Is there anything that Miles Morales cannot do? In one well-known Marvel universe, the plucky teen received a spider bite from a genetically altered spider and became everyone’s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. However, in the other Marvel universes, things shook out differently. The new series What If… Miles Morales explores these other worlds and their unique possibilities, along with Miles’ special brand of heroism with every new set of powers. In What If… Miles Morales #1, readers see Miles in a new life that leads to him taking on the mantle of Captain America.
Miles Morales is a jovial, upbeat, wisecracking character, and one of the most idealistic figures in the Marvel heroes roster. However, in his home universe as Spider-Man, his origin story comes by way of tragedy and loss. The death of Peter Parker is what enables Miles to stand up and become Spide-Man and embrace the role of hero — and all the trials and dangers that come with it. In this alternate timeline of What If… Miles Morales #1, Miles’ journey from starry-eyed soldier to Captain America similarly comes by way of tragedy. Miles looks up to Steve Rogers, the original Captain America, as someone who stood up for the little guy against bullies and made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation. Miles’ father and uncle play direct roles as members of the Super Soldier Program. It’s their involvement, and brotherly rivalry, that leads to Miles’ accidental exposure to the serum.
Although his powers are different in What If… Miles Morales #1, much of what makes Miles Morales recognizable as a character remains. Miles, as both Spider-Man and here as Captain America, is defined by his resilience in the face of loss and setback. This blends well with Steve Rogers’ story as Captain America. In fact, one of the biggest strengths of What If… Miles Morales #1 is how seamless the blending of these two heroes’ continuities reads. Steve’s and Miles’ story arcs are combined here to create an entirely new adventure that feels as fresh as it does familiar and even nostalgic.
Much of the success of the storyline in What If… Miles Morales #1 is due to writer Cody Ziglar’s strong sense of characterization, dialogue, and tone. He manages to re-tell a familiar Captain America story with Miles and his Spiderverse characters as the star. It’s great fun seeing the more outspoken, playful, and upbeat Miles slinging his Spidey barbs at Nazis, war criminals, and other threats to the American people with his distinct rapid-fire aplomb. Of course, the Spider-Man ethos of “great responsibility” is never far, even in this alternate universe, where there is plenty of drama, tension, and deception to be had — all while making good use of the Spiderverse cast.
Similar to his father Jeff and Uncle Aaron, other major players in Miles’ prime storyline play prominent if altered roles in What If… Miles Morales #1 as both heroes and as villains. The most notable is Starling, who is redubbed as Falcon, Miles’ high-flying sidekick. Sam Wilson, the current Captain America, makes a stellar Nick Fury as well. It’s good fun to see these characters recast in this What If… ? drama and to see artist Paco Medina’s creative takes on their redesigns.
What If… Miles Morales #1 is a clear and concise read, with a great premise and plenty of good character exploration. Considering its rather compact introduction, use of exposition, and single-issue length, it’s no surprise that What If… Miles Morales #1 is too rushed for its own good. While the story is great fun, it can be predictable. Ziglar attempts to set up mystery, suspense, and drama. However, considering the audience he is writing for, and their almost guaranteed familiarity with the Spider-Man and Captain America continuities, these attempts at dramatic twists fall flat. Overall, What If… Miles Morales #1 is an enjoyable romp through the multiverse and a great showcase of why Miles Morales would succeed as any hero in any continuity. Sadly, his first stint in this universe is short, but hopefully, his future roles as other heroes will be just as fun.
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