The Ultimate Universe is growing every month, and today it grows in a new way thanks to the first-ever miniseries Ultimate Spider-Man: Incursion #1. The story follows Miles Morales from the main 616 universe into the Ultimate Universe, but why, and what will he find there? It’s a surprise to see a crossover so soon after the relaunch of the Ultimate Universe, but with The Maker looming and ready to return in a few months, maybe Miles is what they need to get an edge?
It’s safe to say Ultimate Spider-Man: Incursion is going to be a kind of tour of the Ultimate Universe for Miles Morales. By the end, Miles has had a proper visit with Spider-Man and his son Richard (also Spider-Man), and by the end, he’s about to meet another key group of characters. At this juncture, there’s a small promise this story will affect what The Maker and his goons are up to, but we’re not there yet. It means the stakes feel not so high, but the vibes are leaning into the fun of the interactions.
The issue begins with a streamlined recap of what you need to know about Miles, as outlined in his journal, and why he’s headed to the Ultimate Universe. His sister has been transported there, and he needs to find her before she gets hurt or worse. Considering the Maker gave Miles the chance to go with him to this universe before he messed it up, one can assume Miles needs to be there for some reason, but that mystery is left for another day.
She looks hype to jump into the Ultimate Universe.
Credit: Marvel
This issue is particularly for fans of Ultimate Spider-Man, as readers are dropped into a fight between The Spot and Peter and Richard. Given the month gaps between adventures, it’s cool to see Richard in the black costume doing the hero thing with a compelling dynamic in play here. It’s a little convenient that Peter is quickly okay with Miles popping in and explaining things, but we gotta get the show on the road after all.
Mixed in are the Maker’s council, which adds intrigue for the larger implications of Miles being in the universe. One can assume this is the start of them confronting Miles, for better or worse.
Art by Jonas Scharf is solid, with the Spider-Man characters as cool as ever. Richard seems a bit large given he’s so young, but maybe time has passed and he has grown up? The design of Ultimate Universe Spot is great, with a long-limbed and creepy-looking version of him. Spider-Man’s webs are also well-drawn and detailed. Love or hate Miles’ new costume, it has a mystical nature that suits his recent story developments.
As a kind of tour of the Ultimate Universe, Ultimate Spider-Man: Incursion serves as a kind of taste tester as Miles tries to find his sister.
Ultimate Spider-Man: Incursion #1 is a fun and promising crossover that delivers on fan-favorite character dynamics and cool visuals, even if the stakes and larger story direction remain underdeveloped for now. It’s more appetizer than main course, but one that’s tasty enough to keep readers hungry for what’s next.
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