What a way to end Kelly's first year on ASM. Writing for both JJJ and Norman was stellar and I liked all the developments here. Especially the final pages, I did not expect this direction. JRJR's art also worked really well, even if slower paced issues are not his strength as much as more action-focused are.

One could think why I praise this comic, while also dissing USM so often. Even if the problems are the same: "no focus on Peter, no development on his side and overall plot moves slowly".

Difference is: we see Peter again in the next issue and have seen his growth. There are also isn't a month long timeskip to the next issue, where everything this issue focuses on is ignored. And the two major character in this book talk about themselves and how Peter (you know, the guy who *SHOULD* be the main focus of a Spider-Man book) has affected them and how they have treated him.

Amazing stuff. Keep cooking Kelly. more

One of the best issues of ASM published in the 21st century. If you think "real" Spider-Man stories can only take place in NYC, 1. I feel sorry for you and 2. There's literally over a thousand other issues you can read.

Spectacular writing and phenomenal art.

Reading this comic and series overall, I can't bring myself to be even angry anymore. I am just so heavily disappointed by this series. What a waste.

Nothing here feels earned. Once again, we are told everything and we see nothing. Peter says he is not the same when facing Kingpin as he was in #6. I have zero clue how that is the case, I haven't seen anything that would implicate otherwise. One training session in #7 isn't enough to convince me.

We are being told how Fisk is this big bad Kingpin who does bad things. I have zero clues what he has actually done. And how has it impacted anyones life. I guess he is evil?

Everything here feels forced. None of the stuff currently going on is something this series has build enough. And with one issue left, I can't imagine it will be a good or even passable conclusion.

Nothing here is bad. It's just not earned. In any way.

And you know what is worse? I still love #1. It still is one of my favorite issues of Spider-Man ever, but this? This is just a waste. I can't see anyone actually recommending this series as a Spider-Man comic. If you do, please read anything else besides ASM by Zeb Wells.

I hoped this series would explore learning responsibility from adult and how normal people and street-level heroes are being impacted by Maker's world. And seeing a good marriage between MJ and Peter, seeing how they got together despite having wildly different backstory than in 616. But we got none of that. We didn't get really anything. I still don't know what motivates Peter. Was it the death of May? Who knows. He hasn't talked about that or anything. more

While this issue was certainly a lot better, I think this issue just feels..... hollow. This whole series just feels so rushed. I don't know if the Ultimate Universe from Marvel will continue after ultimate Endgame, but what hurt this series was how it was dead set on 24 issues. Hickman introduced so many plot points that I don't feel any connection to this Uncle ben, J Jonah Jameson, Mary Jane, Peter's daughter, Gwen and Hary Osborn. ESPECIALLY Peter Parker. The only reason why people like this Ultimate Peter Parker is because he was created alongside Zeb wells run on Peter Parker, so people tend to be defensive.

hickman was facing an uphill battle when he only had 24 issues to write Spider-Man, and as a result we don't really get to see Peter's progress as a fighter. It happens off-screen, so when he says that he's more skilled at fighting Kingpin, I don't believe it because it's not shown. We are shown how Peter can swing better, but it's crazy how so many important moments happen off-screen, and we just have to infer.

like with Mister Negative persuading Peter to not fight. I legitimately did not know why until I re-read Issue 21, and Mister Negative killed this Ultimate Purple Man/Kilgrave, and it's not said at all. I literally had to guess, and I know Hickman knows his readers aren't dumb. But he should still have better execution and a great writer would leave some bed crumbs or slight hints, not just have the audience guess in teh dark. I didn't know that Mister Negative caused 5 individuals to fuse into one Mysterio until I read the recap summary. I also didn't know that Mister Negative somehow knows Peter's background because he killed Mr. Wesley.... but like I said in the previous issues it didn't really hint at it very well.

Overall, I know I said i was going to drop it. But it's the second to last issue, and I wanted to see if I would be proven wrong. Adn while the issue at LEAST finally didn't have a time skip and skip this moment, I was still feeling meh with this issue.

Which again is a shame. Because while Hickman's the best Modern Marvel writer, there's a reason why I haven't been a huge fan of him compared to other writers like Geoff Johns or Alan Moore, or even Scott Snyder for crying out loud. Hickman has cool concepts, but barely any character. the character moments happen between the issues, and for a min I thought we were going to get a family Spidey story. But turns out it's a conspiracy theory with the man in high castle.... that just so happens to feature Spider-Man
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I loved this issue. So so much. What a blast. Thank you Joe and Pepe. I needed this.

And also, if you had told me one year ago that I would sing praises of ASM while being disappointed by USM issue after issue, I would've asked what you are smoking and if I could have some.

It's not groundbreaking, nor does it add anything major, or have intriguing developments.

But it's an amazing read and I had a good feeling after reading this.

Gotta admit, both back-ups were much more enjoyable reads than whatever that main story was.

I still like this. I don't read any other AoR title and this still works for me.

Continuous to be so much fun.

It is just an enjoyable read.

It's fine. But for a relaunch, it doesn't really explain much. Unlike Mortal Thor, that worked as a continuation and as a soft relaunch, this doesn't work as well.