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Published on June 3rd, 2023 | by Howard Smith

SPIDER-MAN 2099: DARK GENESIS #4 REVIEW

The Carnage Keeps Rolling

This night in Spider-Man 2099: Dark Genesis #4 goes from bad to worst as the battle rages on. Carnage reaches the pinnacle of his starvation from lack of blood, but with a ferocious tenacity, he takes bolder risks to obtain what he desires. Miguel and his crew fend off both the living and dead members of the Hive. Just before Blade succumbs to his inner hunger for Halloween Jack’s flesh, a new player enters the fray and shares no concern for whether they are friends or foes. The mission matters most to him and nothing more for he exists to serve. Ghost Rider makes his move and drops one of the best comic book one-liners to date. It’s never easy for a Spider-Man no matter what universe he resides in.

Steve Orlando (Nightwing, Namesake, Dead Kings) brings the heat in Spider-Man 2099: Dark Genesis #4 as he continues to write a bustling story. Orlando fills this comic book with an immense amount of action that it’s hard to put down. Besides that, the story aims to subdue Carnage at all costs as he wreaks havoc on Nueva York. The entire ordeal just keeps getting worse, but that’s what makes this comic book enjoyable. There is a conflict that escalates to new heights just when the situation seems to come to an end. Orlando executes character entrances into the situation very well. The way characters enter fights is always surprisingly entertaining because it keeps readers on their toes about who’ll join next. Thankfully, Orlando delivered what was expected from Spider-Man 2099: Dark Genesis #3’s cover art in a very cool way. The pacing of the story works considering there is a lot to unpack and a lot of characters that are involved in the battle. Appreciatively, as readers will notice, Orlando doesn’t just focus on Miguel, but he gives each hero their own spotlight even if it’s for a brief moment.

Justin Mason (Rogue’s Gallery) was tasked with a heavy workload for this issue. This is not a negative outlook, but a rather positive applause for putting his best work forward. With the sheer amount of detail and parts moving, Mason had his hands full with this one. There were so many images it is believed Mason was taking this opportunity to revel in the fun of drawing these panels in Spider-Man 2099: Dark Genesis #4. Mason could envision what Orlando had in store for readers and wanted to bring as much energy. Overall, he did an incredible job. Comparatively, the cover art by Nick Bradshaw (KISS, Scooby Apocalypse, Thor) and returning artist Neeraj Menon (Predator, Shang-Chi, X-Men: Red) depict the despair that Miguel’s crew is feeling within the pages of the comic book. The cover itself comes off as gnarly due to the amount of blood the heroes are entangled in. It also captures the menacing aspect of the Carnage of Universe 2099.

Coming in as the new colorist, Antonio Fabela (Dark Avengers, DC vs. Vampires: Killers, Gold Goblin) demonstrates his refreshing approach to coloring the comic book. While Boyd’s coloring skills were fantastic, Fabela was the perfect choice for the task as he matches the same level of wizardry. With Fabela’s plethora of comic books he has worked on, he doesn’t shy away from adding to his flare of variegation. Similarly, Cory Petit (The Defenders, Guardians of The Galaxy, Old Man Logan) letters with the utmost proficiency. His veteran skills have proven he can letter any comic book that comes his way.

Spider-Man 2099: Dark Genesis #4 is full of fun moments, but there is yet more to see in the final issue of the series. The climax to this nightmare is close at hand and it’s best if readers pick this issue up from their local comic book store or wherever they are online. Carnage is on the ropes and there’s no telling how far he will go in the next issue to stand against the heroes of Nueva York.

Comic Details

Writer: Steve Orlando

Artist: Justin Mason

Colorist: Antonio Fabela

Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Artists: Nick Bradshaw, Neeraj Menon

Editor: Mark Paniccia

Publisher: Marvel Entertainment


About the Author

howard.smith.hls@gmail.com'

Howard is a passionate collector and avid reader of comics who resides in the city of Washington, D.C. His love for all things pop culture extends beyond the pages of comics, as he attends popular culture conventions both locally and out of state. Whether he’s searching for rare comic finds or engaging in video games, or reading manga he manifests an opportunity to celebrate his fandom. Follow along as he explores the worlds of superheroes, sci-fi, and beyond, always with a keen eye for adventure and a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling.



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