A switch in focus from Spider-Man to Prowler brings with it a dip in quality in the latest issue of Ultimate Spider-Man, but only because Miles Morales has become so entertaining. We don’t know much about Uncle Aaron quite yet, so he just didn’t make as compelling a protagonist this issue. Still, it’s a good idea to flesh out the supporting cast and play up the danger of new villain, the Scorpion. So this was an important tale, just not as entertaining.

Ultimate Spider-Man #9

And sadly, what little we did get of our young hero, wasn’t very interesting.

Comic rating: 4/5: Good.

We get another new fill-in artist this issue, David Marquez, but his style is very similar to regular artist Sara Pichelli, so I didn’t even know there was a change until I was more than halfway through the issue. So the art is quite good. But as I said, the bulk of this issue is a fight between Prowler and Scorpion. It’s a pretty standard fight, and moderately entertaining. It serves to flesh out both characters a little bit more, while setting up the eventual cliffhanger and conflict for this story: Uncle Aaron is going to try and get his nephew Spider-Man to help him fight Scorpion.

At least that sounds like it’s going to be very exciting! Join me after the jump for a synopsis and more.

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Sara Pichelli is back and ain’t life grand! This is it folks, the first perfect grade Ultimate Spider-Man comic since I started reviewing the Miles Morales saga. This issue has everything! Some serious drama for Miles, a fun and funny fight with a super-villain, growing storylines, fantastic art and a random visit with Aunt May and Gwen Stacy! Even the cliffhanger is kind of exciting, even though it’s almost identical to last issue’s cliffhanger.

Ultimate Spider-Man #8

Still, this book is riding high on a plateau of pure awesome!

Comic rating: 5/5: Great!

Last issue’s cliffhanger with the sudden appearance of Uncle Aaron at Miles’ school does not disappoint, and writer Brian Michael Bendis gives us a wonderfully wicked wrinkle in Miles’ new life as a superhero. Not only does Uncle Aaron threaten Spider-Man, but he provides a double whammy with the possibility of shattering Miles’ personal life as well. These are serious stakes facing our hero, which are long overdue in this series. As I said in my last review, so far Miles has mostly just had a few easy fights with a couple of lame super-villains. Kangaroo? Omega Red? Please. Well now the Prowler is going to prove to be a real thorn in our hero’s side.

But that’s just one part of this stellar issue. Miles’ may have a lot on his mind when it comes to Uncle Aaron, but the whole rest of the world seems to be conspiring against him too. Bendis is playing quite the game of chess with this comic. Spoilers and synopsis after the jump!

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The latest issue of Ultimate Spider-Man is pretty much perfect. It’s an absolute gem of an issue, propelling the story of Miles Morales forward in fun and rewarding ways, while adding more depth to his supporting cast. Depth that I have felt was severely lacking. Writer Brian Michael Bendis is crafting a delightful saga, and the art of Chris Samnee – which I didn’t like last issue – is no longer a hindrance. He’s not Sara Pichelli, but who is?

Ultimate Spider-Man #7

But with all that said, I can’t bring myself to give this issue a perfect score.

Comic rating: 4/5: Good!

It’s as close to great as a comic book can get, but there is nothing in Ultimate Spider-Man #7 that rises to greatness. It’s missing that magical spark, that je ne sais quoi that would truly make it sparkle. Instead, it’s just a perfectly fine issue of the Miles Morales saga. It’s got humor, it’s got action, it’s got a fun look at a new hero trying out his powers and it’s got a fantastic cliffhanger. But for me as a reviewer, a comic needs that special something extra to get a perfect 5 out of 5. I’m just not seeing it yet.

But still, fantastic issue. Join me for further review and synopsis after the jump!

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Oh Sarah Pichelli, I miss you already.

Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man has a new artist with this issue, and I hope Chris Samnee is just a fill in. He does an OK job, but is nothing compared to the emotional and detailed glory of regular artist Pichelli. At least I hope she’s a regular artist. I don’t know why the switch, I’m just hoping we see her again soon.

Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #6

Because the not-quite-as-amazing art brings down an otherwise stellar issue.

Comic rating: 4/5: Good!

Though not by much. Writer Brian Michael Bendis gives us a fantastic issue of Miles Morales getting used to his new role as Spider-Man, while adding in some family time, a visit to J. Jonah Jameson and a preview of the next storyline and new villain. Even Uncle Aaron, the Prowler, is back! This issue is a definite transition, bringing us down from the opening story and moving us into the next.

The only complaint I can really make is that it doesn’t transcend the written word into full-on comic book perfection. It doesn’t rise to the level where I would give it a perfect score.

Still, very damn good comic book. Spoilers and synopsis to follow!

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