Writer: Steve Orlando

Artist: Paul Fry

Color Artist: Neeraj Menon

Cover Artists: Leinil Francis Yu & Sunny Gho

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Reviewer: StoryBabbler

The year is 2099 in the Marvel universe, where megacorporations, corrupt law enforcement, and lands growing more lawless by the day. However, the city of Nueva, York has one hero left – Miguel O’Hara aka Spider-Man 2099! Now, he’s taking his first steps to taking on a major dystopian ruling power in Spider-Man 2099: Exodus Alpha #1!

Review:

Well, it’s been a while since we’ve seen Miguel O’Hara in action in the comics, let alone in the year 2099, so this book was a nice surprise. Admittedly, it’s more likely this book exists because of the upcoming Spider-Verse movie this year, but hey, that means we get more Spider-Man 2099. This issue starts pretty strong with your typical random act of violence leading to Spider-Man 2099 stepping into action.

Now, this random act of violence is actually connected to the main story, and for those who don’t know much about Marvel time period of Marvel 2099, don’t worry. The comic does its best to show off the world in all its dystopian cyberpunk glory and any telling that’s done is about what’s relevant to the story at hand. Essentially, Miguel is taking on the mysterious organization known as “The Cabal” who control everything in this dystopian future, but Miguel is looking for someone specific – The Founder.

The story is all about Miguel trying to do everything in his power to identify what the Cabal are up to now and who their mysterious “Founder” is. Of course, this leads him to seek help from the other hero on the cover, Ghost Rider 2099, who is different in almost ever way from any traditional Ghost Rider in the modern day. The comic delivers a cool cyberpunk adventure that feels right at home in the Marvel comic universe, and more importantly it tells a good Spider-Man 2099 story.

Steve Orlando does a solid job of giving Miguel his own personality, making him more rebellious, blunt, and rougher than Peter but no less a hero you can count on to protect the innocent, save lives, and stop the bad guys. The story itself has solid pacing, a good amount of action, and a clear story direction. This is incredibly elevated by the excellent art provided by Paul Fry and Neeraj Menon’s colors.

They really make 2099 look cool and decidedly cyberpunk while making Spider-Man 2099 look great every time. Miguel is distinguished in almost every panel he’s in, the comic has a good sense of momentum and flow to it, and they make every panel and page shot count, and almost nothing feels wasted. Here’s a slight spoiler: I won’t say who it is, but you do find out who the Founder is and you won’t be too disappointed by who it is.

Final Thoughts:

Spider-Man 2099: Exodus Alpha #1 delivers a good story that old and new fans alike can enjoy. Steve Orlando’s story has Miguel take on the mysterious “Cabal” which has its share of intrigue, solid pacing, and good action for readers to enjoy. Miguel O’Hara and Ghost Rider 2099 both look great in the comic, especially when they’re in action thanks to the art by Paul Fry and Neeraj Menon’s colors.

8/10