REVIEW: ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ Issue #2

Ultimate Spider-Man #2 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Jonathan Hickman, with art by Marco Checchetto, colors by Matthew Wilson, and letters by Cory Petit. This is part of the new Ultimate imprint. Peter Parker explores his new powers as more costumed characters emerge from the woodwork.

The Ultimate Universe is growing gradually, unfolding a new segment of it piece by piece. Hickman uses familiarity to spring multiple surprises within Ultimate Spider-Man #2. The passage of time is fascinating. What should have happened twenty years ago is occurring now. Peter Parker is now discovering his abilities as a father of two. It is fantastic fun to see the traditional experimentation with web swinging, agility, and the rest of the Spider powers, as it has been so long since that origin story was revisited. There is a perfect balance of tones. There is the grounded, human touch that is focused on the small Parker family. But then there is also this larger story of a world robbed of heroes beginning to find them again. It gives the comic energy and enthusiasm, with personality among the exposition. The pacing fluctuates. Conversations can be incredibly slow, but there are bursts of action and combat.

The characters are mesmerizing. It has not been easy to place this universe’s version of Peter Parker, and we are still learning much about who is in his first outing as a would-be superhero. Despite his age, the adventure is rolling back the years, and he is showing signs of being a kid again. There are moments when Hickman displays a comedic dialogue that hasn’t been seen before, which works superbly within the script. How the Spider-Man quips would be approached was an important question coming into the series, and those questions were quickly answered.
Relationships are being built and tested even at this early stage. This is seen within both the old and young characters. Peter and his daughter, May, are adorable together. There’s a level of trust within them that is extremely powerful. Likewise, Ben and Jonah are working together on a dangerous new project, investigating the villains in the city. Their growth instigates a feeling of dread, as it is Uncle Ben, after all. However, allowing Peter’s uncle actually to be explored as a character instead is exceptionally satisfying. Readers of the mainstream universe and most other adaptations have only seen his death and how his words push Peter forward. This universe gives him an identity and a purpose beyond taking a bullet.

The art is remarkable. Where the first issue featured the domestic side of the world, Checcchetto is now free to explore the birth of the superheroes. Their costumes are fantastically designed. The old Ultimate Universe is bleeding through slightly, but the concepts are brand new. The villains are on full display, and the details of their lines are immaculate. The artist does not fall into the trap of working within authenticity, as that is what the surroundings are for. Instead, the spectacle is sensational. The action is explosive and exuberant. Checchetto still finds time for the quiet moments, which are just as effective as the fight scenes.

The colors are terrific. The shades reflect the beginning of an adventurous streak within this universe. The Spider suit and the other outfits that the heroes and villains wear are dark and drab, which is what New York has been for years, perhaps even decades. The brightness is in Peter’s home, full of warmth and positivity. The little flashes of vibrant colors maintain attention, although the excitement within the comic is also a huge draw. The lettering is straightforward and similar to the font established at the staHickman’skman’s X-Men era.

Ultimate Spider-Man #2 fills the new universe with life. There is a real buzz around this book. It has character and personality that go hand in hand with world-building. Both are vitally important in the early stages of the series. Hickman and the collaborators within the Ultimate Universe have a whole globe to play with, but the individual characters will make it shine. The dialogue is breathtakingly intelligent and investing, with mirth mixed in for good measure. New avenues are explored for old characters.

Ultimate Spider-Man #2 is available now wherever comics are sold.