Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man #5

Background

Norman Osborn has escaped from prison, Peter Parker has returned and a pair of mystery Spider-Men are on a crime spree! On top of that, ex-SHIELD agent Maria Hill knows that Miles is Spider-Man. Even worse, Miles has not seen his father since he revealed his identity and when he told his girlfriend, Katie Bishop, his secret too she ran away!

When Miles discovered that Osborn was free, he headed straight to Aunt May's house. Upon arrival, he wound up face-to-face with the fiery figure of Osborn transformed into The Green Goblin! They fought, with Miles's sting causing Osborn some real damage. With Miles on the ropes, Peter Parker/Spider-Man suddenly appeared and fought Osborn off! With the world watching in shock, they stood surrounded by police!

Story Details

Miles Morales/Spider-Man and Peter Parker/Spider-Man stand surrounded. Captain Quaid tries to calm things down but both heroes high-tail it out of there. Miles gets grazed by a bullet on the way but manages to hide amidst the dark houses on the street. As he wonders about his run in with The Green Goblin and how he's going to get anywhere with a wounded leg, Maria Hill spots him and tells him to get in her car.

Watching all of this on TV, the two criminal Spider-Men (who happen to be brothers) argue over whether to take advantage of the situation and go for another item off the list. One is a little unsure, but they get suited up.

Somewhere in the city, Maria treats Miles's wound as he tells her everything he knows about Peter Parker and Norman Osborn.

In his penthouse, J. Jonah Jameson is on the phone to a General to find out what is going on when the Green Goblin crashes through his window! He depowers and asks to talk to JJJ!

Maria thinks she knows where Peter is...

The criminal Spider-Man break into the Super-Power Division Evidence Store without little resistance...!

Osborn wants to tell his story. JJJ gets his recorder and Osborn begins by saying that he and Peter are now immortal. The Oz formula is keeping them alive forever. Miles's sting make Osborn think more like himself again and he realises that it was he who killed Harry (his son). Upon realising this, Osborn is now resolved to bring SHIELD, Nick Fury, Roxxon and Hydra to their knees. JJJ knows he is not done fighting... so puts three bullets in his head!

Over in Queens, Maria and Miles find Peter at Mary Jane Watson's house. Peter is ready to give answers...

General Comments

My main problem with this comic is that is reads so well and looks so good but I can't find an emotional attachment with the story because of the jumps in logic, the lack of development for Miles's cast and the drama for dramas sake (Peter, Norman, shooting and various reactions to Peter, Norman and shooting!). It's annoying to be in awe of how the story is told but not particularly appreciating the story itself.

Brian Michael Bendis delivers a very pacy issue as an interim to these "answers" Peter promises. Scenes jump all over the place and we're no closer to knowing why Peter and Norman are back, but we get some additional clues to the on-going mystery of the Spider-Men to keep us satisfied.

The JJJ and Osborn scenes are the strongest ones written, but there's only a glimpse of character development for Osborn before Bendis sets him off on another presumed rampage of anger and "burning the world". The shooting is dramatic but I'm seeing through these wow moments more and more and simply seeing at a plot that's been done before.

Once again, the quality of the comic is ramped up by the artistic team. Artist David Marquez and Colourist Justin Ponsor are a force to be reckoned with and do not put a fault wrong. These are high-quality, well-planned pages and panels that squeeze every ounce out of the script. From shadowing and emotion to consistency of detail and tone, this is art to pour over.

Overall Rating

More of the same: A high quality comic but a questionable story in the grand scheme of things.