In a bid to broaden the number of comics we cover at ComicsXF, we give you, the reader, these one-paragraph reviews of some recent releases.
Avengers #21
W: Jed MacKay | A: Valerio Schiti | C: Federico Blee | L: Cory Petit | P: Marvel
Finally, the rematch you’ve been waiting for: Avengers vs. X-Men, Round 2! Just kidding, the two teams play baseball and hug and pair off for check-in conversations about their current status quos. I read this at the end of a long, frustrating day, and it was exactly what I needed. MacKay uses his characterization skill to write many people’s favorite kind of X-Men story: the post-event cooldown issue; oops all talking. Except technically this is a pre-event cooldown, as it takes place before the “Raid on Graymalkin” crossover between X-Men and Uncanny (You can tell because Beast is un-kidnapped) and whatever the Avengers are doing next. MacKay mines the histories of the two teams, and Storm’s presence on both, for great moments; most notably a conversation about allyship between Cyclops and Captain Marvel, another about “the dream” between Storm and Temper, and yet another about whatever’s been going on with Magneto post-resurrection. In Schiti’s hands, everyone is beautiful, but he brings his own spin to Glob Herman, giving him an even rounder, more mutant gummy bear-like appearance, as his ability to take care of people by feeding them is made known to the wider Marvel Universe. The panels immediately after Storm thanks him are reason enough to read this issue. Things will get darker from here for both teams, but it’s all the more reason why issues like this are necessary every so often.
— Dan Grote
Miles Morales: Spider-Man #26
W: Cody Ziglar | A: Federico Vicentini | C: Bryan Valenza | L: Cory Petit | P: Marvel
I can’t believe I missed reviewing this awesome issue earlier. Not only is there an awesome rematch between Miles Morales and the Vulture, but Miles also tag teams with his girlfriend Tiana Toomes, aka Starling. Federico’s Vicentini’s art and Cory Petit’s lettering stood out to me most when Tiana got into the action, especially on a gorgeous single page where she sucker punches Vulture while asking, “What, in all those years you watched me growing up, made you think I can’t fight my own battles?” I also liked how Starling’s name is lettered in blocky yellow and red letters. It literally puts respect on her name and additional weight to her words and actions.
Moreover, I appreciate Cody Ziglar for letting Starling parse her complicated feelings toward her grandfather during and after the fight. I especially liked the line, “I still love my grandpa and probably always will, but I don’t have to like him or let him into my life.” The latter are words of wisdom for anyone with toxic or estranged family members, and I’m glad Tiana got closure.
— Latonya “Penn” Pennington
Buy Miles Morales: Spider-Man #26 here.
Miles Morales: Spider-Man #27
W: Cody Ziglar | A: Daniele Di Nicuolo | C: Bryan Valenza | L: Cory Petit | P: Marvel
In this issue, it is Miles’ turn to give himself some grace as he travels to Wakanda with Black Panther to be cured of his vampirism. Of course, Miles can’t simply skip school to travel to another country. Adding some levity in between Miles’ journey are pages focused on his doppelganger, Shift, a literal clone of Miles that sits in for him at school. Overseen by Miles’ friend Ganke, Shift’s antics are mildly entertaining.
Yet it is the real Miles Morales whose story continues to captivate me. Throughout the past few issues, we’ve seen Miles beat himself up and get beaten down by Vulture for struggling to control his vampirism. Issue #27 finally gives Miles some grace in a couple of ways. A highlight I enjoyed is Miles confiding in Black Panther about his feelings of fear, anger and powerlessness. Black Panther replies as wisely and regally as he can, and I can’t help but appreciate Ziglar’s relatable dialogue.
A final thing I enjoyed about this issue was a chase scene between Miles and a female thief. There is a fantastic double-page spread of Miles kicking the thief that highlights guest artist Daniele Di Nicuolo’s dynamic artwork and panel layout, enhanced by Valenza’s vibrant colors and Petit’s striking letters. It is such a dope moment, underscored by the tenseness of the force of Miles’ kick drawing blood and triggering his vampiric impulses. Luckily, T’Challa’s voice calms him on the next page and the moment passes. The scene enhances the emotional vulnerability Miles would show with T’Challa later, creating a humbling moment.
— Latonya “Penn” Pennington
Buy Miles Morales: Spider-Man #27 here.
Spider-Society #4
W: Alex Segura | A: Scott Godlewski | C: Matt Milla | L: Joe Caramagna | P: Marvel
Even though I got into this miniseries pretty late, I had a good time. I loved seeing the version of Spider-Woman from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse play a major role. Spider-Cat was a fun mix of tough and cute, while seeing Araña come into her role as leader was neat. The most enjoyable thing was who the big bad ended up being; it took me by surprise. Scott Goldewski’s dynamic art was enhanced by Matt Milla’s color work and Joe Caramagna’s lettering. Some colors and lettering heightened movements, like orange bubbles and the sound effect “Krrzzttt!” for Araña moving toward a device. Favorite pages involved Spider-Woman, Araña and Spider-Cat doing a fastball special.
— Latonya “Penn” Pennington
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, ComicsXF may earn from qualifying purchases.
Latonya Pennington is a freelance contributor whose comics criticism can be found at Women Write About Comics, Comic Book Herald, Newsarama and Shelfdust, among others.
Dan Grote is the editor and publisher of ComicsXF, having won the site by ritual combat. By day, he’s a newspaper editor, and by night, he’s … also an editor. He co-hosts The ComicsXF Interview Podcast with Matt Lazorwitz. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, two kids and two miniature dachshunds, and his third, fictional son, Peter Paul Winston Wisdom.
