Ultimate Spider-Man (2024) #3-6

Ultimate Spider-Man #3-6

Originally released in 2024

Written by Jonathan Hickman

Art by Marco Checchetto (#3, 6), David Messina (#4-5)

It's been a while since I've read Hickman's Ultimate Spider-Man. Since that time, it's been made clear that it's ending in issue 24 despite its massive popularity. On one hand, this could be a good thing, giving it a clearly defined ending that the main series never really could. On the other hand, it seems like Marvel is shooting itself in the foot, given that this is something that fans have wanted for years. (Or maybe that's intentional; ever since One More Day, it seems like the Spider-Man editors have actively been striving to annoy as much of their fanbase as possible from what I've seen) Then again, maybe it's a misdirect and the book's getting a new creative team in the post-Maker setting.

I'm focusing on the beginning today (or close enough to it) rather than the end.  Peter's daughter May discovered his secret identity, so it's a daddy-daughter day as she convinces him to change his outfit to the familiar red and blue, and they go web-swinging across the city.

This version of Peter seems to be pretty bad at maintaining a secret identity.  J. Jonah Jameson and Peter's uncle Ben don't know, but I'm sure it won't take them long to figure out given that Peter rambles about how charming and charismatic the new vigilante is completely unprovoked. In the meantime, J.J. and Ben have more pressing concerns - the Kingpin (who forced them out of the Daily Bugle) has been having his businesses attacked by an armoured vigilante that the press has dubbed the Green Goblin.

Peter manages to track down the Goblin, who walked into a trap set by Bullseye.  Going by his comments, rather than working for Fisk, Bullseye works for the Maker or someone in his council, taking out potential threats to their established order. However, the result is the same; Bullseye is a hitman defending Kingpin's interests who needs to be stopped.

The Goblin has a better handle on the technology that makes up Peter's suit than Peter himself does. He removes Peter's mask, though seemingly in the interest of fairness, he also unmasks and reveals his own identity. It's Harry Osborn, though given their lack of reaction, neither one knows the other in this universe.

The two have a dinner to get to know each other better, bringing along their respective spouses.  For Peter and MJ, it's a refreshing night out since they haven't had one since before having kids. (Even if, for Peter, there's seemingly an undercurrent of danger since MJ doesn't know that he's Spider-Man yet) Harry's wife is running late, but she arrives and is introduced as...

It's an interesting way to bring Gwen into this universe, avoiding the usual pitfalls that come with adapting Gwen Stacy where fans who are familiar with the original comics are practically expecting an adaptation of The Night Gwen Stacy Died when she shows up.

Issue 4 is definitely not what I expected, with the focus being almost entirely on the dinner party, only switching setting to show Ben and J.J. babysitting Peter and MJ's kids. Most of it is a conversation about Ben and J.J.'s business ventures (they're starting a rival newspaper to the Daily Bugle which is known, rather simply, as The Paper), which feels like a confident move on the part of the writer given that this is an early entry in a new universe.

When Mary Jane and Gwen step away from the table, Peter and Harry have an opening to discuss their secret identities. While MJ has been kept in the dark in the hopes of keeping her safe, Gwen knows everything about Harry, making for a nice contrast between how the two of them handle their costumed identities with their families.

Issue 5 focuses on Harry Osborn and how the death of Norman impacted him.  Norman died in the same attack that killed Peter's Aunt May, though from what we see of him, he was as controlling and self-centered as his main incarnation, viewing Harry as an extension of himself rather than a person, and viewing any inadequacies on Harry's part as a personal slight against Norman.

In the aftermath of Norman's death, Harry and Gwen inherit his company, and with it comes its own problems.  Harry is effectively forced into working for the Kingpin, and is tasked with tearing down the Stark/Stane business empire.  In the process, he discovers various Iron Man suits, along with the history of the world and the role that the Maker's cabal has in shaping it.

Issue 6 serves as a dramatic climax in more ways than one.  The night before, Peter and Harry attacked the Kingpin's penthouse, which led to Peter getting a black eye.  Kingpin appears to have enhanced himself, as he's covered in tattoos that seem to grant him super strength and durability, and the duo barely escapes with their lives.

When Peter is asked how he got his black eye the next morning, May immediately spills the beans, revealing the truth to his family in no uncertain terms.

They take it well, all things considered, only wishing that he had told them sooner.  Given the secret identity drama that surrounds superheroes, and Peter's justifiable fear for their safety mixed with the unhealthy habit of keeping a major secret from your loved ones means that both sides feel justified here.

These issues were very well-written, and I'm so glad that we get to see Peter as a family man with a healthy marriage and kids who are proud of him.  This series is a massive increase in quality compared to what I've read from recent Amazing Spider-Man runs, and the way that issue six ends is just perfect.