Ultimate Spider-Man #15 Proves the Series Can Still Surprise Us (Review)

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After more than a year, it’s possible that the novelty of Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man has worn off for some readers, but series author Jonathan Hickman keeps coming up with innovative ways to redefine our understanding of Spider-Man while also taking the story in thrilling new directions. The recipe that has made this series successful from the start is what’s keeping it going strong into intriguing and unconventional territories. Essentially, Hickman takes what we believe we know about Spider-Man and places him in situations that the mainstream comic books can’t even approach. Furthermore, the underlying menace of this entire universe continues to provide a sense of excitement and freshness in superhero comics.

Moving ahead by a month since the dramatic finale, the Parkers find themselves fleeing, and they’re no longer in New York City. They’ve made friends with other travelers living in RVs, placing Peter in an unusual situation, not just as an active superhero, but also as a husband and father. To make matters more complex, Richard is also adapting to his new role as a different kind of Spider-Man, even developing his own romantic entanglement with a villainess. This sets up a unique foundation for the title character that Marvel Comics has yet to explore.

Once more, I’m privileged to join forces with the Ultimate Spider-Man team as a guest artist, making this my fifth issue within the series. I strive to infuse my unique artistic flair into the narrative while respecting Marco Checchetto’s initial designs and layouts that have been the foundation since day one. It’s a delicate balance, yet it proves effective in preserving the visual essence of Ultimate Spider-Man while showcasing my individual style as an artist.

In Messina’s work, the unique rhythms provided by Hickman in the issue play a crucial role. It’s not just about getting back up to speed with the Parkers and their current situation, but also about delicately handling the dynamic of Peter and Richard as joint heroes. This paves the way for an exciting moment, possibly one of the most quintessentially “Spider-Man” scenes in the series, where a familiar villain is reintroduced and reimagined in a desert landscape. Messina skillfully stages this action scene, while Hickman employs it as a recurring theme to develop Peter and Richard’s characters further. Following Harry’s death, Peter seems adrift in his heroic pursuits, and this is evident in both the writing and art. Kudos to color artist Matthew Wilson too, who adds vibrancy to Spider-Man even in what could be a monotonous setting, making them appear as dynamic heroes.

In a manner consistent with his past work, Messina skillfully transforms dialogue-heavy episodes in Ultimate Spider-Man, maintaining visual intrigue despite an abundance of speech bubbles. The climax of the issue is significant for the overall series and devoid of any sound effects or physical confrontations, yet Messina’s artwork keeps readers hooked as they seek subtle clues about future events from the characters. It’s a testament to his artistic prowess.

For quite some time now, Ultimate Spider-Man has stood out as an exceptional comic book series, and I must admit, it’s easy to assume that a year later, its momentum might have waned. However, what’s strikingly evident is that Jonathan Hickman remains just as passionate about his storyline and steadfast in its progression as he was from the very first issue. What sets this series apart is its ability to make us question our long-held beliefs and disrupt the conventional narrative of a prominent superhero, something that Marvel comics have struggled with for quite some time.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Published by Marvel Comics

On March 26, 2025

Written by Jonathan Hickman

Art by David Messina

Colors by Matthew Wilson

Letters by VC’S Cory Petit

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2025-03-26 16:44