This week’s pull list overflows with Spider-Man and X-Men delights—right in my wheelhouse. The Marvel universe dominates, and naturally, Avengers #13 was my immediate choice. However, the culmination of the Orchis War, though promising, faltered at the finish line, leaving a sour taste with its lackluster conclusion that fizzled out like a spent firework. Yet, amid this disappointment, a beacon of hope emerged. My pick for the week shone as brightly as ever, maintaining its consistent quality and delivering the satisfaction I’ve come to expect. In the tapestry of comic book adventures, there are peaks and valleys, but there’s always a silver lining, a story that captivates and keeps the spirit of excitement alive.
Comic Book of The Week:
Ultimate Spider-man #4
by Hickman / Messina / Wilson
Oh, man. Every time a new issue of Ultimate Spider-Man comes out, I like to go back and read the earlier issues and just get lost in the world again. What makes this comic very satisfying is how Jonathan Hickman is pacing this volume the same way Brian Michael Bendis structured the start of his first volume Peter Parker, and Mile Morales Spider-man in the original Ultimate Universe. I don’t know if this is by design, but it’s great that my two favorite comic book writers of all time think alike when it comes to story structure. In this volume we’re getting the compressed origin story of Spider-man.. and it makes sense. This version of the Ultimate Universe feels like how DC tried to do with The New 52. Between this book and Ultimate Black Panther, I’m stoked at seeing this universe slowly reveal itself.
In the last issue, Spider-man and The Green Golbin (Harry Osbourn) met and became crime-fighting associates. In this issue, we get introduced to more classic Spidey characters in different lives. The odd thing about this comic is the action is minimal. So far it’s been about the relationships between the characters. We’re seeing the birth of Peter and Harry, as well as between MJ and… Harry’s wife GWEN STACY! And it’s interesting how David Messina and Mathew Wilson seem to frame Harry in the panels. He’s always has this elitist, sinister aura around him, giving you the anticipation of revealing he’s a villain. I’m just waiting to find out that he’s the main antagonist.. but it’s more Hickman’s style to make a swerve of some kind. After all, even though Uncle Ben is alive in this universe, it’s Harry Osbourn who delivers the classic line “with great power comes great responsibility”. Would a villain say such a thing? 👀
All in all, a great
Rating: 4/5
Best of the rest:
