Midnight Spider-Man #1 – Birth Day

“Power makes monsters every time. And monsters just do what they do.”

Creative Team

Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Writer), Scietronc (Artist), Neeraj Menon (Colorist), VC’s Joe Caramagna (Letterer)

Jay Bowen (Designer), Kaeden McGahey Assistant Editor), Jordan D. White (Editor), Dan Buckley (Executive Editor), Stephen Wackler (Editor-in-Chief)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Birth Day

Midnight Spider-Man is a new chilling story from Marvel Comics. This series provides a “horror” side to the Spider-Man franchise. This first issue is not your typical Spider-Man story. Readers are going to see an almost adult Peter Parker have to decide something he wasn’t expecting to have to make yet in his life. A lot is going on within this story. A lot of “behind closed doors” science things. This story also looks as if it is set in the present year (2026), but it looks very futuristic in the artwork.

This issue starts off with a humbling beginning for Peter Parker. This portion of the story could resonate with just about anyone who had a pet as a child. This is the first “mistake” that takes place in Peter’s life. There are more to come, and even within this issue. As the story moves on readers start to learn more about Peter and his family dynamic. And in doing so it becomes very aware that someone is missing from this story… Is it a friend from school, or is it a scientist? You’re going to have to pick this book up to find out!

Within this story it’s Peter’s birthday, seventeen going on eighteen and in school as a professor’s assistant to Dr. Connor. In doing this job, Peter is getting the opportunity to learn from one of the best scientists in New York. But just like in any good story, there is always a bigger fish. While Peter assists Dr. Connor during the day, he takes on an alter ego at night with a blog focused at trying to destroy the heavy hitting science leader within New York, Oscorp. Many Spider-Man fans know the background between The Parker’s and Oscorp. That same background is portrayed within this story as well.

Peter’s blog is getting major recognition, especially from Oscorp. This would make any young persons dreams come true. The thing they have been working on for some time is now a hit with people taking notice of them. That is an intense high for youth, just being noticed. But for Peter, it’s whose taken notice of him. The one business he’s made it his goal to take down in a journalistic way. Now comes the strange part, Oscorp wants Peter on their payroll. Sound familiar doesn’t it? But it’s who Oscorp sends to sign Peter that will surprise readers.

As I mentioned before this is meant to be somewhat of a horror style book, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint when it comes to that. The beginning of the issue that deals with Peter and the family pet is drawn so well that it feels as if you’re looking at a scene from “Pet Cemetery“. The bulk of the issue is not horrific at all. But when readers get to the conclusion of this issue, the final five or so pages, strap in. Things are about to take an extreme turn in Peter’s life…

The Writing

Phillip Kennedy Johnson shows that he knows what he is doing within this first issue. The way the story carries itself throughout the pages is so swift and precise. The plot flows effortlessly for the reader, adding in a few speed bumps to slow things down from time to time. The narration and dialogue carry the persona of Peter Parker. The added storyline of big science and tech companies within this story helps to give the reader a better understanding of the world Peter is in now, but also a hint as to the world we are heading towards. This story is going to be dynamic, and I’m here for it and to see what this transforms into next!

The Artwork

Scietronc and Neeraj Menon are a force to be reckoned with for this issue! The art is fantastic! I love the feel of anime-style art for this book. It gives a different feel to the story. The art is so detailed that I had to stop reading to take in all of the details. The pencil work on the more gruesome panels captures everything the reader needs to see and ultimately feel while reading. The coloration is a direct reflection of the art and plot of this story. When it gets dark, it gets dark. When the story follows Peter around, the coloration is very bright and happy. The shading and dark tones add to the details and tone for the horror panels. I loved the artwork for this issue, and I cannot wait to see more from this team!

Variant Covers

Final Thoughts

This is but also isn’t your typical Spider-Man story. It carries some of the basic mainstream feel of a Spider-Man story and background. But with some twists along the way that get readers hooked after the introduction. The writing is intriguing, and the art is beyond eye-catching. Fans of Spider-Man will want to read this issue! If you’re just getting into Spider-Man, you will want to pick up this issue! There are so many Peter Parker details within this issue that new fans will gain an understanding of Spider-Man. Great debut issue for this brand new series! Get your copy today!

Overall Grade: 10/10

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