Brian Jacob Comic Reviews

Cataclysm: The Ultimates' Last Stand #5 is absolutely not worth your time, unless you like looking at exploding things. The Cataclysm: Ultimate Spider-Man mini-series is worth a look, but otherwise wait for Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man and the All-New Ultimates to return properly in April.

It's never been a better time to discover the world of Miles Morales as Spider-Man. A solid debut with a lot to accomplish for old and new readers alike, this issue skillfully establishes the characters while (sort of) taking the overall story forward.

It's a bold move to rename the book after "the new guy" and then bring the old one back right away. It's a bolder move to then directly acknowledge fan theories as to what's really going on. Not to mention bringing in old *and* new villains! This beautifully-rendered issue doesn't answer any questions, but instead successfully digs the hook deeper.

Far from showing signs of slowing down, this issue sets us up for an explosive payoff. Can our storytellers deliver? Meanwhile, the lines between comic-book reality and the reader's experience continue to be blurred, to a fantastic effect.

An issue that actually delivers on a very big promise. Exciting action sequences balanced with moments that make you gasp, smile, and possibly even cheer. Leaving you satisfied yet starving for more, this is about as near-perfect a Spidey reading experience as you could hope to find in a single issue.

Perhaps the best Spidey book on the shelves these days, Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man shows no sign of slowing down. Beautiful artwork, a deepening behind-the-scenes mystery and a shocking confrontation make this another excellent entry in the series to date.

BOOM! Peter Parker reveals the truth at last. Miles Morales proves that he's anything but second-best. Drama, terror, action, emotion, inspiration - this one's got it all. The first arc comes to a successful close, and somehow sets us up to go even higher.

An extended action sequence almost makes Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #7 a wasted opportunity, but things eventually click into place with emotional new beginnings for both Spider-Men and ominous hints of more trouble to come.

Another bold risk in a series that has already successfully taken many of them, issue #8 is a departure from the norm in every way possible. It may seem strange to base an entire issue on Miles' father, but in doing so, we get our first true glimpse into the man that's helped make our hero into who he is today.

A powerful interlude comes to a close. Astonishing imagery, satisfyingly grotesque takes on familiar faces, and a bold emotional risk pays off with fantastic character development.

The moment has arrived: Miles Morales IS Spider-Man! This is a fun issue that captures and maintains the vibrant spirit of the series that started it all. Easily the best Spider-Man book on the shelves right now. Go get it and enjoy!

As a penultimate chapter, Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #11 does a solid job of setting things up for the finale. It may be the first time I'm not looking forward to next month's issue, as it's sad to bid farewell to such an enjoyable series.

More like a series of random big things happening than the epic finale the series deserved. It's a shame, because this creative team has done outstanding work and didn't need to be rushed into taking a victory lap.

An impressive lineup comes together for a comic book jam session. Sneak peeks at Gwen's weird past and hints at a weirder future make for a fun anthology collection that's a break from the norm. Recommended!

Radioactive Spider-Gwen #1 reads like the season premiere of a television show - skillfully presenting a story that both rewards the returning audience and welcomes a new one. Issue #1 is an opportunity to see a creative team in perfect sync. If you've held off on Gwen's solo adventures for some reason, this is the perfect moment to jump in.

There's a lot to enjoy in Radioactive Spider-Gwen #2, but maybe a little too much? With the introduction of this universe's Captain America, Falcon, and Lizard, Gwen's world grows exponentially - it's a little confusing in places, but undeniably fun.

Gwen breaks free in more ways than one. Visually stunning, Radioactive Spider-Gwen #3 does well by keeping a lot of plates spinning, even though it slips a bit toward the end.

The moment has arrived (wait, already?) - Gwen vs the Goblin! A rare case of Spider-Gwen's strengths getting in its own way, things move a little too fast to fully appreciate everything that's happening.

Gwen's supporting cast gets a chance to shine in a strong chapter that balances tension and humor while edging the story closer to boiling point. Outstanding work from guest artist Chris Visions brings a complementary vibe to the established series style. Great issue, but not the one to jump in with.

There's a lot to enjoy both visually and thematically with Spider-Gwen #6, but you have to be willing to look a bit more closely. It might be frustrating when every dot isn't connected, but this remains a smart and clever book that shines new light on the familiar themes of power and responsibility.

One of the funniest installments of the series to date, Radioactive Spider-Gwen #7 successfully balances three lead characters while celebrating the cast and themes that have made Spider-Gwen great so far.

At first glance, it might seem like Gwen is a guest in her own title, but this issue's revelations skillfully balances the crossover characters and story while setting the main series up for a bold new direction. Not as warm as fuzzy as previous chapters, but the event fortunately shows no sign of slowing down.

We all know that being a Spider-hero can suck now and then. While we've seen it countless times, this issue shows you how that can actually *feel.* Stunning visuals and an honest script come together for a book that leaves you cheering for the hero (right after you've given her a hug).

An example of how an over-the-top approach can sometimes work for and against an issue. Despite the feeling of the villain's forced inclusion, Spider-Gwen #10 is anchored by funny dialogue, 80s pop culture references, fantastically weird imagery, and unpredictable exciting action.

There's a lot packed into this issue, as Gwen pauses to take stock of her options with help from her growing cast of friends. Stunning art, an unusual yet thoughtful script structure, and a balance of humor and drama make this yet another solid entry in a wonderful series.

A dazzling finale to an arc about owning your choices. All that's missing is the soundtrack. Read it and get lost in the story's stunning art and colors, then read it again and take time to appreciate its message.

Wow! Whether you're new to the character or have been with Miles since the beginning, Spider-Man #1 introduces an immediately likeable lead, supporting cast, and a scary interdimensional threat. Other than the fight resolution, this is pretty much a perfect debut story.

So far, Spider-Man is not only delivering the character-driven experience that made the original Ultimate Spider-Man a success, but taking it in a bold new direction. Bendis finally addresses Miles' ethnicity and captures a viewpoint that many of us may not have considered.

The development of Miles Morales as a relatable lead character continues with a fun story focused on his civilian life. A skillful balance of charm and tension, strengthened by a growing cast of interesting characters.

A comic book about lunch? A closer look at Miles and Ganke's friendship leads to a better understanding of them as individuals. There's a decent action sequence to keep things moving and a cliffhanger that hints at a quick wrap up before the next Major Event kicks up.

A functional and slightly underwhelming wrap up for both of Miles' most pressing conflicts. Fortunately, it's balanced out with seeded ideas for upcoming plotlines...but we have to get through Civil War II first.

Rather than derail things, "Civil War II" offers a way to build upon the series, its characters, and the ideas of race, honesty, and trust that it's been steadily exploring. Big ideas, but handled in a way that respects Miles fans of all ages.

Miles struggles to understand his purpose as a hero in a chapter about making tough choices. There's a lot going on here, and as the Civil War II conflict is a bit more nuanced than the original event, it's great to see this series carefully build on those themes as opposed to rushing toward spectacle.

If we have to have a crossover event and have to tie in a character's solo book, then this a thoughtful way to do it. This is a story about disillusionment, conveyed through believable human moments and intense artwork. Unfortunately, that same disappointment carries through in its half-baked handling of Miles' racial identity. It's been five years; hasn't Miles earned the right to be more than a novelty?

Where is Spider-Man? What should be a tension-building prelude sadly reads as a series of aimless conversations. The art is beautiful, though.

Ultimate Spider-Man #200 accomplishes exactly what it set out to do and does so with incredible heart. It's a true celebration of a beloved character and continues 14 years of consistently high quality storytelling. One to read and treasure.

There are many things that you can do with $3.99; spending it on Ultimate End #1 should be very low on that list, even if you are a serious fan of the Ultimate Universe. With a story like this, the incursions should be the least of the Ultimate Universe's worries.

It pains me to rate these so poorly, as we know that this team can deliver great stories. So far, Ultimate End #2 isn't one of them.

The Banner confrontation is tense, but it's the one remotely interesting moment and hardly warrants the price of admission. I genuinely feel bad saying this again, but your time and money are better spent elsewhere.

The series finally tries to connect itself with the larger event, but sadly it's a case of too little, too late. Phenomenal visuals can't hide the fact that the series feels confusing and pointless.

A depressing ending acknowledges that the Ultimate Universe died for readers long before Secret Wars. Phenomenal art, yet repeated spread pages feel like filler. More pointless chaos, and a reset that ends on an optimistic note while also undoing precious little character development for Miles.