It’s surreal to be nearing the end of Ultimate Spider-Man, and issue 23 proves why writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Marco Checchetto’s run has been so well-received. These final chapters let Peter be the hero while weaving his supporting cast into major roles. It’s everything we’ve been waiting for as we hurtle towards the endgame.
This issue juggles multiple threads brilliantly. Ben and Jonah work to expose the Kingpin through hacked broadcasts; Peter storms Kingpin’s lair to save Richard, battling both the crime boss and Mr. Negative; Harry faces an impossible choice between Peter and the Mysterio-Gwen hybrid; and Richard and Felicia attempt to infiltrate the Maker’s systems. It’s a lot of moving pieces, but Hickman somehow keeps them organized.
His Otto Octavius continues to be deceptive. When confronted by Mary Jane and Peter about Richard’s whereabouts, he plays coy, framing his manipulations as Richard having a mind of his own. Otto still has his own agenda, and he’s not above using the people around him for his own benefit. It’s a wrinkle that links him to his 616 counterpart; no matter which universe we’re in, Otto Octavius will always be scheming.
Ben Parker and Jameson: The Heart of the Series
The partnership between Ben and Jonah has been a highlight of the book, reminding us why ethical journalism is important in a world where algorithms control much of what we see. It’s been especially great to see Ben get so many character moments. In most Spider-Man media, he’s reduced to a wise sage, there to offer some timely advice before meeting a tragic end, but this book has taken the time to flesh him out. He’s driven and won’t stop till the people know the truth. We’ll miss this version of Ben when the series wraps up.
Peter takes center stage after spending much of the past few issues sidelined, finally becoming the Spider-Man we’ve been yearning to see. When he bursts through Kingpin’s window in a shower of glass and webs, Checchetto portrays it as a triumphant arrival. The brutal fight that follows is vividly brought to life. Kingpin is a menacing foe whose massive size dominates every scene, while Mr. Negative’s subtle mind manipulations continue to cause problems for our hero. However, Peter’s too determined to be defeated. His defiant comeback in the final panels will go down as one of this run’s legendary moments.
Has Harry Osborn been the standout of this series? While he doesn’t have a huge role in this book, he’s fantastic in every scene he’s in, and is a compelling portrayal of a man torn in too many directions. It’s tragic and downright surprising when he ignores Peter’s pleas for help, instead deciding to side with the freakish Mysterio. The downfall of their friendship appears to be a multiversal constant, but Hickman wisely gives Harry a problem with no real answer. Do you choose your best friend or your spouse?
The only section that drags is Richard and Felicia’s heist. They’ve been interesting characters so far, especially when we see the parallels between Richard and young 616 Peter, but their story stalls mid-mission without advancing their goal. It’s frustrating to see them tread water so close to the finale.
Visuals: Checchetto’s Mastery and Wilson’s Atmosphere
Checchetto’s art continues to be spectacular. His portrayal of Peter’s battle with Mr. Negative and Kingpin is so intensely claustrophobic and hard-hitting that you can almost feel each punch through the page. The way he fills each panel with Kingpin’s gigantic frame makes the crime boss feel truly menacing. His art is to this version of Ultimate Spider-Man what Mark Bagley’s was to the original, and it wouldn’t feel right if he weren’t the sole artist on the finale. David Messina handles Richard and Felicia’s scenes capably, showing their acrobatic movements and Kingpin’s security dangers. It’s solid work but, unfortunately, doesn’t rise to Checchetto’s exceptional standard.
This is a dark issue, and Matthew Wilson reinforces that with his colors. Whether underground or on the streets, each scene is blanketed in swaths of deep purples and blacks, creating a foreboding atmosphere. Shadows often fall across the Kingpin’s face, visually reinforcing his evil nature. VC’s Cory Petit’s lettering enhances the drama throughout. Mr. Negative’s dialogue appears in sinister black boxes with white text, while the internal monologue of Harry’s picotech suit is framed by static-edged boxes that reflect his turmoil.
Verdict: Is This an All-Time Spider-Man Run?
Ultimate Spider-Man #23 positions every piece for the ending Hickman and Checchetto have been building to. Peter’s grown into his powers, Harry made his choice, and the truth is about to come out. It hasn’t been perfect, but after two years of patient storytelling, it’s all coming together. There’s one issue left. Let’s see if this goes down as an all-time Spider-Man run.
Review: ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ #23 Peter Parker Proves He’s The Ultimate Spider-Man
Ultimate Spider-Man #23 positions every piece for the ending Hickman and Checchetto have been building to. Peter’s grown into his powers, Harry made his choice, and the truth is about to come out.
