Join me on my quest to read all Spider-Man issues, one collection at a time! Today, I am reading Ultimate Spider-Man #14-21. In these issues, Spider-Man battles Doctor Octopus and Kraven the Hunter!
I collected these issues in the trade paperback “Ultimate Spider-Man vol. 3: Double Trouble“. You can also read them digitally through Marvel Unlimited.
Ultimate Spider-Man vs. Doctor Octopus
In a secret research facility, scientists nurse Dr. Otto Octavius back to health after surviving the explosion at Osborn Industries. The explosion has left him somewhat insane, and has grafted his mechanical arms to his body, allowing him to control them at will. Octavius escapes the research facility and starts a murderous rampage. He vows to kill Justin Hammer, the man who he believes was responsible for the Osborn Industries explosion.
Meanwhile, Peter Parker continues to adjust to his life as Spider-Man. His friend and former bully Kong deduces his secret identity (although no one believes him). He shares his first kiss with longtime crush Mary Jane. And the world continues to distrust his alter-ego Spider-Man. To make matters worse, Kraven the Hunter, an Australian reality star, has arrived in New York to hunt Spider-Man!
Peter navigates through his problems while also fighting Octavius and evading S.H.I.E.L.D., a secret government organization with a special interest in capturing Otto Octavius. In a climactic battle, Spider-Man defeats Octavius and Kraven the Hunter. Though he fails to save Hammer, who dies of a heart attack, he manages to get the acceptance of the public.
Review
These eight issues were the first Ultimate Spider-Man issues I read, almost two decades ago! After 13 action-packed issues, Ultimate Spider-Man continues its streak of good storytelling. These issues seamlessly introduce many new characters like Gwen Stacy and Sharon Carter. Despite Peter being the main character, the story gives us glimpses into the lives of others like Kong, Ben Urich, & Justin Hammer. The way I describe the plot makes it seem like a convoluted mess of characters and threads. But the story is told smoothly and is easy to follow, even for a new reader.
Score: 10/10
Double Trouble pits a teenage Spider-Man against the deadly and scary Doctor Octopus, as Bendis and Bagley reimagine the classic villain into a modern threat.
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