REVIEW: ‘Miles Morales: Spider-Man,’ Issue #6

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #6 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Cody Ziglar, art by Federico Vicentini, colors by Bryan Valenza, and letters by Cory Petit. This is part 2 of Carnage Reigns. Spider-Man and Scorpion find themselves trapped in the wreckage of a collapsed building after their clash with Carnage. Not only do they have to work together to try and make their way out, but Kasady is still under there as well.

This issue takes a brief step back as it opens, but other than that it continues just after the last issue concluded. The opening seems to work up to the point where Miles found himself heading toward the diner that led to the chaos of the first issue. With a past-tense journal entry, the time frame of this scene can be confusing, but it isn’t worth dwelling on. After the credits, we move under the building for a suspenseful and exciting next chapter. The situation is claustrophobic and awkward, with two enemies forced into helping each other, along with potential civilians too. The pace is slow but that enforces the feeling of being trapped, and trapped with something evil. 

The issue does not stay underground, moving above to show Agent Gao and those digging through the rubble. But that is sporadic, preferring to keep the pressure underneath.  As Scorpion and Miles move, the notion that they aren’t alone is pretty clear, and the threat of Carnage is a matter of “if,” rather than “when.” But even with that knowledge, it can be forgotten with the entertainment of everything else. The confrontation at the end has the air of a mere prelude to it, instantly switching to a sign of something much, much greater.

The interaction between the characters in this issue is terrific. Miles and Gargan have spent the last arc at each other’s throats, and are now tasked with not only escaping from their predicament but having to keep each other safe too. It’s an excellent conceit, especially when their personalities are so different. Miles is dedicated to helping whoever he can. Whilst Scorpion has shown moments of sacrifice, self-preservation and completing the job he’s been given remain his ultimate goal. The dialogue can be hilarious at points, with a need to get even with one another. Some of the other characters included are very interesting, taking some remnants from previous crossovers that still remained in the ether. 

The art brilliantly captures the precariousness of the situation Scorpion and Spider-Man find themselves in. The first shot of them in their crumbling prison is a brilliant homage to one of the most famous Spider-Man moments of all time, Vicentini fills the panels with debris and objects, keeping the sense of claustrophobia high and the potential for everything to collapse. Pairing Spider-Man and Scorpion together is fun because of the size difference between the two. Scorpion is huge, and can’t help but look intimidating even when he is trying to be helpful. Meanwhile, Miles is diminutive, even more so next to Gargan. There isn’t a huge amount of fighting or even action for most of this issue, but the facial expressions and the ever-changing location keeps the book interesting. The combat at the end is excellent, capped off with a skin-crawling reveal.

The colors are stunning. Throughout the comic, there are contrasting shades of Scorpion’s green and Miles’ red. But the variety in the tones is mesmerising, altering from panel to panel depending on the lighting. This adds depth and shape to costumes that require that for muscle tone, and the detail in this regard is exceptional. The lettering can be big and extensive, occasionally difficult to read.

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #6 is a brilliant addition to the crossover. What makes it shine is the actual lack of Carnage for most of the book. Whilst this is part of Carnage Reigns, it is within Miles’ series. And the character development and storylines are more pivotal to this comic. The team-up element between unlikely allies gives the book more power and a different spin than if it was just Miles down there on his own. And don’t worry, from the looks of it, Carnage is nowhere near finished. 

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #6 is available where comics are sold.