Format: Graphic novel

For those not already familiar with the Miles Morales character from the Marvel movie ‘Into the Spider-Verse’, Miles is an alternate Spider-Man doing his superhero thing in Brooklyn, while also juggling school, friendship issues and doing the right thing by his family.

New to the Spidey-game, Miles is still learning how to web sling accurately, when he comes across two young thieves, Vex and Trinity, who also seem to have superpowers. From here on, we follow a classic formula of adventure, evil bosses, hidden identities and magical glowing rocks. Whilst that might make ‘Miles Morales: Shock Waves’ sound derivative, in truth it is anything but: as a non-Marvel-fan, I was quickly drawn in. Particularly engaging are the family scenes when Miles’ family are affected by an earthquake in Puerto Rica, and Miles’ floundering attempts to make friends with new girl, Kyle, at school.

The text throughout is written in a conversational style with an approachable tone and lots of very funny snarky come-backs. Young readers will love the contemporary references to Instagram and TikTok dance challenges, while Marvel fans will love spotting the odd hidden easter egg reference to the wider MCU. 

Miles Morales: Shock Waves is a superb and deserving of a place in every primary school library. I hope there are many more to come in this fantastic new graphic novel series.