ICYMI Spider-Man 2099: Dark Genesis #1

Spider-Man 2099: Dark Genesis #1 is fun, but confused about what it is that it wants to be. While it has something to say regarding its social themes, it incidentally makes its main villain a monster-hunting monster who’ve arguably done far more damage to society than this version of the Carnage symbiote. Because of this, the book nearly reads, in its setup, as internally conflicted about whether or not it wants to take down or sympathize with the economic fascist. This also clashes with its lack of proper character introductions and an overstuffed gallery of characters.

At times this book feels like Orlando is simply smashing action figures together, the level of violence not working with Justin Mason’s art style. There isn’t much to sink your claws into regarding characters, say for a singular through line that ties into the issues’ last page stinger. Being a sequel to Spider-Man 2099: Exodus does the story at hand the most disservice. It not only assumes that you, the reader, have already read Exodus, but it flows as though it is simply the next issue of Exodus. 

What works for this book is its representation of 2099. The setting feels alive, and Mason can bring out its cyberpunk aesthetic without making it nearly unbelievable. Orlando pulls from the lore with promise, making it clear that he does love this world.