The Marvel 616 universe has been ongoing for decades and continues to tell the shared stories of characters from all walks of life. Spider-Man, more than anyone else, stands out from the crowd as a beloved neighborhood hero, protector, and absolute disaster. His personal life has been in shambles for years, as Marvel has generally been hesitant to allow his story to progress too far past the standard before drawing him back. Jonathan Hickman’s Ultimate Spider-Man series is a much-needed break from that story.
This book features Ultimate Spider-Man (2024) issues #13-18, collecting the story and artwork shared by Hickman, Marco Checchetto, David Messina, and Matthew Wilson. While it does not quite reach the artistic heights of Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1, given the time constraints, the added complexity of the storyline makes it a forgivable issue.
Unlike the overly edgy line from the 2000s, the new Ultimate universe remains a genuinely compelling world that never delves too far into darkness. In Peter Parker’s case, Ultimate Spider-Man has given him the opportunity to build a family of his own in an increasingly complex world. With MJ at his side, as well as two children, Peter has had the opportunity to grow as a man, a husband, a father, and a hero.
Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 3 sees this version of Peter at his best. It is genuinely exciting to see him wrestling with family obligations, the weight of being Spider-Man, and the realization that his friends have also been sucked into this war. Worse, they were involved long before even he was.
After all, Peter is not the only one to get some much-needed new depth in this world. Gwen Stacy, who has so long been left in 616’s history, has also had an opportunity to reveal her darker side. Without giving too much away about her story, it is genuinely exciting to see her as more than just a long-dead love interest. While Marvel has been working to develop her through Ghost-Spider, this is a far more original take on her character that feels considerably less derivative.
Harry has also been an absolute delight in Ultimate Spider-Man, and Hickman has been sure to leave numerous twists and turns for readers to speculate over. Even Harry’s relationship with his father continues to resonate through the story, as the decision to develop the Norman Osborn AI continues to reap dividends. Every choice that Hickman has made in this series is as deliberate as it is effective.
Even one of Peter’s kids has been getting ample development. Richard is a fun take on the Venom concept, as he echoes the teenage mindset that made Peter a classic hero in the first place, while giving his father room to play a new role. It’s fun to see his coming-of-age romance, the threat of betrayals, and his initial excitement at becoming his own dad’s sidekick.
Richard’s sister, unfortunately, has not had the same spotlight. While May has potential as a character, she has not had much of a role in the story. Even if Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 3 is titled Family Business, it’s clear that May has been left out of the Parker family business, even as Gwen sinks deeper into her own business.
Aside from a few characters failing to break out in this ensemble cast — and a general decline in detail in the artwork — Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 3 continues to prove that Spider-Man is still at the top of Marvel’s game. Hickman has always been an extraordinary writer, but this is a standout work even for him. While the stakes are high, everything still feels just as personal as a Family Business should.
Every reimagined character excels in their new role, especially when it gives Felicia the chance to prove just how dark a cat she can be. Marvel may not want Peter to grow up in 616, but 6160 has proven that this concept not only works, but it is arguably even better than any other Spider-Man before it.
DC’s dominant Absolute line might be getting most of the headlines recently, but the new Ultimate universe is proving to be just as groundbreaking. With Volume 4 still on the way, it’s hard to argue that Hickman is not building something extraordinary here. Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 3: Family Business is absolutely worth purchasing, as it represents everything that comics should be in a new age of heroes.
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