For quite some time now, fans have been engaged in a heated debate about whether the 2024 version of “Ultimate Spider-Man” surpasses its predecessor from 2000. Given that the latest series offers a more sophisticated portrayal of Spider-Man, catering to the desires of fans, it’s an intriguing question: Does the original “Ultimate Spider-Man,” penned by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley, still deliver a compelling tale? That answer, indeed, is complex. The characters in both versions have distinctly different origins and influences, but ultimately, does reading the initial book provide an enjoyable storyline? To put it simply, that’s a complex question to answer for sure.
Fans adore Hickman’s portrayal of Spider-Man, as it adds depth to the beloved character. Unlike Earth 1610, his challenges are more intense, yet the challenges of the original Spider-Man remain significant too. Reinventing classic characters presents fresh aspects for readers, however, we can’t overlook what the original brings to the table that the new one doesn’t. Ultimately, this leads to two unique interpretations of Ultimate Spider-Man, each contributing something valuable to the narrative.
21st Century Take on Spider-Man
In the reimagined “Ultimate Spider-Man” comic series, the focus shifted not only on Spider-Man but also on Peter Parker and his schoolmates as they were modernized for the new millennium. The first four issues delved into Peter’s personal life, offering valuable insight into the character and his environment before he officially became Spider-Man.
The portrayal of Uncle Ben in this series was particularly poignant and authentic, making him feel less like a mythical figure and more like a real person. Unlike previous versions where Uncle Ben’s role was confined to brief appearances, this story allowed readers to connect with him on an emotional level. As such, when he was tragically killed, the loss felt profoundly impactful.
In addition to portraying Uncle Ben alongside Peter and his schoolmates, both Stan Lee’s dialogue and Bendis’ characters felt authentic for their era. While Bendis is sometimes mocked for it today, the way each character had unique quirks made the dialogues seamlessly follow one another, giving each character a distinct personality. The teens frequently used filler words like “uh” and “um,” which helped make these characters feel more individualized. Although some of their slang and phrases are outdated now, it’s challenging to find a comic that doesn’t sound as genuine. This comic marked the departure from the quirky Silver Age writing style where all characters sounded mature and proper. Instead, this comic effectively depicted the time when teenagers were discovering themselves and acting like typical teens.
In terms of Peter’s transformation into Spider-Man, it’s then that his character truly blossoms. His humorous antics as Spider-Man give off an air of self-assuredness, suggesting that he feels more confident in himself as Peter. Hiding behind the mask and playfully bantering with his adversaries is a fundamental aspect of his persona, yet it also seems to contribute to the development of Peter beyond the suit.
In the early stages, when interacting with classmate Kenny McFarlane, Peter appears insecure and despondent. However, once he obtains his powers, he begins to assert himself towards Kenny, demonstrating that he can now stand up to him. This dynamic lends an authenticity to their relationship.
Peter’s connection with MJ also feels genuine and true-to-life. It’s reminiscent of the first romantic relationship many high school students experience. Although it may seem awkward and juvenile at times, there’s a clear understanding between them that emerges over time.
Does Hickman’s Overshadow the Original?
Due to Bendis’ significant impact as an author, many question if the current Ultimate Spider-Man, penned by Jonathan Hickman, surpasses its predecessor. However, instead of being better, it’s arguably the best Spider-Man comic available today. Hickman’s take on Ultimate Spider-Man, like Bendis’ before it, is a reflection of its era and Peter Parker’s ongoing journey. This isn’t about comparing which book is superior; it depends on what you seek. If you’re interested in seeing an older, mature Peter with a family, then Hickman’s narrative would be more appealing to you. It caters to the fans of 616 Spider-Man who have longed for such a storyline since “Brand New Day” and offers a sense of resolution.
If you’ve never encountered Spider-Man before or find the Silver Age stories hard to relate to, consider starting with Bendis’ “Ultimate Spider-Man”. This series is contemporary and should feel familiar to current readers, while also providing a nostalgic kick for those who are old enough. To put it simply, it remains remarkably relevant today. The character development and storyline still resonate despite some dated elements. Frankly, this dual quality of Ultimate Spider-Man is a significant advantage not only for the character but also for readers, offering two high-quality versions of the series.
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2025-08-23 05:40