Signs of Things to Come
This issue sees Bendis begin to properly address the plot threads of the last few issues regarding Uncle Aaron and Miles. And while this issue felt like more of an introduction to the next, it still did a good job of giving us a bit more insight into the character dynamics that exist between Miles and Aaron, and Spider-Man and the Prowler. How this will play out is anyones guess, but despite the Norman Osborn-y feel that this relationship has, it works well with the book, and still feels fresh. However, it felt slightly downplayed in this issue, and after the preceding build-up, this issue came off as anti-climatic. While the next issue will obviously address this, and it makes sense in the grand scope of the narrative, for this individual issue the Prowler story felt weak and rehashed. However, Miles story did offer up some good moments and world-building, as we are introduced to the New World According to Miles Morales. Bendis' script was slightly wordy in some sections, and this definately bogged down the beginning of the issue in terms of pacing, but the story he is telling continues to be as enjoyable, if not as quick, as before.
This issue marked the introduction of new artist David Marquez, who will be rotating with series regular Sara Pichelli. Going into this issue, I was unsure of what to expect, and being a gushing fan of Pichelli's work, hoped it would maintain styllistic integrity. Well, Marquez does so with aplomb, and while his artwork shares a similar feel to Pichelli's, he inserts his own individual style quite well, helping to continue making this book one of the most gorgeous each month. His presence is certainly welcome, and while there was nothing exceptional in this issue, the high standard set by Pichelli is still being met.
Overall, I was satisfied with this issue of Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man, however it did not meet the expectations I have come to expect from this series. It felt like more of a qualifier for the next issue, and while this is certainly part of Bendis' style, the actual plot of this issue felt weak and drawn out. The artwork, as usual, was great, but nothing brilliant. However, a mediocre issue of this series still engages me more than most other comics, so its still worth reading.
