenza lavishes a loaded palette on Vicentini and Mancin’s dynamic art. Colors vary from subdued to bold, while costume color fades with movement and distance. Background colors often change panel by panel and portray energy and lighting sources. Highlights and shadows ground the characters, while translucent smoke keeps characters visible.

 

 

 

Cory Petit thwips uppercase black letters into white dialogue balloons in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #16. The large, thin font grows bold for inflection and shrinks for lowered voices. Rabble's dialogue fades to lavender when she does one of her Tech Talks, and Hobgoblin's dialogue occasionally turns the same color, indicating he's learned from her example. Miles' thoughts stand out as white letters in red narrative boxes. Sound effects enhance the fighting inside and out. Occasionally, they release so much energy that they shove all art from a panel, at least the art not showcased within the giant letters.

 

Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy of this Gang War chapter for review.

 

Final Thoughts

While Rabble and Hobgoblin use the Beyond Corporation’s tech to upgrade their powers, Brooklyn’s Team Spidey fights to prevent them from enhancing Madame Masque’s forces with a fleet of killer drones. Yet hovering over Miles Morales: Spider-Man #16 on an invisible glider is the fate of Miles’ uncle Aaron Davis. What happened to the Prowler? Was the Hornet’s faith in him misplaced?

 

Rating 9/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Spider-Boy #3 Review

 

Writers: Dan Slott

Artists: Paco Medina; Ty Templeton

Colorist: Erick Arciniega; Dee Cunniffe

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Humberto Ramos & Edgar Delgado; David Baldeón & Jesus Aburtov; Paco Medina & Edgar Delgado; Federico Vicentini & Alejandro Sanchez; Leinil Francis Yu & Sunny Gho

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: January 31, 2023

 

Once, Bailey Briggs had a home, a mother, and a life. Now Bailey lives in a homeless shelter, a framed photo of his mother is his only possession, and many regard him as a monster. Can Bailey rebuild his life and gain others' respect? Let's thwip into Spider-Boy #3 and find out!

 

“Nonstop Action Figure”

Story

When he sees a woman fall from her balcony, Bailey races to save her and her cat. Yet he seems more focused on developing a theme tune, and when she gushes with appreciation, he suggests $20. Thankfully, his friend Christina Xu is nearby and talks Spider-Boy out of a faux pas. Yet Bailey has a point. Shouldn't superheroes get paid for defending others? It worked out for Luke Cage, as the former Hero For Hire is now New York City's mayor.

 

Spider-Boy helped Captain America prevent Taskmaster from stealing the Super Adaptoid for his client. While Taskmaster only brings Killionaire the powerful robot’s hand, the precocious child grows incensed and threatens to kill the skull-faced villain. Killionaire’s chief scientist, Dr. Shannon Stillwell, appeases the Evil Richie Rich by rebuilding the robot hand into a remote-control action figure. Imbued with all the powers of the Avengers, the pint-sized hero can transform to suit Killionaire’s desires. Best of all, it’s an exclusive!

 

In his Spider-Boy #3 story “Nonstop Action Figure,” Dan Slott contrasts Bailey's plight with Killionaire. The young villain has money and power but only finds amusement by hurting others. Bailey let a thief abscond with his cellphone—filled with pictures of his mother—when his spider-sense alerted him to someone in need. When the influencer threatens to steal the shoes Mr. Fantastic gave Bailey (when his fellow superheroes accepted and respected him), Spider-Boy overcomes his anxiety over losing another piece of his identity. Instead of employing force, Bailey uses his wits to defuse the confrontation and turn a villain into a hero.   

 

 

 

Art

While security agents in black suits scan the surroundings, Killionaire looks up at Taskmaster and Dr. Stillwell. Taskmaster crosses his arms over his chest. Shannon wears an exoskeletal suit. Light glints off her monocular as she pulls off a cloth. As in her creator's first appearance, the action figure rests its hands on its hips. Killionaire removes his shades. The letter K hangs from a chain link necklace. The young villain’s eyes widen, and he rests one hand in the pocket of his tracksuit as he orders Toy Soldier to destroy Taskmaster. Thank goodness Killionaire doesn't have a freeze-ray gun!

 

Erick Arciniega lavishes full spectrum color on Paco Medina's art in Spider-Boy #3. While Toy Soldier remains green despite changes in appearance, bold colors provide appeal and contrast. Bailey's luminous yellow eyes highlight his striking red-and-blue costume. Yellow suggests Bailey's power as he catches a dog hurtling through the air and the impact Spider-Boy absorbs when hitting the ground.

 

 

“Spi-lingual”

Story

The lighting striking a construction site beckons bystanders to investigate. As Christina and Bailey merge with the crowd, she urges him to help Thor battle a giant spider. His Spider-Boy abilities grant him super strength, leaping, and wall-crawling, but Bailey realizes that only his monster mode can aid the Asgardian’s efforts. Although reluctant, Bailey summons the physical changes. Additional eyes appear on his face, and fangs sprout from his jaws.

 

Dan Slott’s second story in Spider-Boy #3 requires that Bailey risk the goodwill he's gained. People respect hard work, but they also respond to appearances. Despite Thor's insistence that your belief in yourself matters most, Bailey knows he's inviting more front-page articles in the Daily Bugle and other media declaiming the monstrous new Spider-Boy.

 

Like “Nonstop Action Figure,” “Spi-lingual” also pits Bailey against an opponent with far greater powers. While we don't learn about the resilience and magical properties of the Uru in his opponent’s armor, Thor finds the giant spider a worthy foe. Once again, Spider-Boy must break his mentor’s rule of only fighting lesser threats. But like Thor, Bailey finds communication a powerful weapon.

 

 

 

Art

The armored spider stands equal with Thor but forces the Asgardian back. His mighty thews wield a cracked Mjolnir to no avail. Ty Templeton's early panels focus on Christina and Bailey in Spider-Boy #3. The camera and cellphone-wielding crowd fade away as Christina gives Bailey “The Look.”  A metal Y adorns the spider’s battle helmet, and dreadlocks frame the fang-filled mouth of the Lockjaw-sized monster. Thor clutches one of its limbs as the spider pushes his winged helmet toward the ground. The Asgardian struggles to keep his booted feet beneath him.

 

Dee Cunniffe’s loaded palette softens this all-ages tale. Bright blue surrounds crackling white lightning, while the sky grows brown as it nears the ground. When Thor whirls his hammer, he unleashes a rainbow of color reminiscent of the Asgardian hero’s Silver Age adventures. In the final panel, a purple-adorned figure works in a room dominated by green video screens.

 

 

 

Joe Caramagna thwips black uppercase dialogue into white balloons in "Nonstop Action Figure" and "Spi-lingual." Word size shrinks for lowered voices, grows bold for intonation, and enlarges and changes color for shouts. Toy Soldier speaks green dialogue, while Thor summons a distinctive font. Caramagna helps us hear the tiny green Avenger battle Bailey and Mjolnir clang off Uru armor. Yet Bailey’s monster-mode utterances remain Caramagna’s most unique contributions to Spider-Boy #3.

 

Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Giving triumphs over getting, seeking the best in others prevails where strength fails, sacrifice wins respect, and people prize their pets in Spider-Boy #3.

 

Rating: 9.6/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.