Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man: The Perfect Blueprint for a Horror Movie

2024’s top comic, Ultimate Spider-Man, aims to maintain its position as the best in 2025. In issue #13, penned by Jonathan Hickman and illustrated by Marco Checchetto, we find ourselves following up on the jaw-dropping cliffhanger from last year’s Issue #12. For more than a month now, Peter Parker and Harry Osborn have been held captive by Kraven the Hunter, with their tormentor devising a sinister plot – one that eerily echoes the past – to deal with them on behalf of the Kingpin.

To reach such a state, Kraven seems to have drawn inspiration from the playbook of the infamous “Saw” series. Known for his propensity for violence and callous disregard for human life, this updated version of the character has escalated these traits significantly. The 13th issue of “Ultimate Spider-Man” provides a chilling glimpse into what a Spider-Man horror film could be like, offering an excellent guide to emulate in its creation.

Kraven’s Torment of Spider-Man and Green Goblin Goes Further Than Physical

In the 13th issue of Ultimate Spider-Man, the comic isn’t flashy, which makes Kraven’s actions even more chilling. Initially, readers encounter Kraven as he engages in talks with the Mole Man, who on Earth-6160 governs the Savage Land, a region beneath New York City rather than Antarctica like in Earth-616. Kraven is primarily a hunter and seeks to pursue both Peter and Harry in an environment where no one holds an advantage. The Savage Land is ideal for such hunting, and the Mole Man eventually consents to Kraven’s proposal, taking pleasure in observing the hunt.

Kraven the Hunter brings Peter, Harry, and Mysterio to the city above, revealing the shattered forms of the once powerful superheroes. He explains that for the past month, he has been systematically breaking them down, employing a mix of sedatives, drugs, and brutal beatings to extract their secrets. To assert his dominance, Kraven meted out severe beatings throughout this process. Eventually, Kraven developed a method to maintain control over them: specially designed collars equipped with explosives that detonate if the duo attempts to flee.

Readers catch up with Peter and Harry in this issue, both battered and bruised, sharing a meal before they resume their pursuit. This quick snapshot succinctly conveys their recent hardships without needing to delve into graphic details. Artist Hickman and Checchetto skillfully depict the aftermath of Kraven’s rough treatment, leaving Peter and Harry seemingly depleted compared to their previous selves. Yet, Kraven still possesses one powerful move, one that aims directly at what matters most to our two protagonists – their cherished families.

Kraven coerces Gwen and the Parkers, compelling Peter and Harry to join his chase. This is Kraven’s most heinous action; he manipulates both men into seeking something they will fiercely protect, demonstrating his readiness to shed innocent blood to acquire what he desires. Under duress, Peter and Harry comply and are transported to the Savage Land, where Peter must swiftly save Harry from danger, utilizing his superpowers to fend off the ferocious creatures of the Savage Land. Spider-Man and Green Goblin find themselves in a completely new realm, one governed by unfamiliar regulations.

Ultimate Spider-Man #13 Is Yet Another Example of Perfect Storytelling

Horror manifests itself in various forms. Initially, graphic slasher films were widely popular, followed by a trend of “torture porn”. Despite their differences, these genres share a common thread – they exploit the gruesome depiction of physical violence as a means to evoke fear. However, true horror aficionados recognize that the most effective form of terror lies in leaving gaps for the imagination to fill. Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man #13 masterfully achieves this. Instead of focusing on explicit violence like Jason Vorhees, Hickman and Checchetto opt for a more subtle approach, allowing readers to imagine the horrors inflicted upon Spider-Man and Green Goblin by Kraven.

One of the many reasons that “Ultimate Spider-Man” #13 is such a fantastic read is because it skillfully blends psychological horror elements into its narrative. The creative team has drawn from various fiction genres throughout the series, consistently delivering compelling stories that stand out. Apart from the horror, “Ultimate Spider-Man” #13 also introduces a fresh development for the living picotech costume and Richard Parker, offering a captivating framework to an already exceptional tale. In essence, “Ultimate Spider-Man” #13 offers a little bit of everything that makes for a great comic book.

Ultimate Spider-Man #13 is on sale now everywhere comics are sold.

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2025-01-24 02:15