REVIEW: ‘Spectacular Spider-Men’ Issue #2

Spectacular Spider-Men #2 is published by Marvel Comics. It was written by Greg Weisman, illustrated by Humberto Ramos, with pencils by Humberto Ramos, inks by Victor Olazaba, colors by Edgar Delgado, and letters by Joe Caramagna. In the latest issue, Peter and Miles find themselves embroiled in a new clone saga.

This issue splits various plot parts into individual strands, but several synchronicities start popping through them. The pace is rapid and extremely energetic, with many characters reflecting that. The book operates out of the same coffee shop as the first chapter, with some of the supporting cast starting to get their own subplots.

It is through one of those subplots that Peter and Miles follow, leading them deep into the heart of the storyline. The other storylines are interesting as regular people face their lives and relationships being messed with. Things start to make sense only by the end of Spectacular Spider-Men #2.

There’s a chilling undertone to the comic as the Spider-Men are drawn into the depths of the sewers, facing one of their most unsettling adversaries. Yet, the energy and enthusiasm of the wall-crawlers prevents Spectacular Spider-Men #2 from becoming a horror comic. The book is rife with surprises, including elements blending the rogue’s gallery of Peter and Miles. The action scene is a heart-pounding, claustrophobic affair.

The cast of this series is intriguing, with their individual threads starting to unravel. While they may still be a jumble within the coffee shop, new relationships are forming. This sets the stage for events that will test Peter and Miles. A love triangle between two staff members and a customer adds a layer of complexity, and Weisman’s dialogue in this subplot is a standout. This dynamic subplot is arguably more captivating than the Spider-Men’s involvement.

However, the relationship between the two heroes is still exceptional. The dialogue is hilarious and freeing, constantly throwing quips against each other. The chemistry is excellent, and the conversation is fluid, which makes it move faster. The way they strategise and deliver exposition about the villains they face is delivered with constant humor and is easy to take in.

The art showcases the creepiness and charisma of Spectacular Spider-Men #2. Ramos and Olazaba’s range is clear to see. They can make a coffee shop full of people bustling with energy and conversation. This evokes a joyful, positive energy. Then there are the sewers beneath New York, which are dark, ominous, and unsettling. The location and the villains are reminiscent of one of the most famous ever Spider-Man stories, and some panels feel like a direct homage.

The colors are also exceptional. In the cafe, Spectacular Spider-Men #2 is bright and colorful, though not too vibrant to blind the reader. The other locations above ground carry the rich shades and the warmth. But underground in the sewers, the book gets darker, with murkier tones used instead. What never changes is the brilliant red on both Spider-Man costumes. The lettering is effortless to read.

The similarities between the Spider-Men are superb. Seeing both web-slingers crawling along walls in their signature poses draws a smile to the face. The characters’ movement is phenomenal, with Peter and Miles dodging and weaving away from their enemies. Ramos and Olazaba expertly reflect the speed of the plot.

Spectacular Spider-Men #2 is more than just a team-up. Yes, the energy of Peter and Miles working alongside each other is impossible not to grin at. Their friendship and teamwork are phenomenally written and expertly illustrated.

But there is much more substance within Spectacular Spider-Men #2. The storyline of the clones has expanded, seeming to infiltrate various aspects of regular life and subsequently draw the superheroes’ attention. The vast cast makes the comic busy and chaotic at times. It isn’t always easy to follow all of the characters, but they give the series more dimensions and fill out the world.

Spectacular Spider-Men #2 is available where comics are sold.