REVIEW: SPIDER-MAN NOIR #4 (OF 5)

It“s still a bit tough getting past the point that this Spider-Man Noir series isn“t actually a traditional noir series, but it is incredibly interesting and spectacularly done. Writer Margaret Stohl and artist Juan Ferreyra and concocted a wonderful alternate Spider-Man tale that“s a part Indiana Jones and part Age of Apocalypse. Everyone is more than they appear to be and Stohl gives the story incredible stakes by making the object of the quest the M“kraan Crystal.

The issue begins with Spider-Man, Harry and their Black Widow contact shocked to find out that Huma is a Nazi traitor. Harry reveals herself to be a Dora Milaje hero Hu-ri and makes quick work of the Nazi“s as Tony Stark or Ironsides shows up with aerial tech to rescue them.

The Villainous Huma and the Nazis have recruited Electro while our heroes arrive at the ruins below Babylon. Rather than the snakes Indiana Jones hates so much, our heroes open the temple door to be greeted by giant cicadas. All of this was a ploy by the Nazis to get Hu-ri close by as a Wakandan is needed to gain access to the crystal. The issue ends with a classic battle with our heroes and Electro for the crystal leading to the opening of a gate to the underworld and a host of Spider-Villains returning from the dead.

The art throughout the issue is sharp, cinematic and action-packed. Although it“s not a typical noir book the colors emphasize grays and browns against splashes of colors. It“s a smart use of shadows and colors that“s rarely been done this well in comics.

The story is entertaining, the characters are all familiar and new in classic multiverse fashion, the scope is massive. Stohl has woven an incredibly well done epic with characters we have just met, but due to her great writing, already care about deeply. This is a great Spider-Man in any universe. The world of comics needs more writers like Margaret Stohl and more books like this Spider-Man: Noir epic.Â

Writing: 4.8 of 5 stars
Artwork: 4.6 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.9 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.7 of 5 stars

Writer: Margaret Stohl
Artist: Juan Ferreyra
Letters: Travis Lanham
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.