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Ultimate Spider-Man #24 succeeds because it brings all of what made this book great to a crescendo

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Finally, one of the Ultimate Universe books sticks the landing, and of course, it’s the flagship title Ultimate Spider-Man with Jonathan Hickman, Marco Checchetto, David Messina, and Matthew Wilson concluding the series on a suitably heartfelt note. The strength of this series has been its focus on the web (Pun intended) of relationships between Peter Parker and his family and friends, and the extra pages in Ultimate Spider-Man #24 gives plenty of space for character-driven grace notes as well as an exciting battle royale against Kingpin, Mr. Negative, Mysterio, and Earth 6160’s Anti-Venom, who is a gnarly love child of Todd McFarlane spaghetti webbing and John Romita Jr. bulky design with a sleek high tech Hickman twist.

To use a vastly different comic as a metaphor, Ultimate Spider-Man #24 has a nice balance of love and rockets. Checchetto and Messina draw some big, physical action sequences especially when an enhanced Wilson Fisk is involved. However, they and Hickman also make a flashback to when Mary Jane realized she was pregnant with Richard end up becoming the crux of the issue and probably the whole run. There’s a clear throughline to Peter unexpectedly becoming a father and also obtaining superpowers, and it’s been cool to see his relationship with his son Richard develop throughout the series as he takes on the mantle of Spider-Man, er, Venom. (I was kind of sad to see Peter’s interactions with May kind of tail off because her being the only one to know he was Spider-Man was an adorable highlight of early Ultimate Spider-Man issues.) Richard levels up and has a big damn superhero moment in Ultimate Spider-Man #24, but it’s nice that the comic doesn’t end with some big blast of energy instead giving the Parker family some time to breathe and reflect before leaping headlong into the action of Ultimate Endgame in which Peter plays a key role.

Ultimate Spider-Man #24’s excellent rounding out of character arcs doesn’t just apply to the Parkers, but to their friends the Osborns as well. Harry Osborn wants to be a heroic figure like his friend Peter Parker, but he’s caught in the middle between his wife who has merged with four other people to be Mysterio and his father Norman, who taunts him via AI. So, he doesn’t really do anything in the big final battle except watch the Maker’s Council try to rebuild and watch Mysterio consolidate power and not resemble the woman he married in the slightest. These scenes and Harry’s whole arc in Ultimate Spider-Man explore what if your family was a negative influence on you as a hero instead of giving you something worthy to fight for. This search for motivation is what ends up being the last stop for Harry in Ultimate Spider-Man (I’m sure we’ll see him in Endgame.), and it’s cool seeing Peter take up a mentor role in his life as well as being his best friend. In a positive way, it reminds me of Peter and Harry’s relationship in the Sam Raimi Spider-Man films sans the James Franco smarminess and with more cool tech because this is in fact a Jonathan Hickman comic.

Without gratuitous guest stars and through an epic broadcast/monologue from those truth-searching newspapermen Ben Parker and J. Jonah Jameson, Hickman, Marco Checchetto, and David Messina align Ultimate Spider-Man with the anti-fascism and capitalism of Deniz Camp and company’s The Ultimates. The narrative captions add a heft and relevance to the book’s extended fisticuffs/whatever is going on with Richard Parker’s web fluid/symbiote. You can see why these characters play a key role in Ultimate Endgame, but as I mentioned earlier, Jonathan Hickman doesn’t focus on big political statements, but every day resistance through the lens of an iconic superhero and his supporting cast.

Ultimate Spider-Man #24 succeeds because it brings all of what made this book great to a crescendo. There’s the action against colorful, tech savvy, ultracapitalist villains, a grounding in family and friends, and even some romance, both mature between Peter and Mary Jane and developing between Richard and Black Cat. Add the gorgeous art from Marco Checchetto and David Messina and solid coloring from Matthew Wilson (He nails the flat colors for the Venom/Anti-Venom fight scene.), and this is a memorable final chapter in this superhero comic for grown-ups that still know has to have fun and will go down as an evergreen run for Marvel’s mighty webslinger.

Story: Jonathan Hickman
Art: Marco Checchetto and David Messina
Colors: Matthew Wilson Letters: Cory Petit
Story: 8.6 Art: 8.6 Overall: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Spider-Man and Superman Join Forces in April and Marvel Has Revealed the Details!

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Following last year’s Deadpool/Batman and celebrating the 50th anniversary of Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man, the first-ever Marvel/DC crossover, Marvel and DC unite again this April in Marvel’s Spider-Man/Superman #1! Like last year’s crossover, fans can look forward to a double-dose of history-making comic book storytelling with DC publishing a separate one-shot, Superman/Spider-Man, in March.

The lead story where Spider-Man and Superman join forces will be written by New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer in his first full-length Marvel Comics story, and drawn by one of Marvel’s most acclaimed artists, Pepe Larraz. In addition, the one-shot will feature various bonus stories by a monumental lineup of industry talent, each co-starring Marvel and DC characters, including a few surprises readers will be talking about for the next fifty years!

Here’s what to expect:

  • THWIP, THWIP AND AWAY! Brad Meltzer and Pepe Larraz pit SPIDER-MAN and SUPERMAN against LEX LUTHOR and NORMAN OSBORN as their greatest villains exploit some of their greatest weaknesses!
  • In the shadow-laden 1930s, SPIDER-MAN NOIR encounters the original GOLDEN AGE SUPERMAN as told by Dan Slott and Marcos Martin!
  • Geoff Johns delivers his first Marvel story in over 20 years, teaming up with frequent collaborator and fellow superstar Gary Frank! A crisis ensues as the hit creative team bring the Super- and Spider-families against each together at the summons of MYSTERIO…but is their true foe an ally out of control?!
  • SYMBIOTE hordes invade Metropolis as a new War of the Realms ignites in Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman’s epic reunion starring Jane Foster as the Mighty Thor, Wonder Woman and more!
  • Co-creator of STEEL Louise Simonson and artist Todd Nauck hammer out the tale of John Henry Irons’ clash with the HOBGOBLIN.
  • Current Amazing Spider-Man scribe Joe Kelly and artist Humberto Ramos deliver a campus crossover between GWEN STACY and LANA LANG!
  • SPIDER-MAN (MILES MORALES) teams up with SUPERMAN in a tale by Miles’ legendary co-creators, Brian Michael Bendis, who recently made his grand return to Marvel, and Sara Pichelli!
  • And more!

Spider-Man/Superman will include a main cover by Pepe Larraz and an assortment of stunning variant covers by top artists, some of which reflect the one-shot’s bonus stories. Fans can check out variant covers by Sara Pichelli, Walter Simonson, Greg Capullo, Marcos Martin, Ryan Stegman, Peach Momoko, Erik Larsen, Jerome Opeña, and Russell Dauterman along with a wraparound cover by Kaare Andrews and a Foil Cover by Mark Bagley. A Logo Mash-Up Variant Cover will also be available as well as covers by Ivan Talavera, E.M. Gist, Adam Hughes, Skottie Young, Frank Miller, Humberto Ramos, David Marquez, and Sanford Greene.

Don’t miss the Hot Toys Battle Damaged Spider-Man

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In Sam Raimi’s groundbreaking Spider-Man (2002), Peter Parker faces his greatest challenge when the maniacal Green Goblin forces him into a brutal final confrontation.

Inspired by this intense scene, the Spider-Man (Battle Damaged Version) 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure brilliantly captures the web-slinger in his most vulnerable and heroic moment. 

This detailed figure includes one battle-damaged headsculpt wearing a ripped mask with a shattered lens, revealing Tobey Maguire’s likeness beneath. A brown fringe crafted from hair-like wool material has been meticulously implanted to add remarkable realism. Additionally, a newly developed masked head is included for interchangeable display options.

The expertly tailored red and dark blue Spider-Man suit is fashioned from elastic fabric material, designed to enhance articulation while showcasing extensive battle damage throughout. Multiple torn sections reveal the underlying body and painted blood effects, authentically capturing the intensity of the fierce battle with Green Goblin. Six strings of spider web in varying shapes and lengths are included for a variety of dynamic posing options.

Spidey comes with a battle-damaged Green Goblin helmet, plus a specially designed diorama figure base featuring a heavily weathered remnant of a Goblin Glider and destroyed red brick walls, allowing collectors to recreate the dramatic showdown.

Add the Spider-Man (Battle Damaged Version) 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure to your Marvel collection. Available to pre-order.

This site contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from these sites. Making purchases through these links helps support the site.

Blokees reveals Marvel Heroes Galaxy Version 06 – Spider-Verse

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From the shadows and beyond, legends have gathered from across the multiverse for the final showdown. The adventure begins now. Are you in? Blokees has revealed Marvel Heroes Galaxy Version 06 – Spider-Verse.

Blokees Marvel Heroes Galaxy Version 06 – Spider-Verse features:

  • Spider-Punk
  • Scarlet Spider
  • Spider-Man 2099
  • Green Goblin
  • Electro
  • Black Cat
  • Shocker
  • Sandman
  • Rhino

It looks like Spider-Punk will have a short packed variant.

Skybound and Marvel Team Up to Reprint Marvel Team-Up #14

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Skybound and Marvel Comics have announced a reprint of Marvel Team-Up #14, the historic first meeting of Invincible and Spider-Man, to be published by Image Comics! The landmark issue from writer Robert Kirkman, artist Cory Walker, and colorist Dave McCaig will swing back into comic shops on Wednesday, March 4. 

One of the most demanded comics of the modern era is available again as superstars Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker present probably the best superhero team-up in the universe!  

With a star-studded variant cover artist lineup including Spider-Man legends Todd McFarlane, Erik Larsen, Ryan Ottley, Mark Bagley, and Alex Saviuk, this is the comic that no superhero fan can miss! 

Released earlier this year, Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 featured a first-of-its-kind blind bag program that allowed readers a rare chance to get any of the solicited covers, as well as three intermixed secret comics, including Marvel Team-Up #14. This new reprinting is now the first time fans can purchase the iconic issue in standalone form since its original release.  

The full list of covers is below:  

  • Marvel Team-Up #14 Cover A by Cory Walker & Dave McCaig 
  • Marvel Team-Up #14 Cover B by Ryan Ottley & Dave McCaig 
  • Marvel Team-Up #14 Cover C by Erik Larsen & Dave McCaig 
  • Marvel Team-Up #14 Cover D by Todd McFarlane & Dave McCaig 
  • Marvel Team-Up #14 Cover E by Mark Bagley & Dave McCaig 
  • Marvel Team-Up #14 Cover F by Alex Saviuk & Dave McCaig 
  • Marvel Team-Up #14 Cover G Blank Sketch Cover

Gift Guide: Filippo Loreti’s Superman, Joker, Batmobile, and Spider-Man Watches

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Filippo Loreti has launched lines of watch collaborations based on characters from DC Comics as well as Marvel’s Spider-Man. It’s the perfect opportunity to give a stylish gift that also shows off someone’s love of Superman, Joker, the Batmobile, and Spider-Man. They’ve also recently launched watches based on Star Wars!

Filippo Loreti provided us with a Legacy of Krypton Kryptonite watch, a beautiful design that features Superman’s iconic logo placed in front of green meteorite Kryptonite. The watch also features a Kryptonian inscription on the back, a treat for die-hard fans of the character and his legacy.

The watch is sure to be noticed delivering a classic but updated design that’s sure to pop and be seen on the wrist that wears it. A fantastic gift for comic fans.

Filippo Loreti provided Graphic Policy with a FREE watch for review

One Battle After Another wins the weekend box office battle

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One Battle After Another

The movie has gotten some very positive review, so it should be no surprise that One Battle After Another won the weekend box office. The film grossed an estimated $22.4 million domestically and $26.1 million internationally for a worldwide debut of $48.5 million. With a 96% critic rating and 85% average viewers, the film might do pretty well from word of mouth.

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie came in second with $13.7 million domestically and $5.7 million internationally for a worldwide debut of $19.4 million. That domestic debut was more towards the lower end of projections but it’s a family and it could have a nice long run due to that.

The Conjuring: Last Rites came in third place with an estimated $6.9 million domestically to lift its gross to $161.5 million. Over the week, it grossed $25.6 million internationally to bring that to $274.4 million and a worldwide gross of $435.9 million.

The Strangers: Chapter 2 debuted in fourth place with $5.9 million domestically and no international gross reported.

Rounding out the top five was Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie – Infinity Castle with an estimated $4.9 million to lifts its domestic gross to $115.9 million. Over the week it grossed $36.9 million internationally where it has now grossed $487.2 million. Worldwide, the movie has grossed $605.4 million.

In other comic related movies…

Spider-Man/Spider-Man 2/Spider-Man 3 had a special release where it grossed $2.3 million domestically.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps grossed an estimated $243,000 to bring its domestic total to just under $274 million. Over the week, it grossed $700,000 to bring its international total to $247.1 million. Worldwide, the movie has grossed $521 million.

Superman grossed a little over $100,000 domestically to lift its domestic gross to just under $354.1 million. Internationally, it grossed around $300,000 over the week and it has now grossed $261.5 million internationally. Worldwide the movie has grossed $615.6 million.

Smurfs remained at $31.1 million domestically. Internationally, the movie has added $700,000 over the week and has grossed $89.7 million. Worldwide, the gross is $120.8 million.

On the edge of comic related films, The Toxic Avenger remained at $2.9 million domestically. Internationally, the movie gained a little and has now grossed $434,028 for a worldwide total of $3.3 million.

Overall, the weekend box office saw a total of 32 films gross $72,470,519 from 36,524 theaters compared to last weekend’s $73,675,784 from 68 films and 37,310 theaters. This weekends average was $1,984.19 compared to last weekend’s $1,974.69.

Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man Vol. 1 is entertaining but doesn’t quite stand out

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Worlds collide as two beloved heroes meet for the very first time!

When a battle against Doctor Doom goes awry, Spider-Man is transported across dimensions to a Japan where giant monsters known as Kaiju roam and the country is protected by a giant of light—Ultraman! But when two of their worlds’ most dangerous villains form an alliance, will Spider-Man and Ultraman be able to live up to the title of hero, or will they be forced to discover that overcoming evil means sacrifices must be made?

Story: Shigenobu Matsumoto
Art: Tomo Hirokawa
Translation: Joe Yamazaki
Touch-up Art and Lettering: Brendon Hull

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Bookshop
Amazon

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