Rogue Storm #2 Review

 

Writer: Murewa Ayodele

Artist: Roland Boschi

Colorist: Neeraj Menon

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Artists: Humberto Ramos & Edgar Delgado; InHyuk Lee; Pablo Villalobos

Designer: Sarah Spadaccini & Jay Bowen

Editors: Lindsey Cohick, Annalise Bissa, Tom Brevoort & CB Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: November 12, 2025

 

Storm was Earth’s protector. She was also Rogue’s friend. When the Collector split Rogue in two, Rogue Green retained her powers. Gambit decided that one Rogue was enough and sent Rogue Red away in tears. So, Storm gave Rogue Red a new home in her Storm Sanctuary. Knowing what it was like to lose her powers, Storm fashioned Enisium claws from her god armor and trained Rogue Red to fight with them. Everything was fine until Storm went to the Sahara Desert and never returned.

 

From her palace in the Sahara, Storm began changing the Earth’s weather. The cataclysmic changes threatened to make the world uninhabitable. So, Rogue Red led the Uncanny X-Force to kill her friend before Storm could destroy the world. What happened after Rogue Red’s battle with the Storm Engines? And why did Storm later attack the Fishmen of Osun? Let’s slip on our Enisium claws, leap into Rogue Storm #2, and see!

 

Story

After slaying the Fishmen at Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Storm rests in Abeokuta. In the shelter of Olumo Rock, Eēgūn appears to her. Storm has spent years searching for him. She wonders why he has waited so long to appear. The god who healed her and later slew her assures her that their long dance has not yet finished. Then Daniel’s spirit supplants Eēgūn and urges Storm to awaken.

 

Like Daniel and Eēgūn, Storm meets someone else who has a grievance against her in Rogue Storm #2. But this person is alive, and he’s a Mutant. Storm doesn’t wait for him to arrive. Angered by continual betrayals, she attacks first. But her visitor isn’t impressed. Gambit knows Storm's capabilities. After Rogue Green's death, he has nothing else to live for. Except perhaps to set things right.

 

Murewa Ayodele weaves Storm, Rogue Red, and Gambit's tale into the tapestry of the Age of Revelation. Their story tackles the pain of losing someone you loved, even if that person wasn't the one you devoted your life to. Rogue Storm #2 also follows Rogue Red's path after slaying the Sentinel-like Storm Engines. It explains why Storm hung in chains inside her palace, instead of drinking wine and training with Rogue Red in her Sanctuary. And it suggests that perhaps sometimes, when people drift away from us, they are protecting us from who they are becoming.

 

 

 

Art

After Rogue Red stormed her ice palace, and Storm slew the Fishmen of Osun, Roland Boschi opens with Storm holding an Enisium claw in her hand. After enclosing Rogue Red's claw in a globe and swallowing it, Storm eats fish. When Eēgūn appears, the circular horn above his face echoes Storm’s circular campfire. Unlike Storm, his demeanor expresses his delight in their dance of death. Revelation may have transformed their world. The X-Men may no longer exist. Yet, Storm wears an X symbol on her shoulder guard.

 

Neeraj Menon adorns Rogue Storm #2 with a lavish palette of appealing colors. Storm painted white and colored symbols on her skin in tune with her heritage. When Gambit appears, his yellow and green attire commemorate Rogue Green's appearance after combating the Collector. Yet pink appears when Gambit uses his Mutant abilities, reminiscent of the woman he shunned. After beginning Storm's story by holding an Enisium claw, Rogue Red's story resumes by wearing a claw in her red glove. Yellow and orange destruction echo Storm’s campfire, while the light blue Sahara Snowfield recalls the globe Storm swallowed in her dream.

 

Travis Lanham fills white dialogue balloons with large black uppercase letters. A stylized white font identifies time and space. Daniel speaks dark letters into glowing balloons, while Storm occasionally speaks white letters into black balloons. Sound effects heighten battles and highlight uncanny abilities as Gambit seeks to ease his conscience after ignoring his duty of care. Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a review copy.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Revelation killed millions to protect the Mutants from frightened and prejudiced Humans. But as Storm kills people while trying to protect the world, someone else engages in wholesale slaughter in Rogue Storm #2.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

Rogue Storm #1 Review

 

Writer: Murewa Ayodele

Artist: Roland Boschi

Colorist: Neeraj Menon

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Artists: Humberto Ramos & Edgar Delgado; Elizabeth Torque & Federico Blee; Iván Talavera; Karen S Darboe & Jesus Aburtov; Rickie Yagawa & Tamra Bonvillain; Stefano Caselli & David Curiel

Designer: Jay Bowen

Editors: Lindsey Cohick, Annalise Bissa, Tom Brevoort & CB Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: October 15, 2025

 

Rogue has traveled with Gateway, Warpath, Fantomex, Iceman, and Akujin to the Sahara Desert. Snow covers the vast land of dunes. The Uncanny X-Force must prevent Storm from unleashing further destruction on Earth's ecosystem. Rogue doesn't want to kill her friend. But like Rogue, Storm has changed. Can Rogue kill her best friend? And why is Storm attacking the world she sought to protect? Let’s leap into Rogue Storm #1 and see!

 

Story

As Rogue rides through the snow, Gateway hovers alongside. He reminds Rogue that this is necessary. Yet the proposition seems overwhelming. Sentinels guard an ice fortress surrounded by wrecked bodies and vehicles. While Akujin hungers for the opportunity to kill Storm, the rest seem less confident. Yet they charge into battle regardless, firing tank-like cannons mounted to their steeds. When one of the rhino-like animals speaks, it asserts its readiness for the challenge. Yet Storm's guardians will draw first blood.

 

 

 

While Rogue Storm #1 takes place five years into the Age of Revelation, it also revisits events three years previous. An accident cost Rogue her husband and her powers. Storm consoled Rogue and helped her get back on her feet again. Her friend enhanced her fighting ability. But Storm could not replace Rogue's sense of uniqueness.

 

Murewa Ayodele’s story demonstrates how people can rebuild their lives after suffering incomparable losses. It's also a powerful reminder of how much we can change as we journey through life. But mostly, it’s an exhilarating battle between titanic forces and underdogs. 

 

 

 

Art

Roland Boschi opens Rogue Storm #1 with glimpses of the burning Amazon forest, the destruction of Atlanta, and ridges of land emerging from the snow and clouds like the spine of the world. But the most telling reminder of Storm’s power is the first panel, which shows Mjolnir orbiting Earth with bits of the broken hammer drifting nearby. Storm’s new home also inspires awe, with giant metal guardians surrounding a heap of Pick-Up Sticks. But a glimpse inside reveals that the ice palace is no Fortress of Solitude.

 

 

 

Neeraj Menon lavishes a bright palette on this snow-bound battle. The titanic guardians prove faster than AT-AT Walkers and lend scenes an epic grandeur. Yet the Human-sized crystal killer seems everywhere at once. Red contrasts with green in this light-blue land of stark sunlight. While Rogue wears red, the winged warrior spills it. The sentient steeds roar as they charge, wearing green saddles and armor. These two colors symbolize what Rogue has suffered in Rogue Storm #1. 

 

 

 

Travis Lanham fills white narrative boxes and dialogue balloons with large black uppercase letters. A stylized white font identifies time and space. The creatures speak into irregular balloons, while Iceman’s rage swells and turns blue. Sound effects make this story about killing a god crackle and boom, while heroes work together to leap into combat and smash their titanic opponents. Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a review copy.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

As X-Force attempts deicide, and Storm’s guardians intend decimation, an angry god divides her mind among her guardians. Rogue Storm #1 hints at how Revelation has achieved mastery over other Omega-level Mutants and suggests that Rogue’s situation may not be unique.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

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. 

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #33 Review

 

Writer: Cody Ziglar

Artist: Marco Renna

Colorist: Bryan Valenza

Letterer: Cory Petit

Cover Artists: Federico Vicentini & Neeraj Menon; Logan Lubera & Rachelle Rosenberg; Taurin Clarke; Rogê Antônio & Marcelo Maiolo

Designer: Gabriel Mata

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

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: May 14, 2025

 

Kwaku Anansi has been silent and alone for too long. So he dubs Miles Morales his herald and explores life in Brooklyn. But Ares, the God of War, takes umbrage at Anansi's pact with Miles. He enlists Zip Zephyr and upgrades Agent Gao to War-Cry to prevent Anansi from breaking ancient pacts. When Anansi senses Ares' meddling in his new story, the spider-god enlists Thor's and Hercules' aid. Will Brooklyn play host to a battle of the gods? Let's offer sacrifices to our lords above, leap into Miles Morales: Spider-Man #33, and find out!

 

Story

After living in fear of others, Shift braves a life above ground in New York. Miles gives him a new name, and Mayor Cage finds him a school. But Jaime finds gaining acceptance among people he doesn’t know more difficult than posing as Miles at Brooklyn Visions Academy. After achieving the seemingly impossible in overturning Fisk’s Law, perhaps Luke Cage selected the Eastside Academy of the Arts for a reason. Where other students see an insecure, swole dude, one person welcomes a new friend.

 

When Ares requests an Agon in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #33, Anansi readily accepts. The rules of the formal confrontation specify two four-person teams. Even though Miles doesn’t know who fights for Ares besides Zip Zephyr and War-Cry, Miles must choose who will fight with him and Hercules. Forced to decide which of his friends may die, Miles again battles the stress that has often threatened to overwhelm him. But like Ghostbuster Ray Stantz, whether Miles wants to choose anyone or not, his spider-god summons the people Miles thinks of.

 

Cody Ziglar’s story concerns how we regard surprise. Do we look for unexpected challenges or dread them? Do we welcome new experiences or seek a pattern to define our days? While each god wields trickery to gain an advantage, Ares seeks revenge for past slights. Anansi welcomes a contest that will inspire heroes in the future. After struggling to manage his stress, Miles must decide if he trusts the god who endangers his friends in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #33. 

 

 

 

Art

When Jaime approaches carrying his tray and sporting a smile, two boys wearing hoodies abandon the table, leaning forward. As his smile flees, Jaime hunches forward, showing less delight in his food than when he ate with Ganke and Miles’ friends. But when someone wearing a gleaming leather jacket and a confident expression joins him, Jaime relaxes, and his smile returns in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #33.

 

Compared with Jaime and Jade's reunion, a tense confrontation occurs outside Brooklyn Visions Academy. While Thor, Hercules, War-Cry, and Zip Zephyr prepare for battle, Ares looks self-assured. Miles seems poised for a nervous breakdown. 

 

 

Kwaku Anansi may not wear the rich blues and golds of Ares’ team. Nor does he wear a uniform as colorful as Miles' red, black, and purple Wakandan spider-suit. Yet a smile never lingers far from Anansi's face. Adorned in black fabric and beads, with bright blue and orange body-paint and feathered-mask, Anansi radiates a love for life and gratitude for every new situation.

 

As Bryan Valenza lavishes a bright color palette on Marco Renna's appealing characters, a tense confrontation, and a climactic fight, Cory Petit thwips uppercase letters into dialogue balloons and narrative boxes. Miles' thoughts appear as white letters in red narrative boxes, while white block letters introduce the singers of Anansi’s new song. Two others join Zip's diagonal-lettered chorus. The dialogue grows bold for intonation, enlarges for volume, and never shrinks. Sound effects help us hear resounding thunder, teleportation, and a world-traveling axe that puts Phileas Fogg to shame. Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a copy for review.

 

 

Final Thoughts

His active lifestyle and battle with stress blind Miles to others' struggles. Like Peter Parker, his friends must spell out their difficulties for him. But when circumstances force him to endanger the people in his life, Miles discovers that someone whose life seems perfect also faces daily struggles in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #33.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.