Morbius #4: Diary of a Mad Greek Woman

Michael Morbius is one of those characters where if the writer isn’t invested it shows as clear as crystal, but with Vita Ayala tackling him this go around the exact opposite rings true. Whether it’s the complexity of Elizabeth’s love for Michael but absolute hatred for “Morbius” or the spot on Spider-Man banter, Vita Ayala is all in on this title.

The fact Ayala applies some actual sense to the capabilities of a guy like Melter for example shows the level of care put into these scripts. I mean the guy made a Stark level weapon and has managed to stay alive this long on his wits so the usual “dumb muscle” trope villains like him fall into is more unbelievable than the weapons and powers they wield. This portrayal is much more akin to what makes classic Marvel villains that aren’t the cosmic types endearing and enjoyable. Also not for nothing but if these 4 issues are any indication, Marvel is sleeping on not throwing a Spidey, Iron Man or something like Superior Foes book Ayala’s way just putting those vibes out into the universe.

Artwise the book is solid, in this particular issue though Dono Sanchez-Almara has some incredibly strong inks that add a flush noir/grim action vibe essential to a book like Morbius. In an age when inkers are still criminally overlooked you gotta give due props whenever you can so big ups to Sanchez-Almara! On the same note I’d be remiss not to mention the phenomenal variant cover drawn by Juan Jose Ryp as well, snatch it up if you can. I’m not usually a fan of the idea of variants or allured by them but Ryp did his thing well on this one.