REVIEW: Miles Morales: Spider-Man #14 Gang War

Christopher R. Ford

12 months ago

Young Miles continues his quest to save Brooklyn in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #14 Gang War. Can Miles deal with more super villains, the authorities on his tale, and his own family?

Fresh off defeating two super-powered villains (with the help of Misty Knight and Coleen Wing), Spider-Man should be feeling amazing (pun intended). But instead, Miles jumps from the frying pan, directly into the fire. The Cape Killers show up to arrest Miles, Misty, and Coleen and he only avoids arrest thanks to one of Marvel’s top attorney’s, the She-Hulk herself, getting him off on a technicality. Her conversation with the Cape Killers is particularly amusing. The real action starts when the Prowler shows up. Miles spends the rest of the issue going to blows while trying to talk some sense into his criminal, turned good, turned criminal again(?) uncle. This issue is not as comedic as the last, but writer Cody Ziglar still adeptly navigates the other personality trait that makes all Spider-Men so likeable, their heart.

The art remains astonishing (see what I did there?). Federico Vicentini (art) and Bryan Valenza (colors) keep the good times rolling with page after page and panel after panel of over-the-top web slinging action. The character designs remain stylized and slightly exaggerated taking advantage of the comic book medium. Prowler specifically looks as cool as he ever has in a comic, design-wise. This time, Miles is battling the aforementioned Prowler but also fighting and teaming with the likes of veteran Spidey antagonist Scorpion and newbies like Gust. The action here really does look great and lives up to the Spider-Man name and legacy.

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #14 Gang War continues the series’ awesome run thus far. Bringing in the family conflict kicks things up a notch and makes things even more personal for Miles. But there is also balance. It’s humorous, the pace is lighting quick, and the action is over-the-top comic book-y in the best way possible. Also throw in some great cameos (Peter finally re-enters the chat!) and an amazing cliffhanger/tease/reveal at the end, and you have another must-read issue. Miles’ comic book run ends 2023 on a major high note and it will be interesting to see what 2024 holds for the young web-slinger coming straight outta Brooklyn.

Writing – 4.5 Stars
Art – 4.5 Stars
Coloring – 4.5 Stars

Overall
4.5 Stars

Written by; Cody Ziglar
Art by; Federico Vicentini
Colors by; Bryan Valenza
Letters by; Corey Petit
Published by; Marvel Comics

Author Profile

Christopher R. Ford

Writer, author, and blogger. Published author of three children's books and also writes for the boy Creators For The Culture. Part-time sneaker head, full time nerd.