Ultimate Spider-Man: Power and Responsibility

I’m starting a quest to read all Spider-Man stories, one collection at a time. Whether you’re a new reader or a longtime fan, you can follow along with me in this journey. Let’s start with Ultimate Spider-Man. This series reimagined Spider-Man for a new generation. Ultimate Spider-Man was first published in 2000 and ran for 11 years. So, we have a lot to read ahead of us.

Today, I am reading the first seven issues of Ultimate Spider-Man. I collected them in the trade paperback “Ultimate Spider-Man vol. 1: Power and Responsibility”. If you don’t already own this collection, you can read the issues by subscribing to Marvel Unlimited. This service gives you access to thousands of comic books digitally on your computer, tablet, or smartphone!

Recap

In this story, we’re introduced to Peter Parker, your typical high school geek. He lives with his Uncle Ben and Aunt May, who love him like a son. On a field trip to Osborn Industries, Peter is accidentally bitten by a genetically-altered spider. The bite grants Peter enhanced abilities including heightened senses, increased strength, and the ability to stick to walls. Peter decides to use these powers to earn money. So, he dons a costume and starts wrestling under the nickname Spider-Man.

One night, Peter runs into a robbery-in-progress. The teenager Peter lets the robber go free, deciding that it’s not his job to take care of other people’s problems. Some time later, Peter arrives home to find that his Uncle Ben has been killed in a break-in. Peter suits up and chases after the killer, only to find that this is the same man he let go free earlier that night. Realizing the consequences of his actions, Peter determines to use his powers for good, and sets out to honor his Uncle Ben’s name as the superhero Spider-Man.

Back at Osborn Industries, Norman Osborn and his team realize the effects of the spider bite on Peter. Trying to replicate these, Norman decides to use himself as a test subject to inject the same chemical formula that the genetically-altered spider had. The experiment goes wrong and an explosion leaves most of his staff dead, and Norman missing. Norman reappears as a large creature with superhuman strength, the ability to generate explosive energy from his hands, and a monstrous green face. He attacks Peter’s school in search of Peter and engages in a fight with him (as Spider-Man). The fight culminates with Norman falling off a bridge into an uncertain fate.

Review

I first read this story 19 years ago, in a paperback collection my mom bought for me at the now-defunct Borders bookstore. Reading it again after almost two decades feels surreal. Back then, this collection was one of my favorite comic book stories. After rereading it, my feelings remain the same.

Ultimate Spider-Man #1-7 reintroduces Spider-Man in a “modern” setting (the world is a lot different now than it was 20 years ago). While keeping the main plot points, it expands the story into a cinematic-style graphic novel. The story is fun to read, the art is enjoyable to watch; and even someone familiar with Spider-Man’s origin will find this to be a refreshing take on a beloved character.

The only thing I did not like back when I first read it was Peter’s immature attitude upon receiving his powers. However, keeping in mind that the main character in this story is a teenager, and after having taught middle and high school students, I now realize that his attitude is consistent with a teen of his generation.

I enjoyed these first seven issues. I wouldn’t mind reading them again. The dialogue, action, and emotion are on point and masterfully crafted. The team that put this together, Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley, have the ability to create visually compelling and emotionally charged stories.

Score: 10/10

More than 20 years after its release, “Power and Responsibility” still provides a fresh take on the Spider-Man mythos.