Ultimate Comics Spider-Man (Vol. 2) #11

Background

Uncle Aaron has figured out that Miles is Spider-man and has plans to include him in his criminal endeavors. Miles isn't very keen, but Aaron manages to convince Miles to help Aaron take down a bad guy. A bad guy who wants to kill Aaron for a deal gone wrong: the Scorpion.

Story Details

The issue starts with a brief scene showing the genuine bond Miles and Aaron had pre Miles becoming Spider-man. They are bonding over Jackie Chan movies.

Fast forward to present day. Spidey meets the Prowler outside a club. Inside the Scorpion is preaching about how the he is going to rule the criminal underworld. The Prowler and Spidey go in, they get in a fight and beat up the bad guys. The Scorpion tries to escape, but Spidey uses his venom blast to take him down and hand him over to police. Of course the Police end up wanting to arrest Spidey, so he uses his 'fading' power to disappear and escape. During these final moments, the Prowler had already ditched Spidey when the police turned up and is nowhere to be found.

When Miles arrives back at his shared room, Ganke points out that his phone has been receiving messages non-stop. Miles checks and it's Aaron (aka the Prowler) wanting to check that Miles is alright. Aaron also let's Miles know that they are 'just getting started'. Miles is not keen and when he texts Aaron 'no', Aaron threatens to reveal Miles' secret to hid father. Things are definitely not going the way Miles would of hoped...

General Comments

A solid issue. The brutal fight that makes up the bulk of the issue is great. The scene once again brings out Aaron's selfish character and Miles' naivete. Aaron wants to win the fight, but lets Miles take a fair bit of damage and refrains from putting himself too much on the line. Miles desire to do the right thing shows through and persists, seeing the battle through to the end, while clearly not enjoying it.

The art for the most part is great, but there are a couple of key moments where it seems like there is a 'frame' missing and the action isn't all that clear. This is most evident when Spidey thinks he has defeated the Scorpion for the second time. The Scorpion goes from lying 'unconscious' on the floor to running away in the distance in the next panel. It's really a bit confusing.

Miles is clearly stuck in an unpleasant situation with his uncle. The question is, how will he resolve it?

Overall Rating

Great issue.