Ultimate Spider-Man

Nineteen days.  That’s how long it takes to read 320 issues of Brian Michael Bendis Ultimate Spider-Man.  It’s been a most enjoyable experience.  Not quite as good as I was expecting, but it’s still Brian Michael Bendis’ magnum opus.  (Despite what I just said, that’s not damning with faint praise, this really is a phenomenal work.)  

Spider-Men II 1-5

The Miles Morales of Earth-616 turns out to be Wilson Fisk’s best friend(!) and former enforcer.  The story is basically a convoluted path towards 616-Miles going to the Ultimate universe (which is somehow not destroyed anymore?) to be with the Ultimate version of his dead love.  Thinking about it, the ending wouldn’t really have been any different if the Spider-Men hadn’t gotten involved.  

But it’s all okay, because it’s a chance for Bendis to give us one last glimpse of Ultimate Peter Parker and the happy ending he’s always deserved.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Good

Spider-Man 234-240

Not a bad way for Bendis to end his run, with one final battle against his Uncle Aaron (back from the dead) and a new Sinister Six.  There are just enough emotional stakes involved to make it impactful (Aaron, Lana’s mom, Miles’ new girlfriend), but they aren’t so devastating as to be hard to read.  (Basically anything where Green Goblin threatens Peter’s family.)  

The last issue may not provide a perfect ending from a story POV (the fight from the previous issue ends awfully quickly, and there are a ton of loose ends that don’t get tied up), but it hits all the sentimental beats that I want out of a finale.  As I said the first time I read this, “Thanks, Bendis!”

Hahaha, one last time.

So good.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Really good