Miles Morales: Shock Waves: Original Spider-Man Graphic Novel, Book 1 Justin A. Reynolds – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise
Miles Morales: Shock Waves: Original Spider-Man Graphic Novel, Book 1 Justin A. Reynolds
book2021Children's Books, Comics & Graphic Novels
82%
WISE Score
4.9
Amazon
Brooklyn's Spider-Man tackles middle school, fundraising, and corporate conspiracies in this engaging graphic novel that actually respects kids' intelligence.
Miles Morales: Shock Waves: Original Spider-Man Graphic Novel, Book 1 Justin A. Reynolds
book
2021, Children's Books, Comics & Graphic Novels
82%
WISE Score
4.9
Amazon
Brooklyn's Spider-Man tackles middle school, fundraising, and corporate conspiracies in this engaging graphic novel that actually respects kids' intelligence.
Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased. Screenwise is a Bookshop.org affiliate and an Amazon Associate, so if you buy a book through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Bookshop.org purchases also support independent bookstores.
Screenwise Verdict
This is what middle-grade superhero stories should be: exciting without being overwhelming, diverse without making a big deal about it, and actually about something (community, responsibility, corporate greed) beyond just 'bad guy shows up, hero punches bad guy.'
Justin A. Reynolds gets that kids can handle real-world issues like natural disasters and shady corporations while still wanting web-slinging action. The graphic novel format makes it accessible for reluctant readers without dumbing anything down.
It's not groundbreaking—you've seen these story beats before if you've consumed any Spider-Man media—but it's well-executed and genuinely engaging. The 4.9 Amazon rating isn't inflated; parents and kids both seem to appreciate that it respects its audience. Perfect for that sweet spot where kids are aging out of early readers but not quite ready for YA darkness.
Age Fit
Solidly middle-grade (8-13), though younger superhero fans could handle it with some guidance on the corporate conspiracy elements. Teens might find it a bit young unless they're die-hard Miles Morales fans from the movies.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88
Miles is portrayed as a relatable, good-natured middle schooler juggling normal responsibilities with superhero duties. The story centers on community service (fundraising for Puerto Rico earthquake victims) and models prosocial behavior. Common Sense Media notes it's appropriate for middle-schoolers with positive messages about helping others. No toxic relationships or mean-spirited content.
Imaginative
75
Solid superhero adventure with mystery elements (missing father, corporate conspiracy). The graphic novel format with Pablo Leon's art invites visual engagement. However, it's working within established Spider-Man universe conventions rather than breaking new ground. The Puerto Rico earthquake fundraiser plotline adds some real-world grounding but doesn't push boundaries of the genre.
Safe
92
Typical superhero action without graphic violence, gore, or mature content. Common Sense Media confirms it's middle-school appropriate. As a book, there are no privacy concerns, ads, or social features. The action is comic-book style and age-appropriate. Amazon rating of 4.9 suggests no parent complaints about unexpected content.
Enriching
78
Explores themes of community responsibility, disaster relief, and corporate accountability. Miles represents positive biracial/multicultural identity. The graphic novel format supports visual literacy and reluctant readers. Goodreads reviews highlight diversity and good-natured heroism. However, it's primarily entertainment-focused rather than deeply educational or skill-building.
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
Miles is refreshingly normal—dealing with school and trying to help his community, not just punching bad guys
The Puerto Rico earthquake storyline gives real-world weight to superhero action without being preachy
Graphic novel format is perfect for visual learners and kids who think they 'don't like reading'
Strong multicultural representation that feels natural, not forced
Pablo Leon's art style is dynamic and modern, keeping the pacing tight
