What's "Wrong" With Ultimate Spider-Man? | A Year In Review

[@CasuallyComics]

I'm Enjoying This Book But Are You?

[@joshuaingobo1559]

I am, and it’s great.

[@andresfelipemanjarres7061]

Yes, if anything every day the stakes are low im happy, because i want at least this Pete to be happy

[@halowaffle25]

I'm in love with Ultimate Spiderman so far! Really my only critique of the book is that it definitely seems like it could alienate new readers. Like, it very much assumes you already know the main-universe history of the Spiderman books going into things, to set up the motivations of the Osborns, among other things. Definitely disregards the 'this is somebody's first comic book' rule, lol. As a love letter to Spidey-fans, though, I wouldn't change a thing!

[@collectingmemoriesyt]

I've only read the first trade but really enjoy it. It's the only Spider-Man I'm reading, so it feels fresh to me.

[@patrickhouchard5532]

Not!

[@BenChanNYC]

It's Paul's fault somehow.

[@CasuallyComics]

Everything is Paul's fault.

[@NP3GA]

In four decades, there will be videos titled "Paul, how Marvel redeemed one of their most hated characters". Mark my words.

[@BenChanNYC]

​@@NP3GAJust wait til he gets a symbiote

[@NP3GA]

@@BenChanNYC mmmm, isn't he related to a guy who knows a bit of magic? Imagine a spell casting symbiot.

[@KajiRider1997]

@@NP3GA Damn paul with his stupid couscous

[@dylry86]

I’m reading this book specifically for The Marriage and I’ve been satisfied. The Christmas issue with Mary Jane’s family was excellent.

[@CasuallyComics]

I loved all the drama!

[@Mymloch]

@@CasuallyComics Who doesn't love seeing Uncle Ben get thirsted over by MJ's mom and aunt? lol

[@magicalgirllaurie]

@@Mymlochtoo bad he’s already taken by Jonah

[@Future_Vantas]

"Merry Christmas"

[@KierTheScrivener]

This sounds so good to me. I love a more slow burn and conversation and quiet moments.

[@vullord666]

Same. One thing I've come to dislike from comics is how quickly everything turns into a world ending event so fast nowadays. We need to feel attached this Peter and see just how different his world is before we start to see it come into danger. We also just need to meet this Peter.

[@samkaranja5709]

I love it but you have to remember that Hickman writes for the omnibus. This first year, especially considering the timeline Ultimates is pointing to, feels like it's act 1. We took our time getting to know these characters and setting up their place in the world. The end of issue 12 indicates that act 2 is about to be way more intense. It is a lot of set up but I loved it. My only issue is that every issue being a new month does stagger the story a bit

[@leonardthomasiii1588]

Uncle Ben and JJ being bros is something I didn't know I needed in my life. I love their dynamic together and when they get to show their really good at what they do. Over all, I love this book way more than mainline Spider-man granted it could use some more action however I don't want it to lose that character development either. It's a great read and I'm so here for it and I'm glad to be able to see Peter with a family that won't be retconed by Mephisto....🤦🏾

[@bootywarrior6845]

I didn't know I needed Uncle Ben being a character rather than a plot point in peters origin story

[@nikhilkapoor428]

I think it was when I read issue 8 and Peter said that they have a No Spidey rule on certain important dates that it hit me. This book feels different from the classic Spidey stories because, for the most part, he’s not *struggling* to be Spider-Man. He’s not dealing with guilt and self-loathing, or constantly bringing himself down. Peter’s just enjoying discovering who he’s become and that he can share that joy with his family. I’m 90% sure this year will be about the drawbacks of being Spider-Man, especially with how Issue 12 ended, but what I love about USM 2024 is that it lets Peter have _fun_ being Spider-Man.

[@megamonmon]

That also means that when bad things happen its 100% his fault due to how he got his powers and why hes doing it

[@dylry86]

616 Peter left all that behind in the late 80s yet Marvel insists on regressing him even though they’ve got Miles as the younger Everyman character.

[@mikhaelgribkov4117]

@@dylry86 he never did? Entire Clone Saga is a mess, but highlighted how it's hard to be Spider-man and even JMS run is about how Spider-man still puts stuff between him and personal live. If it was era where he kind of left it behind, it's Dan Slott era when he was with Horizon Labs.

[@ProjektTaku]

@@dylry86 no he didn't? A plus, his struggle to be Spider-Man is easily one of his most enjoyable qualities. A hero who struggles with putting it before his personal life.

[@GenerationWest]

I'll take slow burn or "boring" reads than a constant middling trainwreck that is Amazing Spider-Man. Maybe one criticism, that's just from me, I wish Spider-Man's suit looked unique, because without the mask, it's just the base standard Spider-Man design that the main universe has.

[@User-TheLich]

I don’t really like the emblem of this suit, I don’t if that is an unpopular opinion, but the spider emblem in the Ultimate Suit looks more to me like a random bug than an actual spider, Though I prefer this book’s art style over John Romita Jr’s art in Amazing Spider Man

[@bensneb360]

I’m always down for Peter and Mary-Jane happy marriage stories, like I could read a whole book of them going for a picnic every Saturday and talking about there week to each other

[@JustSomeMexicanwithaMustache]

I love this comic. The fact this is the first time I've actually bought an ongoing comic says a lot.

[@wesreleases6346]

I’ve been loving it. I think there’s no problem with taking your time telling a story if you want it to last for years and years. I appreciate that the issues without action are the ones with the fill-in artists. If you want more traditional Spider-Man, there’s gonna be at least 2 more monthly books starring him. The whole new Ultimate Universe has been very exciting to me.

[@andresfelipemanjarres7061]

Honestly, and this is just me, but as a fan of Spider-man for decade now im just happy for him to have a break, i know inevitable theres gonna be something super impactfull in Petey´s life, but god im enjoying that things are going relatively good for him and his family, and thats the important part his family, i know trauma needs to come at some point, this is a superhero comic after all, but please i just want MJ and the kids to be ok, maybe change from that expirience, but if you kill the Family unit, to me you kill the reason im reading this book.

[@Merit2397]

As I mentioned back in Sasha's review of the first issue, I wasn't really interested in the new Ultimate Spider-Man because it was set in another universe. However, after hearing constant praise form it, I eventually checked out the first issue and was shockingly hooked. If this series wants to take it's time developing its characters, then that's fine. Nuff said.

[@Cashmoneez]

Tbf I understand why waiting for whole month only for there to be a foreshadowing or world building chapter is disappointing. Additionally the month time skip between issues can feel forced. But this series will absolutely bang as a trade once it’s finished

[@Symon2099]

Nothing. Nothing is wrong with Ultimate Spider-Man. It is the universal balance to Amazing Spider-Man. Where everything is wrong.

[@W-West5555]

4:58 YOU CANT ESCAPE ME ILL CHSE YOU TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

[@alexanderdrake7984]

And yet they still decided to make a new series instead of Spider-Man 97' revival.

[@MsBryant33]

I am enjoying it pretty well; you do feel that each issue's story is about a month apart from the last one, which is an interesting effect but has some issues as well (there is a lack of urgency).

[@noirhacks]

im sick of people complaining its so slow, like the original ultimate spiderman was too.... it took 7 issues just to get the costume back then

[@MrHan14]

I just feel like it's Spiderman for adults in a way. We're just waiting for the chapter where Peter discusses his 401K.

[@MichaelDeHaven]

lol Wife and I literally just went over our retirement funds this week. Unfortunately I don't have any spider powers.

[@superjlk_9538]

Slow? Yes but I’m fine with it. There is so much opportunity here and I can’t wait for Green Goblin to turn evil.

[@Lforc-25]

13:57 lmao at least it's not Ultimate Black Panther, Issue 11's cover features a character that doesn't show up at all 😭

[@BenTheFool]

The reveal at the end of issue 12 blew my mind. I honestly read the whole issue thinking "Peter is just the BEST husband. He listens, he helps out, doesn't make a fuss about it." then WHAM! WHERE IS PETER?!

[@shinyocelot04archive]

Hickman usually writes towards the full picture and not smaller scale stories. Fantastic Four, X-Men, and ESPECIALLY his Avengers runs read a lot better compiled in trades than issue to issue. Seeing this slow burn type of writing return with Ultimate Spider-Man isn't that surprising to me.

[@xellosmetallium8519]

You got to walk before you can run. I really appreciate the time Hickman is taking with Ultimate Spider-man. While I would enjoy a little more action, I really do appreciate the family moment as well as Jonah and Uncle Ben interactions with the paper. Looking forward to the next issue.

[@bensneb360]

It would be so cool if this Ultimate universe’s Jackal was Dr. Nathan Lubensky, a wheelchair bound scientist who was obsessed with Aunt May who clones her and brings her back with no memory and says they were secretly in love. And he had to use some of Peter’s DNA to bring her back, so she had spider powers and eventually she becomes this universes Scarlet Spider

[@microcelltechnicalassistence]

Can we get kaine and ben back instead, i think the brothers would be more fun

[@ProjektTaku]

@@microcelltechnicalassistence nah, imo Kaine should've just stayed an evil Spider-Man clone, redeeming him and making him Scarlet Spider just devalues Ben.

[@TheVoidstonz]

So I am writing this before I actually read your video and will write something after I watch it . I started reading comics when I was 5, which was about 40 years ago, and in the last decade found myself struggling to read any comic . I picked up ultimate Spiderman about a month ago and have really loved it so far. I am up to issue 10 so far. It has me really engaged. It's probably the best super hero comic I have read in a really long time. So to answer your question, there is nothing wrong with the book. It's really good.

[@Ashguy733]

Tbh I don't mind that it is slower paced, part of the problem with comics say to other media I find is that the relationships/ friendships for many titles are inferred rather than earned, or they are established and then pushed to the side for the sake of action or a faster pace or straight up they aren't used. Its why your side cast really is important and why certain titles are better recieved then others. I find with even certain titles I read that have weaker supporting cast, id love if they examined them more as a necessary components to relating to our hero and making them feel like actual characters. Which is difficult because not everyone will resonate with all side characters and its a gamble at trying to make them appealing to the audience.

[@Natboy129]

I think as far as a definitive "Too slow", Id argue that really depends on if the audience is still enjoying it and if it feels like the plot is moving slowly for a reason or if its purposefully dragging its feet for the sake of elongating itself like a lot of TV shows do. If we end up needing a reading guide on which issues to skip and that includes big swaths then yeah id say its moving too slow.

[@Hum0ng0us]

10:51 Not gonna lie, half the way through this video, and I gotta say, this series sounds awesome!! My Favourite Spidey villain is just LIFE kick in.

[@Reovyn]

This is Spidey. Not Mainline, this.

[@liamhemstock2286]

This book is exactly what I want from a modern day Spider-Man reinvention. It’s so fresh yet classic. 616 Peter is power first, then responsibility. Here in 6160. It’s the other way around. This Peter is a Dad and is responsible but lacks power and more so passion. I love how relatable this Peter feels, going through the motions, to afraid to take the risk. Mary Jane did at one point. Uncle Ben and JJJ did as well and now, finally, Peter has. Uncle Ben is also fantastic here. A well fleshed out character who yes is morally strong and great for JJJ and loves Peter but also is hurting so much within over loosing May. Now, how is Mary Jane in this book? In some ways, underused but I say that as a negative as a positive. A negative because she’s MARY JANE and should in my opinion be the co-lead of this series with Peter but I also say it as a positive because the MJ we do get is some of the best Mary Jane of all time. She feels like a natural evolution of the Lee, Romita and Conway character. Mature but still sexy and fun and flirtatious but with more maturity. Issue 12 was my favourite since the first because it as an MJ issue with her family and how messed up that is. I do hope we see more Uncle Ben and MJ reactions for the same reasons I love the JJJ and Richard interactions. They are fresh and interesting. Plus, I can absolutely see MJ looking at Ben like her father figure because of her abusive dad at home. Overall, I give Ultimate Spider-Man a 9/10. Some issues focus too much on exposition but it’s relationship it builds with the supporting cast, the relationship and conducting ideologies with Peter and Harry (which I think is VERY important) and it’s massive tease for 2025 leads me very excited for the new vibrant reinventions for the future. I won’t spoil anything (although the series has been going for a year now hence why I named Uncle Ben) but what they have set up with Venom is such a genius and fantastic idea which is relevant to today but not in a forced way and feels so exciting. It’s a must read

[@Sidharthavicious]

I haven't heard of a new comic that interested me in years but I'll check this out. Thanks.

[@justmindset]

Complaints about spiderman being too "slow" or "boring" is the reason why we have things like Paul and one more day

[@hopelessedgelord]

8:00 I Think my favourite vairant of the spider suit will always be the Ben Riley Hoodie look. It's so simple but just works.

[@mikhaelgribkov4117]

Hickman is like Nolan is that it tries to be intellectual with some moments of success, but it has issues with character writing being muted and weirdly less dimensional than you expect considering the concept it tackles and how "it insists upon itself" and sometimes decompression is too much that you might start asking yourself if somebody forgot editing.

[@johnskrip7174]

I like it a lot in general. I can understand why it feels boring. There are some issues that forego action to focus on world building or personal moments, which isn’t necessarily why people got on board for this run, and sometimes the personal moments can still feel off, like we haven’t been given enough time to get to know the dynamic between this Peter and MJ and the kids, because we only get bits from every month. But as a whole, the series is a good character study. The interesting thing is I’m still on edge all the time. Because it’s Spider-Man, I just assume some tragedy is coming to ruin everything. But the fact that it’s slower-paced and vibes based, I don’t mind that at all. And I loved the Christmas issue. So yeah. Good stuff.

[@job8021]

Where are you seeing this criticism? Everywhere I have seen it has been overwhelmingly positive

[@User-TheLich]

Never be surprised by the internet, in some circles you’ll find the most utterly nonsensical, mind boggling, and dishonest criticism of pieces of media.

[@cicolasnage5684]

Pfff thinking critical and his crew of gen x golden girls all they do is crap all over that book.

[@User-TheLich]

@@cicolasnage5684Thinking Critical? I seen the guy’s thumbnails, he appears to just be another Anti-Woke guy, I avoid guys like him like the plague and just to stick more level headed creators like Sasha

[@hunterfogleman7443]

@@cicolasnage5684it’s a good thing they have their crappy mainline book then lmao

[@AaronCasey92]

What else do you expect from those “anti-woke” losers

[@The_Phantasm]

I'm loving Ultimate Spider-Man but I think it reads better on the trade than it does issue to issue.

[@Sonshinestudios-o3c]

Yeah, I agree

[@armoredvistitor2197]

remember non stop spiderman? well we can call this "please start spiderman"

[@bombseel]

For me it's not the slow burn, it's that we skip over things with the month by month format. Like bonding moments with Harry as they grow closer, MJ being under written for a bit too long, etc. Peter has so many established relationships and because we don't see the build up of most, you have to show the strength of those relationships in other ways. And they do, but not enough, and combined with the pacing and the muted reactions it makes it hard to stay engaged all the time. It'll definitely read better in trade though

[@Tiggeralt]

The best part of this book is the bromance between Jonah and Ben.

[@vullord666]

One thing that's been a shock as I got more into comics is how rushed and condensed that can feel. Like I grew up on the animated TV shows which did have action every episode, but also spent lots of time slowing down and giving us time to breathe with the characters and world which in turn made the stakes just feel much more real and impactful. Hands down still my favorite episode of Young Justice is "Disordered" the literal mental health day episode, and while it does have the B plot introducing the New God's for most of the cast it never becomes anything more than a mental health session. I loved that. We just got a chance to breathe with the characters and see them take everything in. Cut to Heroes in Crisis and I was SOOO excited only for it devolve into a murder mystery action plot with the mental health bit being treated like little more than a spectacle. It was just there to make the writing sound nuanced. That's how to say, I love how much of a slow burn Ultimate Spider-Man has been. It doesn't feel poorly written or like its wasting a moment; it feels like it's taking the time to define and introduce us to this new world and this new Peter Parker and to form a proper connection with the readers. Every moment of every issue has been a delight and I CANNOT say that very often. More than that it's felt like I've been invited into this world with these characters, and as someone who is still relatively new to comics (relatively) this has been such a wonderful thing to pick up and start reading from issue #1.

[@WhiteRaven696]

Would love to see you do a post-mortem like this for Ultimates, Ultimate X-Men and Ultimate Black Panther.

[@ProjektTaku]

Ultimates is such a goated book. The little references to the original, the new reinventions and the developments that are happening are so fun. I can't wait for Luke Cage.

[@wdcain1]

I'm excited about seeing Mole Man as a mob boss. There is so many stories that can come out of that hook.

[@kylecarter1599]

Spider-Man is at his best when he can overcome a brutal defeat to beat the bad guy

[@MrGabeHernandez]

Congratulations. Your recap of the first year of Ultimate Spider-Man was more thrilling than the comic.

[@TheVoidstonz]

After listening to your year end review of the book I am reminded of why you are by far my favorite comic book channel on KZbin. Fair and balanced always.

[@everyany5000]

I have two issues I take with this Ultimate Spider-Man. The first is with the decompression. You can call it a slow burn, but I just consider it inefficient storytelling. Older comics were just as good, but they managed to use their page space more effectively to balance multiple narratives in any given issue. I just don't feel like I get enough bang for my buck with these things. For 4 dollars a pop, I'm expecting some heft, not a 10 minute read. This is actually the main problem with comics in general nowadays and one of the reasons why a lot of people don't enter the space. The price is just too prohibitive for the content you're getting. The second problem is that this comic paints itself as catering to the fans by giving us a married Peter and MJ, but even considering it's a different universe, it still has drastically different characters to the og version. These are not the same characters as 616 Peter and Mary Jane. The comic assumes we're already attached to these characters because we like the 616 versions, but they haven't really built the same foundations that the 616 versions had decades to build. They're fundamentally different characters with different backgrounds and a different context for how they met and fell in love. While this isn't an issue in isolation, it just means it doesn't work as a replacement, nor as an effective adaptation like the original Ultimate Spider-Man, Spider-Girl, or Renew Your Vows were. If the comics weren't so decompressed, they'd have more time to build new foundations, but they just don't have that time. Right now, it feels like the comic is running entirely on nostalgia for the marriage and spite at editorial for One More Day. The comic itself doesn't have much substance except for the art. Chechetto's art doesn't miss.

[@neshaunblaine]

I enjoy this series, I just don’t see what makes this Peter Parker so special in the manner that Tony tells him he needs to become a hero and he’s at the top of The Makers list. Given that they put so much emphasis on his suit having so many benefits, it takes away from Peter as a unique character. He hasn’t been pushed into a moral dilemma, no situation that showcases why he’s the guy that’s so important. Like Hawkeye of this universe, I feel like if Peter rejected Tony’s offer, anyone could’ve been given the suit and they would’ve been a Spider-Man as the suit is so important. That idea of his suit had a safe mode was just weird to me. Like his power is from the spider bite, not the suit in usual takes on his power. I get within context it makes sense to pair Him and Harry’s suit both not being unleashed will set up their rematch with Kingpin who pummeled them both at once. It’s just unnecessary and takes away from making Peter special. The Maker’s return is around the corner and I don’t feel they’ve given convincing reasoning that this Peter is so necessary as Tony and Maker make him out to be. Maker is reorganizing a full on universe and Peter is hemmed up by Kraven.. I need logic as why The Maker wants Peter to not become a hero, cause this guy currently doesn’t seem like a threat to the upcoming Maker return.

[@Akkbar21]

It’s def getting there. I haven’t remembered an issue in awhile.

[@rebgates]

The mentions of Kingpin and Wesley alone might get me to pick this up. I need more Wesley and I love the art style. It was the one saving grace in Chip Zdarsky's DD runs.

[@The_Phantasm]

Are you enjoying the Ultimate Universe or the Absolute Universe more?

[@CasuallyComics]

Overall Absolute at the moment, time of typing, lol.

[@Akkbar21]

Absolute has been a complete dud to me. Couldn’t care less. Only positive thing I could say is the art on Batman and WW looked good. Otherwise I’m absolutely out

[@corbanwoosley6891]

​@Akkbar21 Yeah same. Absolute Flash has me intrigued though.

[@22espec]

So far they are tied. But the moment that Superman ends with Lois again, I'm out

[@The_Phantasm]

@@22espec Come on. Not wanting to see the most iconic couple in comic book history together is idiotic regardless of the continuity.

[@JohnMinehan-f4y]

Some company should hire this lady as an editor/creative director.

[@TevyaSmolka]

I love this book it's really awesome and as a huge fan of Spider-Man this book has been freaking fantastic and seeing Peter parker and Mary jane being treated like they are supposed to be with respect and being married and having both kids Mayday parker the future Spider-girl and Benji parker their son both exist in this new ultimate marvel universe makes me so happy, that I am also excited to see what happens next with this amazing series. Also that ending with the suit being Peter parker is super creepy that I am very intrigued on what's going to happen next with this amazing series, which is why i am very excited to see what happens next with this amazing book and see what happens with Ultimate Peter parker and Ultimate mary jane is going to be amazing and tons of fun. Also unlike ASM which has treated Peter and MJ like garbage this book actually respects Peter parker Spider-Man and Mary Jane and the their kids mayday parker and Benji parker makes me so happy that I am super excited to see what happens next with this parker family as a whole. In conclusion this book has just been freaking fantastic and the best book of 2024 and makes me so happy that I can't wait to see what happens next with this series. :)

[@andrefantin832]

It reminds me of the original Ultimate Spider Man. Decompressed storytelling that I could stand behind.

[@gusparkwood4890]

I really like this series’s story. The pacing is fine- Spider-Man has always been “real Guy as a superhero” to a point, necessitating human, down to Earth moments. My only real complaint is that Peter is the least interesting person in his own book. They took away his passion in science, which would be fine if they replaced it, gave him something else to be. There was some GREAT Introspection from Peter in the first couple of issues- I thought this would be the “Introspective Spidey”- but we haven’t peeked inside this Peter’s head since issue three. I just, Peter Parker has always been interesting OUTSIDE of being Spidey. I care about his family and his supporting cast but, I don’t know, I just wish we heard more from Pete himself. I can’t place his voice and that’s, imo, a problem when writing Peter Parker, a character who, above anything else, has always had a distinct voice. Just my take, though. The rest of the book is otherwise excellent

[@richardgrayson432]

This is the best book in the market period.

[@betaraybillfan1750]

I think you can compare this book to Ultimate Black Panther to truly see a book that’s moving too slow. Which is really disappointing because I do like the book the giant fight that was set up for a year was like 2 panels

[@DustinKnapp7]

This book is the best thing in comics right now. The chance to let the characters actually -breathe- has already to lead to some fantastic moments, including the twist in the december issue.

[@yogsothoth915]

With covers like that, it's no wonder people felt things were slow. Even when someone likes its speed, it would feel like it needs to be faster because you expect the cover even unconsciously

[@EdgardoJCruz-dk5kv]

I just wish they chose a different name for this series. Instead of reusing the Ultimate moniker. It would be way less confusing that way.

[@Mymloch]

I'm definitely enjoying it... it's the only current Spider-Man book I'm keeping up with, honestly. Jonathan Hickman seems to be on a bit of everything these days, so I hope he can maintain quality.

[@alicobosboi]

I'll forever love this book for getting me into comics.

[@Emperor_Oshron]

while i'm not a dedicated comics reader, i'm rather liking that the Big Two are at least TRYING to work on ACTUAL alternate continuities for new series of long-running characters (bordering on Elseworlds/What-If) rather than just "it's a new continuity but it's basically the same thing except for starting in what's now the present", what with Absolute Batman having the major divergence of Bruce NOT being infinitely wealthy and only losing one of his parents while here it's a Spider-Man without Uncle Ben's death

[@Bangk0kdanger0us]

Somehow the comic feels more natural, like a good mix between the Rami films and Tasm. I think we just forgot what its like to have an older Peter Parker as our main character, we haven't really had an actual adult Peter Parker since One More Day.

[@nowlwane9623]

It is slow paced. The story needs more pages. In fact, Spider Man's son needs a training arc.

[@IHeartVideoGames08]

Oh Sasha is talking about something Im reading! Hooray! Now, as for a slow burn ... I guess? But I feel like there is a lot of pieces on the chess board being moved to be entertaining while bigger things happen. Seeing who Harry Osborne is in this reality. Seeing who EVERYONE is in this reality. There is some times where it feels like you need to know some Spider Man lore. I do feel like its good stuff

[@epcarter6]

I can see how it may be to slow for some, but for me it’s one of my most looked forward to books each month.

[@COMICSAREAWESOME]

It's nice to see a comic take its time to build its world which can feel a bit slow, especially for a monthly release. But the original Ultimate Spiderman was also just as slow and while it might read a bit more seamlessly if read in trade form, it still needed that slow burn to become what it did. Comics these days just don't have the time to establish the world they're in due to the fear of being cut short, so I'm not surprised that people reading comics now find USM '24 to be a bit slow.

[@tacomuerte936]

I feel like the conceit of each issue happening in "real time" once per month leaves too much happening between the issues. It's really my only complaint. I don't think the format serves the narrative. For instance without spoiling as much as possible, the end of Issue 12 won't immediately lead into Issue 13. It's going to be a month later and I'm not sure that's satisfying

[@fredcampbell4066]

Wow, notifications actually worked.

[@CasuallyComics]

Notification squad!

[@erikbihari3625]

You're gonna cover the ultimate spiderman cartoon? Feel that got worth talking about.

[@stelmaria-mx]

Honestly, this is everything I want from Spidey and I would want to sit in this world for a good few years. But thats also jarring when you add in the general Ultimate Universe stuff that has a ticking clock running down

[@mezron5k]

I've not bought a Marvel book since Mutant X was brand new. Loved Spidey as well up until the Cardiac saga and then dropped the books for Image and Dark Horse. I'm loving this book and gives me a good MC2 vibe where Spidey was married to MJ and they had two kids there as well.

[@JanArrah]

I think MJ is supremely in character for her Ultimate version to not be upset. She's been shown as being super supportive and if you read the dinner scene between Harry/Gwen and Peter/MJ, you see how much they support each other as partners. Peter also openly supports MJ when she makes the leap and leaves her high paying job to start her own business.

[@euansmith3699]

Sasha, "It depends... at this moment in time... your mileage may vary." 😄👍

[@CasuallyComics]

Lol, commitment.

[@Insane-Howl-Cowl]

No Paul? MJ and Peter together? Not a nutty amount of continuity snarls? Sounds good to me.

[@SteveOh_]

This was a very good analysis on the first year of Ult. Spidey. Sasha did a really good job explaining what its like to read the book. In terms of what I think about the book, i think its a really great read, and it really comes down to the character beats. I know Hickman has a reputation for intricate world building and complex story threads, but what makes me always come back to his stories are how good he writes his characters. For example, GODS has a really great setting and cast, but what makes it really shine is how those characters interact within that setting. Wynn is very well written, in that case. Hickman is a really smart writer, but I think people don't give him enough credit for having very beautiful storytelling as well.

[@9Maciej]

If I have to describe my issue with Ultimate Spider-Man so far, is that it feels like each issue is mostly set up, but not enough pay offs. Cause I don't think what he got so far is filler, but it does feel like it drags some stuff before we have characters do something pro-active. But I think it might finally be change. Also, the clone Peter, at first I thought it was Mysterio thing, but now realising it was the suit, makes me now sure, this might be Hickman's take on Black Suit storyline, just instead of symbiote it's nanotech suit.

[@Makiyura]

I'm enjoying the slow pace of it, as it lines up well with the slow pace of the other books, it's going to ramp up. I love the dialogue between all the different characters, especially the villains. 👍🏿🤓

[@angelsppp11]

Reading it month to month I can see where some might say/feel like the story is lacking or is boring, I personally don't think so but this definitely is the type of story that is better suited to be read as like a TPB where you have a collection of issues so it doesn't feel like not much has happened when you are reading one issue a month compared to like 6 in one shot.

[@joshuaingobo1559]

Sasha: What’s “Wrong” With Ultimate Spider-Man? Us: Nothing. It’s what Amazing Spider-Man should’ve done.

[@megamonmon]

Its very interesting the mj peter relationship makes people so blind to the faults this book has

[@famousthaneus9810]

@@megamonmonThank you! I’m convinced that the majority that praise this book and act like it’s perfect are only doing so because of Pete & MJ being a thing again.

[@someonewhocommentsonyoutub3779]

@@famousthaneus9810 reminds me of Tom Taylor's Nightwing in that sense, so busy giving fanservice that it forgets to be an exciting superhero comic, it's not a terrible read but I much prefer the Ultimates

[@SteveOh_]

So happy I got Ultimate Spider-Man and Amazing Spider-Man to get my Spidey fix. I love how different both books are.

[@ComicBookJunkyXL]

I am absolutely loving Ultimate Spider-Man, I the story and the character development. Sometimes comic books focus on action first and story second but bI love the pacing and world building. I do understand how it may not be for everyone but the writing is so good it keeps me entertained.

[@Dougeb7]

Thanks for covering some Marvel stuff! I saw a copy of ASM at my LCS about a month ago and flipped through. The art didn't jazz me, and the story seemed to require a long, multi-issue commitment to get a pay-off. I already had a stack of pricey comics and chickened out, lol! But you make some good points. Maybe I'll take a closer look next time. Enjoyed the video!

[@karikaturre]

Seems to me they gave us a nice year of peter being happy, and they just gonna take it away slowly, just hope noone dies this soon

[@Intr0vertical]

It's good but deffo feels like it's made for trade or an omnibus

[@dionysisnance4204]

I really do like the covers of ultimate spiderman they go hard

[@CasuallyComics]

Lol even though she was only in 1 panel, I love the cover of issue 11.

[@marvelkidaj7207]

Ultimate Spider-Man is consistently the best thing I read every single month. I’ve been dying for Mary Jane and Peter to be married again and this series gives me that. The drama/tension in the conversations is everything I’m looking for in the actual 616 Spidey so even with the slow issues I find there’s so much to chew on with the character work.

[@ezrariner]

I don't think it's boring. It's heavy on character development, which it needs to be, since the character dynamics are vastly different than we're used to. I'm really enjoying it. I like Ben & Jonah's story thread in particular. It's got more focus on Peter Parker and his ancillary characters than Spider-Man and action, which I'm ok with. There are like 5 or 6 action oriented Spider-titles going at any given time. There's nothing wrong with taking some time to live in their world.

[@cheezeofages]

Honestly even if Ultimate Spider-Man involved removing my skin cell by cell in full every single issue it would be preferable to what main line Spidey has been the past few years.

[@NadeemShekh-uy9zn]

I love the new Ultimate Spider-Man story

[@pokemaniacalex8031]

Peter taking a page out of Batman's book with changing his costume. "Let's just say, I aim to frighten criminals, not children."

[@WRDend]

It feels like the 'perfect Spider-Man'. Peter & MJ marriage. Kids. Uncle Ben. Spider-Man origin yet with an aged Peter. Green Goblin origin. Peter & Harry friendship. Great book!

[@israelleon1949]

Love this comic so much!

[@jonathanmetze9796]

Hickman is writing more of a novel than a comic. I love it.

[@moose_kitty]

i find that i’m enjoying the pacing and personally prefer the talky scenes full of the microaggressions and juicy character drama that you speak of over the action (part of it is that what little there was of action in the series didn’t really do much for me) so in a lot of ways this comic is very much for me. i’m all in (heh) for how messed up 6160 Harry Osborn is. he’s my favorite new Ultimate universe character. my favorite issues are #1 because it works really well as a self contained story too that channels a lot from the Matrix, #7 because the boys’ ai voice choices left insane implications, and #10 because i love Jonah and Ben together. and Harry was in it too. the bets they made on Harry really landed for me lol

[@Skeezer66]

Compared to all the other problems in the main Spider-Man books, this sounds fantastic! It's exhausting how miserable they make Peter and keep breaking him up with MJ! Let's enjoy the slow burn and savor the happy family while it lasts!

[@thomasezzy]

The book is both what I want, but also not how I want it if that makes any sense. I'm glad it's selling well at least, so it'll hopefully inspire content that does work for me better.

[@every_spider-man_ever]

I'm enjoying this series. However, it's less the "slow" pacing that I bump up against and more that the big monthly jumps rob the series of a lot of tension. We see the Sinister Six gather in one issue, but then it's months of in-world time before they do anything. The Paper releases an expose about Fisk and the secret world order and it has again been in-world months and...nothing has happened? The scene-to-scene work is fantastic, and I love my journalist lovers, but I'm keen to see any consequences (although #12 is hinting that we might see something)