Spider-Man: Long Way Home #1 – Mission Impossible

Missions come and go. So many at times that they start to merge and your senses become numb. A combat team is sent on a mission that goes south in a hurry. What can Spider-Man do to help?

Creative Team

Jonathan Hickman (Writer), Adam Kubert (Artist), Arthur Hesli (Colorist), VC’s Ariana Maher (Letterer)

Carlos Lao (Designer), Kaeden McGahey (Assistant Editor), Jordan D. White (Editor),
C.B. Cebulski (Editor-in-Chief)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Mission Impossible

Spider-Man: Long Way Home is the newest limited series to be released from Marvel Comics. With its debut issue readers will be introduced to a ground-breaking new story from the ever-talented Jonathan Hickman. Even though this new mini-series is titled “Long Way Home” it has no correlation to any of the movies. This first issue sets the stage for what is going to be an astonishing five-issue series.

Issue one is all about telling the backstory of what is to come within this series. Readers are introduced to a handful of characters, some of which are very popular in their own right. This story starts off with a special forces team that is sent to do a “smash and grab” style mission to retrieve an item they know nothing about. This team is very fluid and good at what they do. This mission however is not sitting well with some of the members. But a mission is a mission.

As you read on throughout this issue you are introduced to another highly aggressive character, Hulk. Yes, Hulk makes his presence very well known to the special forces team, and they are in way over their heads when they attempt to confront him. I’m sure you can make your own assumptions as to the outcome of that situation. Hulk is on a mission as well though, to obtain the same item the special forces team is after. Which leads to some amazing fight panels and pages that are spectacular to look at!

Now you are probably asking yourself, “Where is Spider-Man?” Slow down, he’s coming! Towards the end of this issue is when our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man gets called into action. After the intense fight between Hulk and the special forces team, Spider-Man is called to the scene of the fight to analyze what took place. Spider-Man is working alongside S.H.I.E.L.D. to clean up the mess that is left behind. Spider-Man is overcome with sorrow and intimidation when he is informed of the Hulk’s involvement. Things just got a little more interesting for the next issue of this series.

The Writing

Jonathan Hickman is an iconic Spider-Man writer, and this first issue displays to readers why. The layout for this issue is strictly setting the plot and the direction of the story. In my humble opinion, that is fantastic! I enjoy being given background information that allows the story to build as it continues. The plot for this story is so solid that Hulk himself couldn’t smash it. The flow of the story is very smooth and fluid so readers can enjoy the story rather than struggle keeping up with various details scattered about. Fantastic work!

The Artwork

Adam Kubert and Arthur Hesli bring to this issue the necessary feel for this story regarding the art. The art is rough, dark and gritty throughout. Making this feel like a scene from an old war movie. Then you have the fight panels and pages! These areas are bright with color and details that make you feel like you are there. I enjoyed looking at every panel as I read this story!

VC’s Ariana Maher provides the lettering for this issue and continues to shine as a staple within her profession. The sizing and placement of the comment bubbles is spot on! Ariana has always produced amazing work, and this is just another notch in that belt!

Variant Covers

Final Thoughts

This new limited series is proving to be very captivating! This first issue leaves readers wanting to know more about so many things that you have no choice but to continue to read! Why is Hulk after this artifact, and what is Spider-Man going to do when he has to confront him? I have my assumptions but those will have to wait till more of this series comes out. The creative team for this issue work so well together to bring such an amazing book to fans. Be sure to pick this title up from your local shop today!

Overall Grade: 10/10

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