Miles Morales: Spider-Man #4

COMICON

Miles Morales faces what might be one of his most defining moments as ‘Miles Morales: Spider-Man’ #4 pits him against his most personal foe ever, and what they might take from him could change things forever. Every single thing about this series is just working as the creative team’s clear love for the character and his world is clear on every page, giving us one of the best Miles’ focused series ever.

ComicBook.com

For readers to only be four issues into this new Miles Morales run, he's already got his back against the wall. Rabble poses a new, personal threat to Miles' life not only as a superhero, but as a friend, son, and brother. Personal stakes make any good superhero fight all the more interesting, and that's definitely the case here. And I have to add that the art is insane on this book. I can't wait to see how Miles deals with Rabble, and if he is pushed over the edge by her actions.

But Why Tho?

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #4 is a burst of frantic energy. Miles is thrown through the wringer and is absolutely brutally tormented. In a way, I saw this issue as Morales’ version of the Coming Home storyline, where he’s tested to his absolute limit. But everything about the situation is 100% focused on Miles’ corner of the universe. The villain is a terrific counterpoint to Spider-Man, bearing both similarities and tragic differences. The pace is non-stop and extremely fast at points, making it a breathless ride to the finish.

First Comics News

Miles gets the fight of his life as he faces off with Rabble, the villain whose hatred for Miles has finally reached her breaking point; Rabble’s personality can be cunning and strong-minded but at the same time, it could make for a good argument about her being a villain that could have staying power beyond this arc. Cody Ziglar once again writes Miles as a hero worthy of the Spider-Man mantle and I should add that having Misty Knight as his mentor is still a brilliant touch on Ziglar’s part that really fascinates anyone that enjoys this title. This issue thrives on the frantic energy that leaps off the pages so in conclusion, this is a non-stop ride that should be experienced with such wide-eyed enthusiasm while rotting for the hero of this story.

Comic Watch

From the jump, Federico Vicenti’s art begins to fire on every possible cylinder it possibly can. Smooth action with background details and speed lines that add atmosphere and weight to the act creates a sense of story momentum that is exhilarating to follow. This never gets in the way of panel clarity, which is a bonus since there is quite a good amount of unspoken story happening in this issue. He’s not afraid to mess around with dynamic panel angles either, leading to not just fantastic action scenes but moments of conversation that feel equally stylized. The style may draw some ire for not being mainly in line with the expectations of western comic book art, but good art is good art, and Vincenti draws the hell out of Spider-Man. On the plot side, this issue bridges the second act and finale of Ziglar’s first Miles Morales arc, Trial By Spider. As such, it is hard to love from a constructional standpoint, an unavoidable consequence that occurs when writing for the trade. However, the moments that happen to serve the broader narrative established in issue one set up the next issue well enough for a satisfying finale. (...) MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN #4 is a well-done setup chapter for what's to come in the finale for Trial By Spider. Ziglar and Vicenti continue to deliver exciting and plot-rich superhero comics that are bolstering up Miles and his world.

The Super Powered Fancast

The Story: Ziglar does a great job of ramping up the tension in this issue and using the danger of it to teach Miles something he needs to learn. I like having Misty Knight in the mix as a mentor for Miles and her perspective on his actions is spot on. Rabble’s motivations continue to be goofy, but the execution of her menace is well done. I look forward to seeing what the resolution of their conflict becomes. The Art: Vicentini delivers some great action throughout the issue. I love the visual style and how fluid and filled with motion and life the art becomes.

Major Spoilers

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #4 is just another issue in a series that has so far not tried to do anything unique or new with the character. This is a shame because it has both a voice and a look that is begging to be applied to a plotline that serves them better.