Spider-Man faces his first super villain! J. Jonah Jameson’s quest to uncover who is really pulling the strings of this new Ultimate Universe leads to a shocking revelation! And New York City welcomes its newest hero…the Green Goblin! Ultimate Spider-Man #2 continues Peter’s journey as he attempts to make up for missed time and do what a Spider-Man does!

As I said in my review of the first issue, my problem with the previous Ultimate Universe was that it didn’t veer enough from the main Marvel Universe. In its debut, this series planted a flag that this wasn’t the case. Ultimate Spider-Man #2 continues that trend as writer Jonathan Hickman gives us a Peter Parker and Spider-Man for the older readers.

Peter’s destiny was stolen from him, but thanks to Tony Stark, he’s now Spider-Man… just many years later than it should have. So, with that, he needs to make up for lost time and learn what it is to be Spider-Man. That means a costume, learning basics like swinging, and eventually, actually dealing with villains. That last part is where the comic really stands out.

Hickman nails the tone of Spider-Man, even with an older Peter. The run-in with his first villain leads to numerous laughs, delivering the fun and playful nature of Spider-Man. There isn’t quite the usual quips, they’re sort of there, it’s the interaction between the two that really delivers the laughs. Then there’s the heart. Hickman makes Peter being a father front and center. How does one balance the two? What will the kids think of this mysterious hero swinging around? Ultimate Spider-Man #2 nails it, with Peter feeling guilty over actions that aren’t totally his and he can’t do anything about. It’s fatherhood in comic form and it’s very relatable.

The art by Marco Checchetto is perfectly matched to the comic. With color by Matthew Wilson and lettering by Cory Petit, the comic’s visuals match its tone. There’s some lighthearted humor, heart, and then teases of something sinister underneath that needs to be investigated. All of those have their moments visually and work together quite well. The comics’ visual look really enhances the tone Hickman is going for with the comic.

Ultimate Spider-Man #2 is a fantastic second issue. If you were excited by the first, the second is sure to amp all of that up. This is a take on the character that’s familiar but quite different, acting almost as a “what if” riff on things that have been teased in the main Marvel Universe for years. The comic is one of the best Marvel is putting out right now and we’re excited to see what the next issue brings.

Story: Jonathan Hickman Art: Marco Checchetto
Color: Matthew Wilson Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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