Spider-Man 2099 (Vol. 1) #27 (Story 1)

Background

Miguel just had a fight with his fiancee, Dana. His ex-girlfriend, Xina, just fixed his holoagent. The two now head out to visit an old friend. Meanwhile, Sgt. Estevez has been mutated into Subject 394...what's he up to?

Story 'Deadly Nightshade'

Xina taked Mig for a mercilessly fast ride in an antique car heading to Nightshade to visit their former headmistress, Angela Daskalakis. Xina hits the "breaks" (parachutes) and activates a portable version of Lyla for Mig, with a message from Gabriel. Mig recalls his last conversation with his brother where he expressed his wishes to be left alone.

At the Alchemax talent search division, 6 gentlemen, the Corporate Raiders, discuss a hostile take over of Nightshade. Mr. Pembert, the Corporate Headhunter, leads the team to open their briefcases and transform into...

Mig and Xina have a fond reunion with Angela. Before she takes them on a tour, she identifies Mig as an Alchemax and due to competition, requests that he visit other parts of the town outiside of the reseach and development labs.

At the same time, as the Corporate Raiders approach Nightshade, Gabe and Kasey start to get romantic. Kasey whispers that Gabe's secret is safe with her...that he's Spider-Man!

In 2099, a hostile takeover is a literal thing. Alchemax's team begin their assult upon Nightshade. The town's plasma cannons fire upon the cars of the Raiders. Miguel suits up, while the beastial Subject 394 begins to bust loose. The Raiders - armed and armored ensconsed in a metallic coating, announce their intent and call for the town's surrender. Spidey attacks with a slash against the Corporate Headhunter. A monsterous voice comes from behind Spidey declaring his puzzlement as to who to kill first.

General Comments

I wonder if I would've like the story better with Rick Leonardi back? I'm just not a fan of Joe St. Pierre's style. The big-eyes and little chin on Spidey seem very odd to me. I'm glad to see a change of pace, taking a drive out of the city to see Angela. We finally see what the rest of the world looks like - and it's nothing special. Oh well. How does such society tolerate bloodshed during a corporate takeover? Where does everyone else outside the city live?

I found these abbreviated stories rather disposable, cut short by Young Miguel tales. Nothing too clever of funny really stood out in this issue.

Overall Rating

Nothing too special.