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Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #5 - The Boy Who Would Be Spider-Man

5

This is it. The moment we've been waiting for. The future for Miles Morales is decided as he draws the attention of a certain group of individuals.

Does Miles Morales have what it takes to actually be Spider-Man?

The Good

This is what I've been waiting for. Miles Morales may have spider-powers but does that give him the right to just dress up in a second rate costume and try to be Spider-Man? I'm not the only one with that question as the Spider-Woman in the Ultimate Universe (also known as one of Peter Parker's clones) demands to know what he is thinking. In typical Bendis fashion, the scene plays out with both style and humor. Miles may have some amazing powers but he's just a kid and an amateur when it comes to his powers. Too often first interactions are played out on an even level and there's no way he should be able to hold his own against Spider-Woman.

What about Nick Fury? He became heavily involved in Peter Parker's life and feels some guilt over his death. There's simply no way people would willingly accept some new person to stroll along and claim the Spider-Man identity for themselves. The way everything plays out was great.

The art is what you've come to expect in this title. Sara Pichelli only does the breakdowns for this issue (along with one full page) but the feeling of Miles' world is still here and there's just something...likable about Miles when you see this kid wanting to do the right thing.

The Bad

There really isn't anything I didn't like. It would've been nice to see more interaction between Miles and Fury. There doesn't really seem to have been too much of a conversation as they were interrupted and we had a tiny jump to the next day towards the end.

The Verdict

The first arc of Miles Morales reaches its conclusion. There is still more to his story but we're finally seeing what others in the Ultimate Universe think of him having powers and wearing a Spider-Man outfit. Other questions are answered and the future of Miles is determined. Bendis once again proves he can capture the voice of a young Spider-Man and does so in a way that isn't just a rehash of what he already did. Miles is a different character and you can't help but like and root for him. We may not be over the death of Peter Parker but Miles has earned himself a spot as a great character in the Ultimate Universe.