Marco Speaks Spidey! – Miles Morales: Spider-Man #38 Review

3 weeks ago 27

Written by: Cody Ziglar
Pencils by: Luigi Zagaria

Miles Morales just keeps leveling up — not just as a superhero, but as a person. Issue #38 of this run proves that he’s not just swinging solo anymore. He’s stepping into his own Spidey mentorship arc, and it’s genuinely exciting to see unfold. And yes, the issue delivers on action, aesthetics, and that ever-reliable dose of heart and humor.

PROS:

Spidey and the Super-Heist Dream Team

Let’s talk about this lineup first. We’ve got Miles, Misty Knight, and Black Cat on the streets of Brooklyn taking down magical thieves and ghost foxes. If that doesn’t sound fun to you, are you even reading comics right?

The fact that Miles is now actively working with Misty and Felicia really hits different — especially if you’ve followed Peter Parker over the years. This is exactly the kind of weird, gritty, semi-legal street-level mentorship Peter used to get from folks like Daredevil or Wolverine. And now? Miles is getting his own version, and it’s just as chaotic and rewarding.

Misty’s influence on him is clear. She’s firm but fair, and the way she’s shaping him through real “on-the-job” training is peak comic-book character development. It’s fun to see Spidey in situations where punching isn’t the first (or smartest) move — but when it is, he’s learned from the best.

New Villains, Same Brooklyn Chaos

This issue also expands the rogues’ gallery in a cool way. Black Obsidian, while not a major threat, is kind of loveable in his own annoying way. He’s got that “I’m trying really hard to be intimidating but I’m not even top-tier in my own comic” energy — and it works! He’s more of a plot starter than a boss battle, but he’s funny, and sometimes that’s all you need to kick off a good story.

Then there’s White Cat and Inari, two newcomers with very cool powers and some solid backstory potential. I love that they’re not just villain-of-the-week types — they’re troubled kids, and you can already tell Miles is going to be the one who reaches them. It tracks. This is what makes Miles so much like Peter. He doesn’t just beat people up — he connects with them. And when the fight ends and the masks are off, he actually wants to help.

Also: ghost foxes. Just a cool idea, period. Creepy, mystical, and just menacing enough to make the world feel bigger and weirder.

Action, Art, and That Smooth Style

Zagaria’s art in this issue is slick. The action flows cleanly, the expressions pop, and the layout choices are dynamic without being overdone. The choreography of the battle between Spider-Man, Misty, and Black Cat vs. White Cat and Inari hits just the right balance of magic and muscle. It’s stylish, clear, and looks cool — exactly what a street-level meets mystic-level fight should feel like.

The color palette also helps give each location and character vibe its own energy — whether it’s the warm tones of Brooklyn rooftops or the cooler glow of the magical effects in combat.

The Heart Behind the Hustle

But what I appreciate most about this issue is that it’s not just about beating bad guys. It’s about growth. Miles is still a teenager, still learning, still juggling school and hero work — and now he’s also getting a crash course in crimefighting under Misty Knight. That’s a lot. But it never feels like too much. In fact, it feels earned.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching Miles win a fight and learn a lesson, and open the door to maybe helping his enemies become better people. That’s Spidey at his best.

CONS:

Black Cat Deserves More Screen Time

One thing I do wish we got more of? Miles and Black Cat banter. There’s such a great dynamic there just waiting to be explored. You’ve got the street-smart, chaotic-neutral thief with a heart of gold, and the earnest, sometimes-too-serious young hero trying to make a difference. That’s gold! There’s so much potential for fun, sarcastic exchanges — and we only scratched the surface here.

Felicia is the kind of character who brings out the unexpected in heroes, and with Miles being as grounded as he is, their contrast could really shine in future issues. So fingers crossed we see more of that partnership evolve.

Final Thoughts

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #38 is another solid entry in a run that’s finding its groove by blending legacy characters, new faces, and deeply personal storytelling. It delivers fun action, introduces intriguing new characters, and shows Miles thriving under pressure. It also reminds us that being Spider-Man isn’t just about swinging into danger — it’s about reaching people, even the ones throwing punches.

The only downside? Not enough Miles + Black Cat banter. But hey — they’ve got time. And if the next few issues double down on that dynamic, I’ll be first in line.