ULTIMATE COMICS: SPIDER-MAN
Whenever I tell someone unfamiliar with the
world of comic books that Peter Parker died and was replaced by a thirteen year
old of mixed race called Miles Morales, I’m usually greeted with incredulity
(not negative incredulity, just incredulity). If I start trying to explain to
the same person that this is only in a parallel universe and it’s not the
‘real’ Peter Parker everybody knows and loves, we’re right down the rabbit
hole.
It did happen, though, and it was greeted
with the usual racist reaction from corners of the world I don’t care about or
listen to. You only had to read one letter from a young Latino boy who was
overjoyed at finally having at an idol to admire and respect to see the bigger
picture. I didn’t care that Miles was half Latino, half African American, but I
did care that he was well-drawn enough as a character to warrant killing off
one of the most famous figures in comic book history, parallel universe or
otherwise.
While Miles as a character has yet to
really hit his straps, creator Brian Michael Bendis has created an excellent
comic book around him. Miles has a slightly different power set to his
predecessor and a very different
uncle. He’s also very young, which I think might be the book’s biggest flaw so
far, as one of the most appealing things about Peter Parker was his
relationship with the various interesting women around him. But I suppose that
will come in time. In its absence the dialogue between Miles and his best
friend Ganke is terrific, the story is compelling and the supporting cast have
plenty of potential. All of this is only improved by the presence of regular
artist Sara Pichelli, one of the best around especially in terms of
communicating facial expressions and emotions through her artwork. The first year
tackled the influence of family on our lives and how much we can really let it
matter to us, and while the second has drifted off the beaten track thanks to
one of those infernal crossover events, this is a book and a character with
real promise. I can only hope Bendis is able to deliver.
As a side note, the Bendis-written Spider-men, which teams up Miles Morales
and the original Peter Parker in an alternative-universe crossover, is a
surprisingly affecting adventure with a killer final twist.
Honourable
Mention: Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye has only released five issues in 2012, but it’s a stellar
start. Every issue sparkles with personality, innovation and a sense of fun –
if your first exposure to the character of Hawkeye was The Avengers, check out Matt Fraction’s take. It will blow your
freakin’ mind.
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