ULTIMATE COMICS: SPIDER-MAN #160 (monthly series, Marvel Comics, $3.99)
WHO’S RESPONSIBLE? Brian Michael Bendis (writer); Mark Bagley, AndyLanning and Andrew Hennessy (artists).
Spoiler alert: They really did it. “They,” of course, are the folks behind the “Death of Spider-Man” story line in the Ultimate Comics version of the title. (For those who are unfamiliar with thedistinction … Marvel has Spider-Man comics in its “proper” universe, one in which Peter Parker is an adult; the “Ultimate” Peter Parker is a completely different continuity and universe, and is a teen.)
And before anyone gets too mad about me coming out and so blatantly saying that Ultimate Peter is dead … you couldn’t have missed this news unless you were living in a total vacuum. Besides, didn’t I already mention that the story line is called “Death of Spider-Man?”
Another side note: Both the monthly Amazing Spider-Man and Ultimate Spider-Man titles have been running neck-and-neck in terms of quality in 2011. It’s as if the respective writers, Dan Slott and Brian Michael Bendis, are in competition with each other.
Bendis, in particular, has stepped up his “game” with this latest story line. In it, war has come to the Ultimate universe. Members ofthe “Ultimates” and “New Ultimates” teams are warring. (A mini-series written by Mark Millar actually tells most of this particular story.) Ultimate Spidey finds himself drawn into this conflict. When the Punisher attempts to assassinate Captain America, our hero rescues his would-be mentor and takes the bullet meant for him. It’s a terrible wound, but Spidey has no time to seek emergency medical treatment.
That’s because Green Goblin and his Sinister Six (which includes Electro, Kraven the Hunter, Sandman and Vulture) have broken out from captivity. The revenge-minded villains know Spidey’s true identity, and are on their way to kill his loved ones and family. They’ve already taken out Spidey’s allies Johnny Storm and Bobby Drake (akaHuman Torch and Iceman), and they mean business. So the last line of defense is an exhausted, possibly mortally wounded teen.
THE GOOD
Bendis really gets the voice of teens, and he writes one of the smartest, funniest versions of Spidey. (Though Slott’s more adult Peter Parker is also a joy to read these days.)
And what happens in this story line, particularly this issue, promisesto shake up this title, which is re-starting with a new Spider-Man character and a new No. 1 issue once it is all over. (Confusingly, there are two issues of a six-issues mini-series titled “Ultimate Fallout,” that will cap the series. They take the place of the originally solicited Nos. 161 and 162 issues.)
This “finale” is pretty action-packed as well. Once Spidey dispatches the other Sinister Six members (with help from others, including Aunt May!), he battles to the death with his longtime arch-nemesis Norman Osborn. Neither of them pulls any punches either. Seriously, this is one brutal, shocking fight to the finish. You’ll feel exhausted just reading it.
THE BAD
Artist Mark Bagley has been with Bendis on the title through most of its 160 issues. Due to his competence and professionalism, the book always hit its monthly deadlines. It also had a consistent look each month. (That being said, I much preferred the issues drawn by Stuart Immomen, David Lafuente and Sara Pichelli, whose works is more dynamic and interesting.)
Unfortunately, Bagley’s artistic and story telling skills seems to have waned during the time he spent at DC Comics, drawing its Justice League title. He’s never had the most distinctive style, but now his character faces all look the same (both male and female). His action scenes no longer have the zip and energy they once had. The ones here are a little cluttered and confusing. They’re not awful, but they’re certainly not his best work. The thick ink lines by Andy Lanning and Andrew Hennessy don’t really help much either.
THE UGLY
Super hero deaths have become too common place in the Marvel Universe, both in the “proper” and Ultimate ones. (The Fear Itself mini-series also recently featured a shocking hero death, apparently.)
In particular, the Ultimate lines have gone all “kill-y.” If this weren’t a major character, one with his own solo title, would we even care?
Also … no disrespect to Bagley, but his art sort of did the story a disservice. For example, I actually had to interpret and explain the final three panels of this issue to comic store employees. I’m pretty sure I’m right, but these are well-versed geeks who are getting confused.
IN CONCLUSION: Art quibbles aside, this has been one of the strongest story arcs in the book’s 10-year-plus history. It’s compelling, strong stuff that might just make you choke up a little. There’s a lot of heroism in play here. As well as the culmination of years’ worth of story lines. It’s a bittersweet but rewarding reading experience.
ALTERNATIVE CONTRIBUTOR COMMENTARY
Kill-tacular-tron here. Jerk-Bot has touched on all of the highs and lows of this final story arc for our favorite wallcrawler. I mostly just wanted to throw some speculation into the mix.
Similar to how Uncle Ben’s death inspired Peter to be Spider-Man, his death saving Aunt May and friends will inspire another to take his place. Who will it be? A lot of persons have speculated Jessica Drew, Spider-Woman. AKA Peter’s clone from around issue 100. That would make sense. After all, to be Spider-Man they’re going to need Spider powers. Which brings me to my main point… I get the feeling clones are going to be heavily involved in the start of the new series.
A quick trip through my back issue box helped me find some interesting stuff. So Doc Ock was one of the men responsible for the clones of Peter. As it turns out the CIA was funding Octavius to create these clones as a possible solution for the super soldier program. During this whole fiasco Gwen Stacy was brought back from the dead with the not-so-sweet alter ego Carnage. (That makes at least two Spider-Man characters to come back from the dead, the other being Norman Osborn.)
Jump forward to this week’s issue of Avengers vs. New Ultimates #5 to see an alternate Spider-Man leading a rebel uprising in Korea. This was all the under the master mind of Tony Stark’s brother, Gregory. While arguing with Nick Fury, Gregory says, “This is everything I grew him for.” Referring to the Korean (literally) version of Spider-Man. “Grew” is a very specific verb. Clone maybe? While I doubt he’ll take over for Parker, maybe there are more clones out there.
Well, this is food for thought at least while we wait until Bendis bestows upon us some more Spidey glory.
Jerk-Bot is the robotic nom de plume or Utah-based writer/reviewer
Jeff Michael Vice. He would like you to listen to him rant about
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