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Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1995 to explore a part of the Marvel Comics shared universe through a tale of the Spider-Man 2099 monthly series.
Following the events of the dramatic Spider-Man 2099 #25, Miguel O’Hara knows that his father is none other than Tyler Stone (his superior at Alchemax) and this only adds more tension to his already troubled life and also to his fragile family. In issue #26, as Miguel struggles to live with the shocking truth about his heritage, Tyler frees Kasey Nash fulfilling Conchata O’Hara’s request.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Spider-Man 2099 #27, published in 1995 by Marvel Comics with a story written by the late Peter David and drawn by Joe St. Pierre.
Early story
The story begins with Miguel O’Hara and his ex-girlfriend Xina Kwan traveling far away from New York to have a vacation together. Their destination is Nightshade, an independent research community that is free from corporate influence. Miguel feels uneasy as Xina drives the car very fast. Suddenly, a hologram of Lyla (Miguel’s AI assistant) appears in front of them as the car moves on, surprising Miguel. Lyla informs him that he has received a message from his brother Gabriel. Being uninterested, Miguel tells Lyle to erase it.
Meanwhile at a talent search facility of Alchemax, an internal meeting of Tyler Stone’s “big guns” starts, and their agenda is about Nightshade…
Quality
If there is anything I could describe about this particular tale of the futuristic Spider-Man, it is a blend of a road trip with corporate intrigue. Considering how short the main story is as this comic book contains a short story, this tale is clearly a build-up for something big set to happen that will eventually test Spider-Man soon.
This story has Miguel O’Hara spending quality time with an old flame on an out-of-town trip and together, they have a nice reunion with Angela Daskalakis who was their headmaster when they were very young. Given his status as an employee of Alchemax, Miguel is unsurprisingly restricted from entering Nightshade’s research and development facilities. The new setting and reunion allow the creative team to develop Spider-Man in unique ways which is welcome move.
The conflict really begins when the Corporate Raiders (a strike team deployed by Alchemax) organizes a corporate warfare strike at Nightshade triggering the independent place’s defenses. That said, Miguel is in a tough situation as he has to take on the armed raiders as Spider-Man while somehow ensuring that his ex-GF and their former headmaster are safe.
With regards to the shortness of the main story, the short story here took place several years in the past showing Miguel and Xina during their childhood. Kron Stone, the one who would later kill Punisher 2099’s family members and become Venom 2099 (click here, here and here), is also present as a youngling who got into conflict with Miguel. This short story also shows Miguel getting humiliated at an early age and has to decide between standing up for himself or allowing himself to be a victim for the rest of his life. This one is an OK read.
Conclusion
Considering the shortness of the main story, Spider-Man 2099 #27 (1995) lacks substance and engagement but that does not mean the creative team did not give their best. The concept of Miguel O’Hara going all the way to a new destination which itself became the target of his company’s enforcers is itself fresh and intriguing. I just wish it had more content and the short story felt more like filler with some foreshadowing.
Overall, Spider-Man 2099 #27 (1995) is satisfactory.
+++++
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