Review: Spider-Man 2099 #2
Peter David – Writer. Will Sliney – Artist.
Antonio Fabela – Color artist.
VC’s Joe Caramagna – Letterer.
Published by Marvel Comics.
This book was by far the highlight of my day before we start. From beginning to end, it was FUN. It’s bright, dynamic, exciting and highly addictive. Why we haven’t had this book before now genuinely astounds me but at the same time, I’m almost glad it’s waited till now. Only the current team of Peter David and Will Sliney could have pulled this of as majestically as it works. Everything about this book to me was unique and strangely familiar all at once, from the gorgeous cover given to us by Alexander Lozano, to the recap page.
Yes the recap page. I know nobody; NOBODY reads the recap page of a comic book. Week to week collectors seldom have to, at best we flash back to it to double check the credits while mowing through the story, and even new comers who actually should read a recap page breeze past it and badger the week to week collectors for the who, what, why, where and when of it all. I read the recap page in Spider-Man 2099. I read it because it gorgeous and unique to the character of Miguel O’ Hara. Using Lyla as our guide to the world of Spidey 2099 is just one of the many quirks this book has that just… fits.
Everything about this book so far just fits in the same way. It’s all in the details. Everything from the personalised caption boxes to the signature 2099 snarky dialogue. “Why do you wear sunglasses indoors?” “–It’s how I look cool.” All these little quirks just gel together to give this book that feeling of… authenticity. This isn’t a rehashed or re-imagined version of a classic character. It’s a natural progression from last we saw Miggy. All too often Marvel can take a character that’s been out of play for a time and bring them back… with a twist. Ultimately, it’s that twist that can kill a book. Spider-Man 2099 is a fascinating character all on his own. This is not your granddaddy’s Spider-Man (although it may be your grandsons?) Peter David knows this. I mean he ought to right? He created the character. But what he’s brought to this series is true to its source and un-compromised, it’s not trying to emulate or pay homage to its classic run by rehashing old plot points or fall back on nostalgia. It’s moving forward and touching new ground, boldly. Peter David writing Spider-Man 2099 is the equivalent of Stan Lee returning to write Amazing Spider-Man.
And if Peter David is the Stan Lee to Miguel’s Peter Parker, then Will Sliney is the John Romita of this book. Bringing a new level to this character with crisp, clean and detailed work that shows on every page Sliney’s a big, BIG part of what makes this book as fun as it is. A while back I got the chance to chat with Will about his approach to the series and what he had in store. (Read the interview here.) But one of the big things Will promised the readers were the unique character traits Miguel brings with him.
“You will see a Spidey that glides through the city instead of web swinging. I want to bring a sense of vertigo that those kinds of aerial feats must create.”
I’m delighted to say he didn’t lie to us. Something I’ve really enjoyed in this book so far is the rather… unconventional acrobatics of this future Spidey. He glides; he flips and often finds himself upside down. Sliney’s worked diligently to bring us all new perspectives on the character. Plus, he makes Miguel look slick to bits while he’s at it. Having featured in the closing chapter of the Superior Spider-Man Saga, and there to kick off the beginning of a new volume of Amazing Spider-Man, Sliney’s more than proven himself as a Spider-Man artist thus far. 2099 is no exception. Get reading this series right now. This book is the future.
–Sorry couldn’t help it. But seriously, go read this.
Action, comedy, suspense and some serious WTF moments. Peter David and Will Sliney continue to deliver! 9.5
