This issue really shows the cracks in this series. I understand that Hickman views each issue like a month has passed in real time, and that's fine. But the problem is that the pacing in this issue is kind of whack, and for once I can see how Gabe Hernandez gave this a lower score. Last issue we see Peter Parker and Mary Jane run away. But then this issue they're just chilling on a vacation. And I realize something.
A lot of things happen OFF-SCREEN. For example from Issue 12 we see the symbiotic resembling Peter Parker in the last pages. But in issue 13, Peter's son is wearing the symbiote. Again, it is inferred that the symbiote must have revealed its identity, and Mary Jane lets her own teenage son go out and fight crime while risking his life. But at least have it SHOWN to us.
This brings me back to this issue. Peter somehow knows that his son and the symbiote are working together. But it's OFF-SCREEN. Most of the important plot points or strong character moments that we can be attached to aren't shown, and are just told. And I literally forgot about Ben Parker and J Jonah Jameson. I forgot that they were writing a piece for Wilson Fisk in Issue 10, and they were celebrating in Issue 12.
Overall, I understand that Jonathan Hickman is a long-form story-writer. He likes to plan out seeds and do slow-burn. In the moment, the books may be boring, but when read from start to finish after Hickman finishes his saga, it ages like fine wine. And I have no doubt that Hickman will put out a strong spider-man series, probably the definitive Adult Spider-Man series of all time. But his run is not perfect, and just because it is vastly superior amazing and spectacular compared to the main Spider-Man series, doesn't mean it's perfect. And I have to point this out. There are a couple of genuine constructive criticism, like how Mary Jane doesn't feel like a real person, and I do wish we have more time spent on Peter's kids. The art is okay, the fight was decent.
But kudos to Hickman for making it this far for me to give this issue a 7/10. That's a pretty tall feat more
By: Jonathan Hickman, David Messina
Released: Mar 26, 2025
THE ULTIMATE SANDMAN ATTACKS!
• As the dust settles from the events of recent issues, Peter, MJ and the kids take a family vacation - but nowhere is safe for Ultimate Spider-Man!