Throughout January, Marvel is telling the final tales for numerous characters in a series of one-shots. It’s unclear exactly what the point of “The End” comics are, beyond just telling a story. It’s unknown if there’s any impact on Marvel itself or how in continuity these stories are. Kicking it off, Miles Morales: The End, feels like just a one-shot. A predictable one at that.
Written by Mile Morales: Spider-Man writer Saladin Ahmed, Miles Morales: The End isn’t a bad comic but it also isn’t all that exciting either. The story takes place in the future where germs have ravaged the world and a haven exists in Brooklyn. Their greatest threat isn’t the germs around them but ravaging bands of humans thus setting up a clash.
Ahmed’s story is entertaining in a quick read sort of way but lacks impact. The story itself we’ve seen before in various forms and without a real emotional hook it falls short. For fans of Miles Morales, there might be a bit more there as hints abound as to the future of his supporting cast. But, beyond those, the comic feels pretty straightforward and generally unoriginal.
Part of the problem is the one-shot itself. The comic is limited in the amount it can cover leaving some of the more interesting aspects on the shelf and unexplained. There’s an interesting set-up here but things feel generally rushed and not too deep. That all combines for a shallow read that leaves you wondering what the point was.
The art by Damion Scott is good. With color by Dono Sánchez-Almara and lettering by Cory Petit there’s a style to it that has a kinetic energy about it. It’s not all good as some details are hard to tell, especially in Miles’ debut. But, there’s just an energy about the comic to gives it the bit of pick-up that makes the overall comic something to check out.
Miles Morales: The End is worth reading but not something to rush out for. We’ll see what the rest of the one-shots bring as the whole might be better than the individual issues. There may be a point in the future where the comic matters a bit more but at this point it feels like a one-shot that’s generally forgettable.
Story: Saladin Ahmed Art: Damion Scott
Color: Dono Sánchez-Almara Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 6.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
