Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Art: Marco Checchetto, Matthew Wilson, and VC’s Corey Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price:$5.99
Release Date: January 10th, 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 rise up to take on that responsibility? Let’s dive into the Ultimate Spider-Man #1 and find out!
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Ultimate Spider-Man #1 Review.
THE DISPATCH
Every hero needs an origin story. And in this new world without Spider-Man, what is Peter Parker’s? How does someone who was never bitten by a radioactive spider become Spider-Man? Well fans, you’ll find out in this issue of Ultimate Spider-Man #1. However, a bulk of the issue focuses on Peter’s life and what it’s been like for him these past twenty years. And frankly, it’s been good. Better than good… I’d say great! This Peter Parker truly has it all. Nevertheless, Hickman focuses on Peter’s emotional state and how something just hasn’t felt right for years which becomes a bulk of the story.
As for the premise of Ultimate Spider-Man #1, prepare for a little action and tons of setup. Yet what might sound a bit boring was surprisingly eventful. Why? Well, because Hickman basically created a blank canvas for every hero to rewrite how he deems fit within this new Ultimates Universe. It is almost as if we’re getting a permanent “What If…” ongoing. It’s the equivalent of a New 52 reboot that gets to keep the status quo the same in the main universe while providing this fascinating wrinkle in a new one. It’s this very idea that will frankly make all of these Ultimates Universe comics incredibly inviting with the backdrop becoming super clear as Ultimate Spider-Man #1 ends.
Here is my only concern. Let’s look at the Krakoan Era that Hickman created. Hickman started something amazing, saw it through for a couple of years, got bored, and left. When he left, other writers stepped in and took that Krakoan Era in a different direction, to say the least. Now, if you know Hickman, he has a vision. And normally, his vision is the Longview which means people, editors, and fans need to be patient. However, will they be? Secondly, with Hickman comes the fact that he is the only Hickman. So, who else is writing these stories and are they truly working in conjunction with him? I hope that he’s writing them all. Alas, I already know that’s not the case.
Therefore, are those other visionaries working with Hickman? Because if not, these characters could go in a variety of mismanaged directions. And if I’m being honest, that could also be why Hickman stepped away from the X-Men (mere speculation by me… no proof). I’m simply suggesting that if things aren’t going in the direction Hickman deems fit, he’s gonna bounce. And right now, Ultimate Spider-Man #1 is GOOD! The potential for this Universe is unlimited. Let’s hope all the right people are in place to set this up in
Hickman’s Longview.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Ultimate Spider-Man #1 isn’t what you’d expect. It’s a “where are they now” type of story where fans get to see a life set up for Peter Parker like we’ve never seen before. And a majority of the issue focus on that. Now, what seems like a drab comic actually had a few sparks in it mainly due to the fact that this was an uncharacteristic story for Spider-Man fans. The clever twist however is that even with the perfect job and family, Peter still wasn’t happy.
Moreover, how he becomes Spider-Man isn’t even a main focus of the issue. So, readers shouldn’t enter Ultimate Spider-Man #1 thinking they’re going to see any of the Ultimate Spider-Man. As I stated earlier, Hickman takes setup and looks at the big picture. He’ll get us where we need to be with detail and precision but it will take time. I also have no doubt that we’ll be pleased with the outcome… but it will take time. So, the keyword for today is patience. As for Ultimate Spider-Man, I think you’ll love the beginning as well as the creative voice Hickman injects into the issue. Spider-Man fans will also enjoy this different perspective that they frankly have never received from the character. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!