Spider-Man 2099 #1 Review

by Harlan Ivester on December 11, 2019

Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: Ze Carlos
Colorists: Brian Reber with Andrew Crossley
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics

            If you were disappointed with Miguel O’Hara’s presence over in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man, then it’s a safe bet that you would be willing to check out a book that’s centered around him specifically, right? Marvel really wants you to read all of the 2099 stuff, or at least most of it. If you’re into that sort of thing, then you won’t have much to complain about. Spidey 2099 fans will still be left wanting, because this issue is not letting up on wanting you to read all of Spencer’s 2099 saga. For now, Spider-Man himself is hardly seen. That’s not inherently bad, but I’m sure a lot of readers will be disappointed. This was still my favorite of the 2099 issues that I’ve read so far; Spencer’s dialogue is great, and he knows how to make each scene interesting even if it’s a little disorienting.

            Ze Carlos has a style that I can only describe at a glance as welcoming, but this story gives him room to flex his horror muscles. Intelligent use of silhouettes helps make moments more frightful. Characters are very emotive and that’s a big part of what makes those unfamiliar scenarios still interesting. Reber & Crossley’s colors are very detailed when they need to be, but they also know when to hold back and keep things simple to lend a hand to the tone of a given scene. However, I wish everyone did more to make the setting more enticing. This is the future. Despite all of its amazing differences, it’s rather unremarkable.

            At the end of the day, Spider-Man 2099 #1 is a good comic. Unfortunately, it won’t be greeted as well by readers because of its tie-in nature. This is most definitely a single chapter of a greater story, and how much you enjoy this depends on whether or not you’re up for that. It’s a good character-focused issue with solid art. Just know what you’re getting into before you buy.
 

Our Score:

6/10

A Look Inside