I haven't read Spider-Man (or a single thing Marvel) since Spencer's run ended,, so I was a bit unsure about this one when announced. After its release I heard a lot of interesting things and decided to give it a shot. It's worth the try. I'm not as hyped as some, but I find this to be off to a good start. Like the original Ultimate series we're starting off in his pre-wallcrawling days just before getting his powers. It's like an ongoing "What if...?" series.
There's a lot of refreshing new elements I'm looking forward to exploring like Peter being a family man (Just so long as Marvel doesn't fuck it up like DC did with Superman's son), Uncle Ben being alive, Peter starting as an adult and so much more. I look forward to seeing what surprises this reality has to give us like what became of Gwen, her father, Eddie Brock, Ned Leeds, Miles Warren and so many other characters whose lives were to be impacted so much by Spider-man.
I also look forward to knowing this easier going Jonah. I also look forward to seeing more of his and Ben's crusade for truth in journalism (Something rarer now than ever before). I also hope to hear the story of how this crotchety editor and jolly retired man became best buds. I know they'll give us years of excitement and humor.
I'm not sure what to think of the new Wilson Fisk. He still gives off bad vibes. I don't know if he became the Kingpin or if he has yet to. He will be interesting to observe as well.
I fully understand and respect the praise this series gives. After the flimsy hodgepodge of political views put into comics over the last 5 or so years this series begins with a new take on things and we have high hopes it stays the same, focusing on the heroics of Spider-Man and the impact it has on those close to him, not on everyone's personal lives, what their gender, racial and sexual preferences are and not having a writer who puts his personal beliefs into the character. I don't know much about Hickman's beliefs and don't want to. I don't want him putting any into his work. I want him to just focus on a hero being heroic and that be it.
This issue gets this series off to a good start and as long as it continues on its current path it will stay good. Marvel should follow this example and not abide by Disney's progressive agenda and they'll see what their books really need to sell.
It's nice to have a Spider-man worth getting again. I can't wait to see #2. At the rate things are going this may become the Spider-Man people think of first and top Amazing as Marvel's flagship. In ways that's sad, but also a triumph that will be well earned. more
By: Jonathan Hickman, Marco Checchetto
Released: Jan 10, 2024
THE NEW ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN FOR A NEW ULTIMATE UNIVERSE!
Visionary writer Jonathan Hickman (HOUSE OF X/POWERS OF X) and acclaimed artist Marco Checchetto (DAREDEVIL) bring you a bold new take on Spider-Man, with this, the debut title of the new line of Ultimate Comics! After the events of ULTIMATE INVASION, the world needs a hero...who will ri...