ULTIMATE
SPIDER-MAN #112
TITLE: The
Death Of A Goblin: Part 1
WRITER:
Brian Michael Bendis
PENCILER:
Stuart Immonen
INKER: Wade
von Grawbadger
COLORIST:
Justin Ponsor
PLOT:
This issue start with Spidey and Kitty (sporting another new costume)
stopping the Shocker and another man from getting away from the cops.
Durring their after-fight conversation, it’s obvious that Kitty
is still sore at Peter from messy breakup.
Meanwhile, Mary Jane is sleeping in class, and having an awful
nightmare that she’s turned back into her goblin form and killing the
Fantastic Four. She wakes up
just as Peter and Kitty both rush into class fifteen minutes late.
The entire class opens up their assumptions about the two.
The teacher settles the class, then announces the next assignment;
to carry a plastic baby around for the next three weeks.
The teacher pairs the class into couples, putting Peter and Kitty
together. At the Triskelion,
Norman Osborn is ready to make a deal with Nick Fury.
Unfortunately, Fury is not there to make the deal happen, and so it
doesn’t. Osborn is left in
his cell. Back at school,
Peter, MJ, and Kitty have an awkward conversation about the assignment.
MJ insists that they go through with it.
Suddenly, Kong shows interest in Kitty, and the two appear to hit
it off. Back at the Triskelion,
Osborn’s cell has gone black. Moments
later, there’s an explosion.
LIKES:
Immonen’s art was far better and acceptable in this book than what I
thought it’d be. No offence
to the artist at all, but it’s always been Bagely on the book, and it
was hard to imagine anyone else’s art in it.
But in all honesty, it was great!
Welcome to the book. This
story is off to a good start. The
title certainly suggests a lot, as well as several instances in the book;
MJ’s dream, Osborn’s deal, and the multiple mention’s of
Harry’s whereabouts. It’s
got me hooked enough to pick up the next issue.
Also, Kitty and Kong getting together?
Who would have thought? I’m
looking forward to seeing how that boils down, as well as how Pete and
Kitty will handle the baby situation when it comes to be super hero time.
Will the baby get a costume too?
DISLIKES:
There’s really not much I dislike about this issue.
If I absolutely had to end this review with picking on something,
it would be the full page explosion at the Triskelion.
Maybe there could have been more story on that page?
FAVORITE
QUOTE:
Peter: Well, look at that. He
just stole the mother of my child. -
Kidding.
RATING:
5 out of 5 webs. Well, Immonen
is off to a good start in my book, and Bendis is up to his usual greatness
in story telling. This issue
reminds me a lot of the early USP books for some reason, so I’m calling
it a must have.
REVIEWED BY: Michael Heitkemper
LTIMATE
SPIDER-MAN #111
TITLE: The
Talk
WRITER: Brian
Michael Bendis
PENCILER:
Mark Bagley & Stuart Immonen
INKER: Drew
Hennessey
COLORIST:
Justin Ponsor
PLOT:
Peter and Aunt May return home to find that SHIELD has completely repaired
the entire house. They go
inside, and Peter opens up telling May everything about how he became
Spider-Man. May takes
everything rather well. Peter
even admits that it was his fault that Uncle Ben was shot.
May comforts Peter, and tells him that it wasn’t his fault; a man
shot Ben. Peter then tells May
about his fight with the Ultimate version of the Spot earlier that day.
Not much is known, other than the Spot is wrecking Roxxon
Industries, and Spider-Man stops him.
Returning to Peter and May’s conversation, May admits that
there’s no way for her to make Peter quit being Spider-Man, so she
accepts it. The talk ends with
Aunt May taking a nap, and Spider-Man swinging away.
LIKES:
First, let’s talk about the art. For
Bagley’s final issue, he’s on top of his game.
Even though every page that he did was only of Peter’s and Aunt
May‘s emotions, there isn’t a single flaw, nor a ‘copy &
paste’ which has been somewhat common in USP.
And for Immonen, I’m not very familiar with any of his past work,
but in this issue, his Spider-Man fight scene worked well for me.
DISLIKES:
I think that the “talk” actually read kind of awkward.
It was really a recap of a lot of things that we already knew. However
good for new readers, it’s a certain ‘pass-up’ for common readers.
Peter confessing his secrets to his aunt wasn’t as big and life
changing as you might have thought it’d be.
The biggest dislike that I have in this issue was the column like
text during the fight scene. I
really hate these, because I find it harder to read.
Maybe it’s just me, and I’m being over particular, but I’d
have much rather seen narration boxes in the panels.
FAVORITE
QUOTE: Aunt May: Oh my
God, this is a terrible color.
RATING:
I’m going to give this issue what I call and average score:
3 out of 5 webs. The
story wasn’t overly interesting, in fact sometimes boring, but it was
descent. Farewell Mark Bagley,
and welcome Stuart Immonen. Looking
forward to another 111 issues!
REVIEWED BY: Michael Heitkemper
ULTIMATE
SPIDER-MAN #110
TITLE:
Ultimate Knights: Part 5
WRITER:
Brian Michael Bendis
PENCILER:
Mark Bagley
INKER:
Drew Hennessey
COLORIST:
Justin Ponsor
PLOT:
We catch up with a couple of Kingpin’s men disposing of Ronin.
They shoot him in the head and leave him for dead on the river
banks. Meanwhile, Danny Rand
(Iron Fist) reveals to the other heroes that the reason he turned on them
was to save his daughter from the Kingpin.
A daughter that no one knew he had.
The other heroes are obviously upset, but later, Rand distracts the
Kingpin so that Daredevil can get to Kingpin’s wife.
Kingpin enters his wife’s room to find Daredevil holding his
wife, and ready to snap her neck. Spider-Man
swings in and talks Daredevil out of killing Kingpin’s wife. But
before they release his wife, Spider-man tells Kingpin that he has to
leave the country, for good. Elsewhere,
Ronin pulls himself off the banks of the river, apparently not dead.
He walks into the police department and tells the police everything
about Fisk trying to have him killed.
As Kingpin is about to board his plane out of the country, the
police arrive and arrest him. The
kingpin is held without bail because he’s considered a flight risk.
LIKES:
This was actually a very good issue for wrapping up the
story. The placement of events
in this book were perfect for the somewhat distorted timeline that occurs
in it. Unlike last issue, all
of the dialogue sounded believable, even the Kingpin’s compassion for
his wife’s life. (I wish
they’d go more into what’s wrong with her.) And Spider-Man, though his
appearance was rare, his relating his own burglar situation to
Daredevil’s was perfect and well written.
My absolute favorite part of the book.
On another note, Ronin getting shot in the head and surviving was
cool. The more and more I read
about Ultimate Moon Knight/Ronin, the more I believe he needs his own
book. Finally, the Kingpin
getting busted was set up perfectly. I
doubt that the testimony of a man with multiple personalities will hold up
well in court, so the Kingpin’s going to have a simple, believable
pathway back into the book. I
like it that he won’t be able to buy himself out of this situation like
last time.
DISLIKES:
Spider-Man’s lack of appearance in this story is what hurts it the most
for me. Sure, it was a great
read and all, but this is a Spider-Man book.
The story seemed to center more around Daredevil.
Hell, even Iron Fist had a larger role in this one.
FAVORITE
QUOTE:
Spider-Man: And for all the
stupid stuff I’ve done and said… I know who I am because at that
moment, right then, I did the right thing.
RATING:
I’m going to give this issue 4 out of 5 webs.
It was a great smooth read that ended a decent story.
I believe that I’d have given it an easy five had Spidey played a
larger role; at least in this issue. A
fun read though.
REVIEWED BY: Michael Heitkemper
ULTIMATE
SPIDER-MAN #109
TITLE: Ultimate
Knights: Part 4
WRITER: Brian
Michael Bendis
PENCILER:
Mark Bagley
INKER: Drew
Hennessey
COLORIST:
Justin Ponsor
PLOT:
The
Kingpin, Ronin, and a couple other guys, have an unmasked Spider-Man tied
up in a small room, and torments him with the fact that he legally owns
Spider-Man’s likeness. And
for that reason, he will not kill Spider-Man.
Kingpin then comments that he knows that Daredevil is Matt Murdock,
and that Kingpin sent him to screw with the other heroes.
Kingpin also reveals that he is aware of Ronin’s identity.
Kingpin quickly beats Ronin. Meanwhile,
Daredevil and Dr. Strange break into Kingpin’s building to rescue Peter.
Unfortunately, everyone has already left.
Later - Daredevil, Dr. Strange, Iron Fist, and Shang Chi all meet
on a building top. Spider-Man
swings in and starts a fight with Daredevil, believing what Kingpin had
told him. Daredevil is
baffled, and shocked to hear that Kingpin knows his true identity.
Suddenly, Matt Murdock’s Law Office explodes behind them.
Daredevil instantly senses Iron Fist’s nervousness, and confronts
him about being the traitor.
LIKES:
This was
a tough issue to appreciate, but here it goes.
Kingpin not being able to find out Peter’s name because of
SHIELD’s involvement was creative. Enough
people know who Spider-Man is as it is.
There was some simple humor between Daredevil and Dr. Strange, but
to me added a bit of immaturity to the super hero pair that are trying to
save someone’s life. Finally,
Spider-Man swinging in and attacking Daredevil.
Even though Spidey was in the wrong, I like seeing him take risks
like this. It reminds me of
all the older Spider-Man comics I use to read as a kid.
Feels like real Spidey.
DISLIKES:
Seven!
Count them, there were seven pages of Kingpin rambling on about how
he owns Spider-Man, and that Spider-Man will do as he says.
Okay, minus five panels of
Kingpin beating the crap out of Ronin, but still… To top it off,
Kingpin’s dialog just didn’t sound like things that Kingpin would say.
Sure it got his point across, but I couldn’t help but picture him
saying all he did in a little ‘baby voice.’
In my book (and this maybe just me) Kingpin doesn’t ever talk
like that. He’s the Kingpin
of Crime! And why didn’t
Peter lash back with any quirky remarks?
Was he so angry that he held back?
Where were the fat jokes? I
just feel like Peter should have lashed out in some way or another.
It’s not like this was his first confrontation with the Kingpin.
Much less was it his first time being held captive and unmasked.
Also, though it was a nice touch for Kingpin to be afraid to find
out Spider-Man’s identity because of SHIELD, it didn’t really justify
it. Kingpin now knows where
Peter goes to school. With all
the Kingpin’s resources, you’d think he could find someone to just
follow Peter home one day, then look up his name in the phone book or call
411 or something.
FAVORITE
QUOTE:
Dr.
Strange: I
just don’t understand this Moon Knight guy--
Iron
Fist: Well,
he does dress up as the moon!
Let’s not all be so surprised he isn’t all that stable.
RATING:
Like I
said, this issue was a tough one to appreciate, but if you read it a few
times, you can. It does carry
the story along a few more steps, and the art was well above par.
I’ll give it a slightly below average score:
2.4 out of 5 Webs. (I
feel like being a bit different today.)
With only one more issue to tie things up, I am expecting some
questions to go unanswered, but I guess that only time will tell.
Bendis has wrapped things up nicely before in one issue…
REVIEWED BY: Michael Heitkemper
Ultimate
Spider-Man #108
Title:
Ultimate Knights: Part
3
Writer: Brian
Michael Bendis
Penciler:
Mark Bagley
Inker: Drew
Hennessy
Colorist:
Justin Ponsor
Plot:
Moon Knight’s other personalities (Steven grant, Marc Spector, and the
little red head girl) are discussing Daredevil’s plan to infiltrate the
Kingpin. Little red head girl
doesn’t think it’s a good idea for them to create yet another persona
with their multiple personality disorder.
Even though her voice is heard, Ultimate Ronin is created, and he
auditions for the Kingin’s fist. Kingpin
wants Ronin to bring Spider-Man to him.
We next find that Mary Jane has a new job with the student news
broadcast, and Liz Allen continues to have a problem with mutants.
Suddenly, assuming that Spider-Man is a student there, Ronin
attacks Midtown High. As Peter
makes sure that everyone gets outside, Kitty Pryde steps up to battle
Ronin, but looses. Spider-Man
finally arrives and fights Ronin. Meanwhile,
in his own multiple personality world, Moon Knight looses a fight to Ronin,
and he appears to become the dominant personality.
Similarly, Spider-Man is defeated, and delivered to the Kingpin.
Likes:
This issue tells an in depth story of Moon Knight’s battle within his
mind. I have to say that it
was expertly written. The
emotion of what Moon Knight battles with was well felt.
A perfect example is the reaction of the original four
personalities when they believed that Ronin had killed Kitty Pryde.
Moon Knight is shaping up to be a pretty interesting an complex
character. Mark Bagley’s art
is going to be very much missed when he leaves this title.
His image of Spidey and all of the characters in the USP pages are
probably going to leave a definitive mark on what people expect out of
this book. He did an excellent
job in this issue, as well did Drew Hennessy and Justin Ponsor.
Dislikes:
This issue focused a lot on Moon Knight, and his struggles, rather than
with Spidey. That’s not a
huge dislike, but Spidey only appeared in costume on five pages.
My biggest dislike about this issue is that after I read it, I
didn’t feel like I got what I wanted out of the book.
Maybe there was too much time spent on Moon Knight, or maybe it was
too much time spent on Mary Jane’s new extracurricular activity, and the
new principal’s views on Spider-Man.
I just wasn’t thrilled about it.
Maybe all of these scenes will turn into something important in
time.
Favorite
Quote:
Flash Thompson: Duh.
If I was Spider-Man, why the hell would I be sitting in school all
day?
Rating:
3 out of 5 webs. An
interesting story was told. But
there wasn’t anything that made me over enthusiastic about it.
Pick it up and see what you think.
I’ll be picking up the next issue and hoping for the best.
Reviewed By: Michael Heitkemper
Ultimate
Spider-Man #107
Title:
Ultimate Knights: Part
2
Writer:
Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler:
Mark Bagley
Inker: Drew
Hennessy
Colorist:
Justin Ponsor
Plot:
Picking up from last issue, Kitty Pryde is introduced to the class.
Everyone recognizes her, and immediately there is curiosity about
her relationship with Spider-Man. She
promptly leaves the classroom, via her mutant powers.
Some time later, Peter finally talks with Kitty on the bleachers.
It doesn’t go well, at all. That
night, Peter goes to meet Daredevil as planned.
Upon arrival, he also finds Doctor Strange, Iron Fist, Shang Chi,
and Moon Knight. Between the
six of them, they conspire to take down the Kingpin.
The whole time, Spider-Man questions the morality of their plan to
kill Fisk. They finally decide
that there first step is for Moon Knight to pose as a hit man auditioning
for Kingpin’s ‘fist.’ Unfortunately,
we later find Iron Fist spilling the whole plan to the Kingpin himself.
Likes:
My favorite ‘likes’ in this issue pertain to the art, namely
the cover. I don’t know what
it is about it, but it really stood out on the shelf, and it looked cool
as well. Hey, it’s a like.
Next there was a panel of Spider-Man swinging over the city skyline
that I’d love to have as a poster on my wall.
Great art. This book
has a decent amount of humor which is always nice, but sadly, it didn’t
save the issue. However,
Spider-Man holding his ground in front of Daredevil was handled very good.
I like it Spidey stands his ground.
I just hate it when he’s a push over to other heroes.
Dislikes:
Where do I start? How about
from the beginning? How many
times are Flash and Kong’s appearance going to change?
I don’t think that Flash has ever had a face of his own for
longer than one story arc! And
what kind of diet is Kong on? He
must have lost a hundred pounds or more since this series began!
Would love to see some consistency in that respect, but hardly see
it coming with a new artist after issue #110.
Next, Peter’s way with the ladies was terrible!
First off, his joking with MJ about asking Kitty to come to his
school; who does that with their girlfriend who has shown jealous streaks
before? Then, he totally bombs
the conversation with Kitty, by basically telling her that he never felt
anything for her. She was just
something to hold him over. I
mean… wow! I know that high
school break ups can be rough, but I had a hard time imagining these words
coming from Peter; Someone that’s so intelligent and so good at lying.
Finally, we’ve got six super heroes on a roof top trying to come
up with a clever way to infiltrate the Kingpin’s organization.
They put their heads together, and all they can come up with is the
same plan that Shang Chi had last issue?
You know, the plan that failed miserably.
And to top that off, why would Iron Fist turn on his friends like
that. He was so dedicated to
his friendship with Shang Chi back in the “Warriors” arc.
His idea of teaming with Kingpin so he won’t go back to jail
doesn’t sound very intelligent at all.
Maybe it’s all a big setup, but I hope to see everyone’s
character improved upon next issue.
Favorite
Quote:
Spider-Man: Put the moon toys
away, Casper, I’m just here for the chicken wings.
Moon
Knight: There- there are no
chicken wings.
Spider-Man:
Ha!! Wow.
“There are now chicken wings,” he says.
Rating:
1 out of 5 webs. I would
really love to give this issue a better score, but it just didn’t ride
well with me. Even though,
I’m still curious to see how the rest of the story unfolds.
Sure it’s jumbled up right now, but the fights with Kingpin are
usually good. I just hope that
the characters are written more like themselves.
Reviewed
By: Michael Heitkemper
Ultimate
Spider-Man #106
Title:
Ultimate Knights: Part
1
Writer: Brian
Michael Bendis
Penciler:
Mark Bagley
Inker:
Drew Hennessy
Colorist:
Justin Ponsor
Plot:
After a short negotiation with Damage Control, Peter is allowed back into
his home to get his Spider-Man stuff.
Next we see the first bit of conversation that Peter and Aunt May
have, post his identity being revealed to her.
May is still in the hospital, and they decide to talk when May is
better. Next we find Wilson
Fisk learning that he legally owns the “likeness” rights to
Spider-Man. Amused by this,
Fisk orders to run it into the ground.
Next, Peter and MJ swing over to the Baxter building so Reed can
run some tests on MJ. Meanwhile,
barely dodging a firing, Peter manages to get more hours out of Jameson at
the Daily Bugle. Skip back to
Fisk: He’s being infiltrated by Shang Chi disguised as someone looking
to be Fisk’s “fist.” As
Shang Chi escapes, he runs into Daredevil, who has a plan…
Peter then picks up MJ, who has a clean bill of health, other than
the occasional nightmare that could be post dramatic stress.
They head to school, where Peter is approached by Matt Murdock
(Daredevil‘s alter-ego). Peter
isn’t happy about this. Matt
tells Peter to meet him in costume later that night.
Peter finally gets into class, and the new student of Midtown High
is brought in. It’s Kitty
Pryde.
Likes:
The art was very good-excellent; points to pick on this area are
very few to none. A++ for the
art team. A lot of times
reading through USP, I’ll get lost in the dialogue, and have to read a
single shout box over a few times to understand exactly how Bendis wants
it be read. But this issue, I
didn’t have any trouble at all. Each
character had his or her own distinct voice and dialect.
Maybe it’s just me learning to read a little bit better, but
I’d like to think that it was just well written…. Yeah, let’s say
that it was well written. As
far as the story itself goes, the creative team has got me hooked, and I
want to pick up the next issue, and even see this story arc to the end.
There was a lot of ground covered in this issue, something that
doesn’t usually happen in the Ultimate pages.
It made a very good setup for the story at hand, and the
cliffhanger was well set up as well. Can’t
wait to see how that boils down. One
final like; I love it when there are small references to the 616verse in
USP. Namely Kingpin’s new
right hand man, Mr. Rose. I
hope to see this character play out more in this book.
Dislikes:
Peter’s conversation with aunt May was a bit of a disappointment.
No more than two days ago she found out that Peter was Spider-Man,
saw Gwen Stacy appearing to be back from the dead, and suffered from a
heart attack. And though she
may be recovering from that heart attack, she sure seemed chipper to me in
this issue. My point is that
in the mood she appeared to be in, I don’t think that she would have
accepted Peter’s suggestion to wait till she’s “better” to talk
about everything. If it were
me, I’d want to know what the hell was going on.
But, I guess it’s obvious that Bendis knew there wasn’t going
to be enough space for this, and he did the best he could.
Favorite
Quote:
Damage
Control Guy: Hey babe.
Mary
Jane: I’m fifteen.
Damage
Control Guy: (whistles)
Rating:
I’ve got to give this issue 4.5 of 5 webs.
I’d love to give it a full 5 webs, but I don’t feel right about
it since I had something to write in the dislikes.
A great setup issue, which is true to Bendis’ track record.
Here’s hoping for the rest of the story to live up to this issue.
Reviewed By: Michael Heitkemper
Ultimate
Spider-Man #105
Title:
Clone Saga; Epilogue
Writer:
Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler:
Mark Bagley
Inker:
Drew Hennessy
Colorist:
Justin Ponsor
Plot:
Picking up from last issue, Peter decides to table the idea of taking away his powers, and rushes off to visit aunt May at the hospital. Aunt May is unconscious for the moment, and Peter pours his heart out to her. Enter Nick Fury. Peter is obviously unhappy about Fury’s presence. Fury then explains that the reason he built the Spider-Slayers was to take Peter down in the case that he should become a super villain. Fury reasoned that with all the stuff that’s happened to Peter, he’d be well within rights to snap. Fury then admits that he was wrong, that he had instead been watching the birth of someone special. Peter has made up his mind to not take away his powers. Kitty Pryde and Jean Grey are just outside the hospital room. Kitty mentally asks Professor Xavier to erase Aunt May’s knowledge of Peter’s secret identity, but Prof. X refuses. As Aunt May awakens, it’s clear that she is not angry about Peter being Spider-Man. Later that night, Peter meets up with Spider-Woman. She says she’s going off to start a new life, and she leaves. The next day, Peter, MJ, and MJ’s mom decide that it’s best that Peter come to stay with them until Aunt May gets better. As Peter and MJ kiss, we see a shocked Kitty watching from the shadows. In the final pages, we find MJ struggling with some shaking in her arm. Peter comforts her.
Likes:
Every
scene of this issue had emotion that was clearly seen in each panel.
Peter’s uncertainty about quitting the Spider-Man gig, Mary Jane
standing up for Peter in front of Fury, and Fury admitting that he was
wrong to Peter were huge steps for each of the characters.
Fury’s admission especially explains some of his actions in the
past, and it’s a clever way to tie up that suspicion.
Hey, and Spider-Woman survived!
At one point, I was sure that Bendis would find
a way to kill her off at the last second, but instead we can look
forward to her making a return to USP.
This biggest plus about this issue, is that the only big change
that will be a constant in the book is that Aunt May knows Peter’s
secret identity. Not my
favorite idea though. See the
dislikes below…. And
finally, it seems that Peter and MJ are going to officially get back
together; I’m very happy about this.
It only seems natural for Peter to be with MJ since they‘ve both
been in the book since the beginning.
Looking forward to seeing how Kitty takes the breakup though.
Dislikes:
I
not too keen on the idea of Aunt May knowing who Peter really is.
I think that with her knowing, the book looses a bit of suspense
and conflict. Peter has yet
one less person that he needs to hide his identity from.
Kind of dulls it out some. So
is Aunt May going to be just fine with the idea of her fifteen year old
swinging around, hundreds of feet in the air above the streets?
It doesn’t seem to be very Ultimate Aunt May-ish.
Perhaps it will be fine though?
One other thing, this issue probably has the most facial expression
panels in a comic ever! It’s
understandable with the emotion that had to be shown in the characters,
but if you’re looking for some action, it’s not in this book.
Favorite
Quote:
Aunt May: Hey.
That costume… I’tsss a terrible costume.
Rating: 3 out of 5 webs. This issue is average. It’s just as the title suggests, it’s and epilogue. Mainly a lot of talk to finely explain the ending of the story. Still a good read; well written with consistent art.
Whole
Story Rating: This story was a fun read all the way through,
but I have to say that it had a few loose ends (explanation of Carnage,
why the older clone died so quickly.)
It was suspenseful, but long (9 issues),
but still well written and well drawn issue for issue.
4 out of 5 webs for the Ultimate Clone Saga.
Reviewed By: Michael Heitkemper
Ultimate
Spider-Man #104
Title:
Clone Saga: Part 8
Writer:
Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler:
Mark Bagley
Inker:
Drew Hennessy w/ Matt Ryan
Colorist:
Avalon’s Andy Troy
Plot:
Mary Jane wakes up in
the Baxter building, and is startled by the Thing standing over her. Her
scare forces her into another monstrous transformation. In her monster
form, she accidentally releases the Scorpion. Monster MJ sees Peter’s face
in the Scorpion, and she changes back to her normal self, and faints.
Conveniently, the Scorpion also faints. Elsewhere, Sue Storm tells Richard
Parker that he is merely an age enhanced clone of Peter. He takes it kind
of hard, but finally believes her when she tells him that the DNA was a
match. Oddly, Richard begins to age rather quickly, and eventually dies.
His last request is for Sue to be Peter’s friend. We then skip over to
Oscorp. The FBI arrives outside and wants to know where Octavius is.
Fury won’t give any straight answers.
Inside Oscorp, Peter and Spider-Woman (Jessica) are fighting the metal
controlling Doc Ock. Ock appears to have the upper hand through most of the
fight, but is quickly taken out by a double punch from both Peter and
Jessica. Jessica leaves after the fight, not wanting to turn herself in.
However, Peter says that he has made that promise to Fury, and he will keep
it. As Peter drags Ock outside, the Human Torch arrives and takes Peter
away. They arrive at the Baxter building just as Dr. Storm and Reed
Richards are injecting MJ with the antidote for the OZ formula. The
antidote seems to work, and then Peter explains what happened. Peter tells
MJ that he loves her, and that he was wrong. They hug, and all seems well.
Then Reed explains that he can cure Peter as well. Peter is faced with a
choice, he doesn’t have to be Spider-Man anymore.
Likes:
The number one ‘like’ of this issue is that there were 31 pages of story, so
it covered a lot of ground. First off, the Doc Ock fight scene was very
cool. The whole thing took place in a cyclone of flying metal provided by
Ock’s new power. And speaking of which, to me, it’s making a lot of sense
for Ock to have this power. It clears up his seemingly telekinetic link to
his metal arms, and it adds to Ock’s character.
Also, I’m glad to see that Spider-Woman survived the
fight. In my opinion, she has a lot of potential, perhaps even enough to
have her own book. Next ‘like‘, Peter and MJ look like they’re getting back
together. I had no problem with the Peter/Kitty relationship, but it just
seems more natural that Peter should be with MJ. Lastly, the cliffhanger
was great. Although we all know that Peter will keep his powers (How could
this book survive without them?), he’s going to have a lot of pressure in
the room next issue. MJ is there, who once stated she’d rather Peter be
normal. Also, Nick Fury and his men are on their way. Next issue should
make for a good read.
Dislikes: This issue was entertaining, and it tied up a few loose ends, but in the case of Richard Parker, I feel slightly cheated. So all of the sudden, he starts spontaneously aging, and then dies? I know that the guy had to be gotten rid of, but the way that he went, even with his heart felt words seemed way too convenient. There were a few other ‘over convenient’ instances in this book, but for some reason they don’t bother me as much. One other thing that bothers me, as of now, Carnage’s appearance in this story has added nothing but it’s presence. There’s been no explanation as to why Carnage was cloned, and much less, why Gwen Stacy was cloned. Pretty sure it won’t be, but I hope there something in next issue to justify Carnage’s presence, other than to boost sales of the book.
Favorite Quote:
Peter: That- that felt good.
Jessica: It’s lame it took two of us.
Peter: Well, he had six arms.
Jessica: True.
Rating: A swell, 4 out of 5 webs. Looking forward to finding out where the next issue takes this issues cliffhanger.
Reviewed By: Michael Heitkemper
Ultimate
Spider-Man #103
Title:
Clone Saga: Part 7
Writer:
Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler:
Mark Bagley
Inker:
Drew Hennessy
Colorist:
Studio F
Plot: This issue begins at the X-Mansion. Kitty Pryde has just seen a news broadcast about what’s going on in Queens. She immediately assumes that it has something to do with Peter, and she insists that all the X-Men go to help. Back at Oscorp, The Fantastic Four take MJ and leave with hopes to cure her. The deformed Peter Parker tries to stop them, but is killed by a Spider Slayer in the process. Doc Ock explains that he cut had a deal with the government to work on the super soldier serum, instead of going to prison. This is something that even Nick Fury is surprised to hear. Ock goes on to taunt that it just so happens to destroy every part of Peter Parker’s life. Ock even admits that Richard Parker is nothing more than a clone with advanced aging. Peter is angry, and makes a deal with Fury to leave him and the clones alone with Ock for ten minutes. Fury, realizing that Ock is his enemy too, agrees and pulls out of Oscorp. Six armed Spidey attacks first, but then, something surprising happens. Doc Ock reveals that he has a power that he has kept secret… a power that enables him to control metal. With this power, Ock kills six arm Spidey, and then quickly constructs his octopus arms from debris. Peter and Jessica are left to fight Ock on their own.
Likes: Giving Doctor Octopus a new power is a very bold move in my opinion. I can understand how some fans might mock it as a ‘Magneto Makeover‘. But I for one look at it as a reminder of why I like the Ultimate Universe so much; it takes a different approach to everything, and it‘s okay. The 616 Spider-Man is not affected, and we get to see an interesting story. The art worked very well with the dialogue, especially when Doctor Octopus taunted Peter. The Doc’s confidence in himself, and his hate of Peter really showed through. Peter’s thoughts of wanting to kill Doc Ock are right on the money. It’s certainly a lot better than the whining that we’ve been getting from Peter. Though Peter making a deal with Fury to be left alone with Ock seems slightly loose of the character, I actually think that it makes him a bit more believable. Peter virtually has nothing to loose… so why not put it all out there. I’m looking forward to seeing how Bendis is going to clean up this huge mess that he’s created. Should make out to be a good issue, and wrap up a fine story.
Dislikes: Though I loved this issue, some of the revelations were predictable; Richard Parker being an age-enhanced clone of Peter, and the fact that some of the clones were going to have to be killed off. I saw these things coming, and I think a lot of other people did as well. One thing that we’re yet to see, and I hope we don‘t see, is another guest interference from the X-Men. It’s not that I don’t like them, it’s just that I’d like to see Spidey finish this battle, his own battle, himself. However, from their appearance in this issue, something tells me that the X-Men are going to arrive just in time to save Spidey’s butt from the magnetically powered Doctor Octopus. Complete with a remark from Cyclops that they have a bit of experience with mutants possessing magnetic powers. Ughh…. I just don’t want to see that.
Rating: A swell, 4 out of 5 webs. Though I’m worried about how the story as a whole is going to wrap up, I can’t judge this issue on assumption. This book read well, looked great, and took a large step. Not a title dropper in my mind.
Reviewed By: Michael Heitkemper
Ultimate
Spider-Man #102
Title: Clone Saga: Part 6
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler: Mark Bagley
Inker: Drew Hennessy
Colorist: Justin Ponsor
Plot: Just before Nick Fury can take Peter Parker into custody, Spider-Woman appears and carries Peter away. As we enter a flashback, she explains to Peter that she is actually a female clone of him, created by Ben Reilly. Ben Reilly apparently found a job with CIA, and used the Parker blood sample to create several clones of Peter Parker. The CIA intended to use these clones to replace the super-soldier serum. Spider-Woman explains that, about a month ago, the CIA gave her the identity of Jessica Drew. Even though she’s female, she has the mind and memories of a boy, Peter Parker. Just as Jessica is introduced to a psychiatrist, Cassandra Webb, to help her with that, Carnage breaks loose and kills everyone. Suddenly, other Peter Parker clones are released from their rooms, and they all go off in their own way. Returning from the flashback, Spider-Woman and Peter arrive at Oscorp where she believes MJ might be. As they enter, they find the mutated MJ attacking the deformed Peter clone. The real Peter Parker manages to calm MJ, and she returns to her normal state. Peter attacks the deformed Peter out of anger. Then Otto Octavius enters, claiming to be the clones father. Behind him are Nick Fury, and Reed Richards.
Likes: A lot was explained in this issue, and it was anything but boring. The Spider-Woman character appears to have a lot of potential. She has the mind of a male in a female body... that can go anywhere. Ben Reilly’s explaining took three pages of reading (which was kind of awkward) but in any case, I believe it was necessary and helpful to the story. The end of this issue leaves a lot to look forward to. Octavius appears to be the mastermind behind it all, hopefully in the next issue we’ll find out why. The art was spectacular. If their were any pages rushed at the last minute, it certainly doesn’t show. The coloring especially; it seemed to set the tone for each scene change perfectly.
Dislikes: My only complaint, (and this is being really picky) is that MJ seemed to control her morph back to herself too quickly. As soon as she saw the real Peter, she just changed back. Kind of squeezed, but easily overlooked.
Favorite Quote:
Peter: Who can take this much #$%^ in one day???
Rating: 5 out of 5 webs. This issue moved the story along a lot, and it wasn’t rushed. Panel by panel there was consistent artwork that fit the story all the way through. There’s a lot of clarification as to what’s going on, but it seems there’s more to come. Looking forward to another great issue.
Reviewed By: Michael Heitkemper
U
ltimate
Spider-Man #101
Title: Clone Saga: Part 5
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler: Mark Bagley
Inker: Drew Hennessy
Colorist: Justin Ponsor
Plot:
Carnage busts out a window and attacks the Spider-Slayers waiting outside
Peter Parker’s old house. The Tinkerer controls the Spider-Slayers from the
Triskelion at Fury’s radio commands. Inside the house, Peter’s dad tells
him that Peter needs to go out and fight. Peter reluctantly does. Peter
tries to tell Fury that his Aunt May is inside having a heart attack, but
Fury doesn’t seem to care. Peter is shot down by a Spider-Slayer. Just
then, the Fantastic Four arrive and side with Peter. Sue Storm goes into
the house and safely brings out Aunt May and Richard Parker. Oddly though,
Richard has done nothing to help May, because he says he didn’t know what to
do. Sue takes the two in a force field to the hospital. The Spider-Slayers
finally open full power on Carnage. After the blast, only a naked Gwen is
standing in front of them. Gwen collapses, and the clean up crew is called
in. Fury says that he’s taking Peter into custody for what his clones have
done. At Oscorp, Mary Jane is angry that the disfigured Peter has injected
her with the OZ formula. Suddenly, Mary Jane turns into a large hairy
creature. Note: I’ve heard that some fans believe this to be an Ultimate
WoMan-Wolf. Who knows?
Likes:
Sadly, other than a few perks, there’s not much to like about this issue.
Perk #1: A few well drawn fight scenes. Perk #2: We get to see what Mary
Jane turns into.
Dislikes:
This issue was way too far drawn out. Not enough happened because of the overuse of splash pages, and panels that do nothing to move the story along. Without those pages wasted, I estimate that there could have been roughly four more pages of story here. Also, the dialogue was very slim. And when there was dialogue, it was either something that we already knew, or simple gibberish complete with one-liners. One other thing, there was a two page advertisement for Ultimate Power #1 right smack in the middle of a two page spread. That makes for an annoying read.
Favorite Quote:
Tinkerer: Doctor Reed Richards... Whoa... Geekasm!
Rating:
2 out of 5 webs. This issue didn’t do much for me. Surely what we saw could have been done in a little over half an issue. The rest could have been filled with more explanation on Mary Jane’s transformation, or even the beginning of a fight scene between her and the disfigured Peter. I’m still looking forward to next issue, but at this point, I probably could have skipped this issue and honestly felt like the only thing I missed was a drawn out fight scene.
Reviewed By: Michael Heitkemper
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