Marco Speaks Spidey! – Miles Morales: Spider-Man #40 Review

“Therapists, Lovers, and Enemies: The Web of Growth”
Written by: Cody Ziglar
Pencils by: Marco Renna

I wasn’t sure what kind of issue Miles Morales: Spider-Man #40 was going to be when I opened it — therapy session? Relationship drama? Surprise brawl? But wow, this issue delivered on all fronts. Writer Cody Ziglar continues to show that Miles isn’t just the “other” Spider-Man — he is Spider-Man, and in many ways, he’s growing to become the most complete and compelling version of the web-slinger Marvel has on the page right now.

PROS:

1. Let’s start with the big hook of this issue: Miles and Raneem Rashad — aka The Rabble — seeing each other again… in therapy. Yes, you read that right. Turns out both hero and villain are seeing the same therapist, Dr. Kwan. What starts as an awkward encounter quickly explodes into something intense and personal. These two share serious history, and seeing them face each other in such a vulnerable setting? Genius storytelling. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a Goblin Glider.
2. And yet, the book doesn’t go full fight scene — not right away. Dr. Kwan manages to calm things down, proving to be a force of her own. Her presence is powerful, and honestly, it was refreshing to see a strong supporting character bring emotional authority to a superhero conflict with impressive powers and a loud voice of reason.
3. But let’s talk about character. This issue is packed with meaningful moments, especially between Miles and Starling (Tiana Toomes). These two continue to prove they’re the most wholesome, emotionally grounded couple in comics right now. Their chemistry is real, funny, warm — and deeply vulnerable. Miles opens up about his guilt over people he couldn’t save, including Raneem. And Starling listens. Supports. Pushes him just enough. She balances out his Spidey-humor with grounded reactions, and the trust between them is honestly beautiful to witness.
4. Also? The book is funny. The tension doesn’t kill the mood — Ziglar lets Miles be Miles. He jokes, he banters, and he’s relatable as heck. But he also bleeds. You feel the wear and tear on him. You see how hard he works to live up to the Spider-Man legacy, even as the weight of that legacy threatens to crush him.
5. And then… BAM! The Assessor makes a grand return. If you’ve been following Miles’ series, you know this is one villain who doesn’t play. The Assessor owns his scenes, and this issue does a brilliant job re-establishing his threat level. He dominates both Miles and Rabble… and even Dr. Kwan — separately — and it’s no fluke. Marvel’s clearly setting him up as a major big bad, and it works. You immediately know that this guy is dangerous in ways that go beyond brute force. It’s psychological. It’s strategic. And it hurts.
6. The art by Marco (obviously, I love his name)? Explosive. Every panel bursts with energy. The action scenes leap off the page with kinetic movement and clean choreography. The expressions, especially in the quieter moments, sell the emotion just as well. It’s loud when it needs to be and deeply personal when it quiets down. I love how the creative team never lets you forget that these are kids carrying adult-sized trauma while fighting enemies who want them erased from existence.
7. But here’s what really stuck with me: This issue shows that Miles Morales is becoming the most heroic version of Spider-Man — not just because he throws punches or swings fast, but because he keeps going. He’s practically breaking himself — physically, emotionally — just to keep the mask on, to stay standing, to try and be enough. He’s not just mutated biologically. He’s evolving morally, emotionally, spiritually. And that’s what makes him a true Spider-Man. His pain is real. His humor is a defense. And his heart? It’s enormous.
8. We even get a tease that maybe, just maybe, Rabble and Miles might be on the same side soon. After all, the Assessor just became both their problem. And something tells me this reluctant alliance could lead to some seriously powerful character growth and action.

CONS:

1. That said, I wouldn’t have minded a bit more of a scrap between Miles and Rabble before the calm — just a small con, really. That rematch energy was building up and I wanted a little taste of the storm before the quiet.

Final Thoughts:

This issue had everything: high stakes, grounded character work, intense action, a healthy helping of relationship drama, and a genuine exploration of what it means to be a hero. Miles isn’t just filling shoes — he’s carving out his own path, and doing it with style, grit, and heart. If you’ve been sleeping on this series, this issue is your wake-up call.

Marco’s Final Web Rating: 9.5/10 Web-Cartridges.
A near-perfect blend of heart, humor, and heroism. Give Miles Morales his flowers — he’s earned them.

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