REVIEW: ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ Issue #6

Ultimate Spider-Man #6 is published by Marvel Comics through their new Ultimate imprint, written by Jonathan Hickman, art by Marco Checchetto, colors by Matthew Wilson and letters by Cory Petit. An attack on Kingpin’s home leads to Peter struggling to keep his secret from his family.

This issue has a very clever structure, working backwards to create the most tension. Much damage has been done to Peter Parker and the issue explains how it happens. Green Goblin and Spider-Man team up to take on Wilson Fisk in his own home but find themselves way beyond their depth. This story can only be told in the new Ultimate Universe, utilizing plot threads exclusive to this world. It gets dark and scary, with an unpredictability towards the end of the issue. But there is also warmth and positivity in the Parker home, providing a place of safety for the hero.

The pace is much quicker than previous issues of the run, benefiting from fight scenes. The fight scene is a terrific yardstick for seeing where Peter and Harry are with their revolution. The comic then eases into a gentler ending that calms down and works on a comfortable domestic setting that threatens to be torn apart. The ending is surprising in its content and how soon any revelations are made within the run.

The specificity of character within Ultimate Spider-Man #6 creates unique perspectives and complications. Spider-Man’s struggles with his personal life are consistent across the Multiverse, but not like this. Family is integral to the fabric of this series, making it feel fuller from the start than regular Peter Parker. A hero rarely starts from this standpoint, with a wife and two kids who could potentially be affected by their secret identity. This approach is reminiscent of Hickman’s Fantastic Four, highlighting that the writer has some experience in that area. He appears to enjoy writing the exchanges with Spider-Man’s children, as well as with supervillains.

As for the villains, Kingpin is terrifying within the issue. His power is laced within the city, and the true extent is revealed more within this chapter. He is direct and brutal, explicitly stating what he is going to do to the intruders in his house. Hickman’s dialogue weaves itself wonderfully into the issue. Much of what is written early in this issue is mirrored later in the book, with humorous and heartfelt payoffs.

The art is magnificent. The fight scenes may be rare within this series, but they are phenomenal when they appear. The size difference between Green Goblin, Spider-Man and Kingpin is daunting, leading to a devastating power difference. They struggle to even lay a glove on the man, and the reach and strength of the man who runs New York sometimes overwhelm them. The damage looks painful, with the kinetic energy vibrating off the page. Kingpin has details that separate him from his Earth-616 counterpart. He has body art over his entire body that makes him look even larger.

The colors denote the power dynamics in the city. Outside of the fight, there is a green tinge in the air. Green Goblin has always looked on top, an experienced leader for Spider-Man to follow into battle. But within Fisk’s headquarters, the green turns to red. Spider-Man threatens to be drowned out by the shades. While Green Goblin stands out more, it paints him as a target. The lettering is formal and efficient.

Ultimate Spider-Man #6 is a formative finale to the first arc. Spider-Man and Green Goblin are put to their largest test yet, highlighting to themselves and the audience that they are not ready to run a revolution alone. However, his family has also been brought to the forefront of the issue. It’s not easy to tell a new Spider-Man story, so Hickman created a universe that provides him with the tools to do so. It’s an intense issue that knows when to relent and provides moments of hope and fear. The art team is one of the best in the business, making the dinner table just as stunning and captivating as a sprawling brawl.

Ultimate Spider-Man #6 is available where comics are sold.