REVIEW: ‘Spectacular Spider-Men’ Issue #1

Spectacular Spider-Men #1 is published by Marvel Comics. It was written by Greg Weisman, penciled by Humberto Ramos, inked by Victor Olazaba, colored by Edgar Delgado, and lettered by Joe Caramagna. Peter Parker and Miles Morales plan to meet once a week. Their first outing sees them face a hulked-out Jackal.

Featuring both of the Spider-Men, Spectacular Spider-Men #1 has an interesting structure. It moves between points in time, is nicely labelled and is easy to follow. There is energy within the scenes, whether with action or conversation. The story begins in media res, but after that, it spends a long time trying to set up the concept of when and how the duo will meet up. The split between the heroics and the human interaction is well done, dancing between each other.

The first test is a very early surprise, with the Jackal being used differently. Usually a manipulator and a trickster, he has become a hulking bruiser. The Jackal is primarily just a figure to fight in the background, with the emphasis placed on the banter between Miles and Peter. The rest of the story and supporting cast are introduced in one place. However, it is up to the reader to determine their role in future issues.

Those characters are slowly brought into the same place, using a coffee shop as a hub for all interactions. A comment in other periods leads to a jump where a new figure enters the store. While it is a novel method of displaying the cast, the frequency of it can get tiresome and challenging to keep track of all the newcomers. Some are supporting cast members from either Spider-Man’s corner of New York, while others are entirely new.
Where Spectacular Spider-Men #1 shines is the dialogue between its protagonists. There’s a fantastic flow to their conversation that is close to constant.

Where recent stories sought to drive a rift between the webslingers, it is better when they are running alongside each other. The partnership in Spectacular Spider-Men #1 is true and equal. While Peter may be older, Miles has the experience and the capabilities to look after himself. The dialogue is 90% quips. Establishing the parameters of their meetups can get repetitive and take too long, but it is interesting when dates and times are referenced in comics. A brave creator must try to piece a chronology together when characters start popping up in multiple books simultaneously.

The whole art team has experience drawing Spider-Man, though primarily Peter Parker. It is fascinating to see the approach to suddenly drawing two characters with the same powers. Ramos and Olabaza draw two distinct Spider-Men. Everything is unique When they move together, from their swinging style to body posture. Miles is much smaller and thinner than Peter, and their athleticism allows for some crazy flips and movements. The Jackal reappearing under Ramos’ pencil brings back memories of stories like Spider-Island. The movement and the speed of the Spider-Men are enticing. Outside the costumes, there is a terrific use of exaggerated and exasperated facial expressions.

The colors are incredible. Delgado recognises the positivity of the book and enthuses that into the colors. The fight between the Spider-Men and the Jackal is at nighttime, but the lighting is still bright, and the red in both costumes is incredibly vibrant. The shades never clash, even with a diversity of tones during the more domestic periods of the comic. This lettering has been seen in hundreds of Spider-Man comics and is always easy to read.

Spectacular Spider-Men #1 understands its crucial components. What is going to sell the book is the friendship between the heroes. The plot and the other characters aren’t overly complex but accommodate the Spider-Men and allow their irresistible chemistry to flourish. There are no squabbles for supremacy or seniority yet. They are both Spider-Man, and that has long been irrefutable. Having the art team come from years of illustrating, coloring, and lettering these characters within this city is a flawless decision. This is the first issue that is fuelled by fun.

Spectacular Spider-Men #1 is available where comics are sold.