Spider-Man is one of Marvel’s most popular superheroes. A constant in his life, however, is the death of his uncle. MeinMMO editor Nikolas Hernes is excited and knows what he will be busy with in the coming weeks.
What story is it about? In 2024, Marvel launched the new Ultimate Universe in their comics. The Maker, a nasty version of Mr. Fantastic, changed how various heroes develop on Earth 6160. Among them is Peter Parker. The Maker ensured that he was not bitten by a spider at a young age.
Thus, Peter led a normal life. He married Mary Jane and had 2 children. The biggest change compared to his previous life is his uncle. In Universe 6160, Ben Parker is alive. However, his Aunt May died in a laser attack that was pinned on Tony Stark.
After the first volume, I am quite excited, because even the biggest hater of Spider-Man is really sympathetic.
Older Spider-Man, older fan
Why is Ultimate Spider-Man such a good start? Since the comic Amazing Fantasy No. 15
goes after Ben Parker, so that Spider-Man becomes the hero. Even though a few adjustments have been made, as a movie viewer, you basically only know this story. It completely excited me about Spider-Man by Sam Raimi in 2002 and made me a fan.
Tobey Maguire will always be Peter Parker in my heart. I also liked the Spider-Man films that followed, but only the Spiderverse films could really excite me. Since that is a different character, I’ll leave that out here.
The new
Peter Parker is now 35 and has many obligations. He needs to earn money because he no longer lives alone. That alone already creates a new dynamic, which I can identify with more than with a student Peter.
Added to this is the character of Ben Parker. He is not just a new version of his aunt, but a new exciting figure. While there are few universes where Ben survives, I have not seen a role like this from the character before. Ben gives Peter different tips for life, encourages him, and has an interesting subplot alongside J. Jonah Jameson, who is finally sympathetic here.
As old hats in the newspaper business, they want to defend themselves against an enemy who changes the Daily Bugle. Overall, the story feels more down-to-earth because there are also human conflicts that you can empathize with.
Not only the world needs Spider-Man
Peter doesn’t just remain a normal guy. Throughout the first volume, it becomes clear that Peter is missing something. He feels that something was taken from him. Suddenly, however, he gets the opportunity to be bitten by a spider. He does it and becomes Spider-Man.
In the first volume, there are already smaller hints at new versions of familiar villains. Such as Wilson Fisk or the Green Goblin. However, his different life also changes the dynamic of being a hero. He has more to lose, but also more to protect.
I personally am as excited as I haven’t been in a long time. I feel like a child looking forward to Spidey’s next adventure, only I am now an adult and Spider-Man is too.
How can I read this story of Spider-Man? There are currently 2 volumes of Ultimate Spider-Man by Jonathan Hickman available in German, each consisting of 6 issues. Volume 3 is set to be released this fall. The volumes can be found at various retailers. The DC Universe also changed the backstory of a beloved hero: New story makes Batman even darker, even taking away his strongest weapon: money
