Review: Morbius #1

Hard to believe, but we are 9 monthsÂ from the release of the Morbius Movie by Sony, starring Jared Leto.Â The problem is that most of the four-quadrant movie demographics might only be familiar with vampires that twinkle, and not with Dr. Michael Morbius who was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Gil Kane in the pages of The Amazing Spider-Man #101 in 1971.

This first of Morbius issue is equal parts action equal parts exposition, as Morbius is portrayed as an ethically ambiguous super-powered being, who views his powers as a curse and would rather not have them. His quest to be free of his curse leads him to a villain hangout belonging to the Melder, in Greenpoint, NY in search of a component that he believes will help him.Â Trust me on this, these panels are the pest Morbius panels I have seen in a while, such fluid yet horrific action, is really what this character has been needing.Â The dramatic question going forward is will Morbius ever find everything he needs to be free of this curse, or will the mysterious character get to him first? Â

Keeping in tradition with Morbius’ attempts to resolve the problem result in an ever worsening situation. Part of the reason Morbius seems unable to resolve their problems is because even though he is a PHD he does not yet have the skills to deal with the curse…but he is friend who is perhaps the only one who could help him, is dead as a result of a unresolved connection to the curse.Â Â

The Positives:Vita Ayala, and the creative crew is being very clear about one thing… Vampires do not glitter. They don’t sparkle, shine, glisten, glimmer, shimmer, twinkle, or anything of the sort.Â They do drool, leak, and splatter (and commit the occasional party foul though).

The Negatives: The final part of the issue doesn’t features a resolution of the story just leaves more questions, and the climax of the issue feels kinda lukewarm probably because we got to that point so soon.Â Morbius’ exposition seems crammed in, and was not needed to complete the art panels that once again were absolutely fantastic.

Morbius #1 comes in 5 different covers : Cover A Regular Ryan Brown Cover, Morbius #1 Cover B Variant Juan Jose Ryp Connecting Cover, Morbius #1 Cover C Variant Kyle Hotz Cover, Morbius #1 Cover D Incentive Greg Land Variant Cover 1:25, Morbius #1 Cover E Incentive Inhyuk Lee Variant Cover 1:75 which of course is my favorite; but as much as I love Inhyuk Lee’s art this is not the I am going to be thrilled about spending money on.Â Especially when I can get the 1st appearance (fair grade) for $130-200.

SCORE: 2.8/5

Writer: Vita Ayala
Penciler: Marcel Ferreria
Inker: Roberto Poggi
Colorist: Dono Sanchez-Almara
Letterer: Clayton Cowles