Plans Are in Motion for the End of an Era in Ultimate Spider-Man #22

It’s now clear that the recent creative direction wasn’t what anyone expected, including Jonathan Hickman himself. This is significant because Hickman spent a lot of time laying groundwork for future storylines, but with the book apparently ending, those plans won’t be continued, changing how we view everything that happened.

To be honest, I still think the book is good, regardless. Even if the series is wrapping up in just two more issues, the storytelling feels focused and that’s not necessarily a problem. This issue, for example, effectively shows the main character preparing for the final showdown, and knowing this is truly the end actually makes the story more impactful—in a good way.

Issue #21 of Ultimate Spider-Man, created by writer Jonathan Hickman, artist Marco Checchetto, colorist Erick Arciniega, and letterer Cory Petit, feels like the start of a major final arc. It still features the unpredictable and exciting storytelling that fans have come to expect from Hickman’s work on the series.

What is the latest wild swing at the start of the issue?

Recent storylines hinted that Hickman was planning something involving Otto Octavius, potentially using technology originally developed for Harry Osborn to build his own Spider-Man suit. And now, he’s actually done it – creating a new, “Superior Spider-Man!”

Otto Octavius has created his own Spider-suit and is now working alongside Peter Parker and the team to fight the Maker’s Council. It’s an unexpected but welcome development. Octavius has been a highlight of the story, providing both quirky humor and a sense of unpredictability. Given his history as a villain, it’s exciting to see him evolve, and it keeps readers guessing about his true intentions.

Honestly, Otto’s portrayal by Marco Checchetto is amazing. He plays him so straight-faced, it’s often hard to tell if he’s joking or completely serious. And you know what else I noticed? This series really shows how vital colorists are. Erick Arciniega did a great job on this issue, but his style is noticeably different from Matthew Wilson’s work – it’s cool to see how much the colors can change the whole look and feel, and really makes you appreciate the colorist’s unique touch.

How does this book move things into the endgame stage?

A highlight of this series has been the characters Ben Parker and J. Jonah Jameson, who bravely pursue truth and share impactful stories. The series demonstrates the risks involved in this pursuit, as seen when the Kingpin targeted anyone named Ben Reilly after Jonah and Ben used that name as a pen name for their reporting.

Okay, so things are really hitting a fever pitch as we get closer to the finale. It’s awesome seeing everyone team up on this huge story, but honestly, it’s also super stressful! Especially because when we’re this close to the end, anyone could get taken out – we definitely saw that happen last month. That’s why seeing characters like Richard Parker and Felicia Hardy decide to infiltrate Kingpin’s headquarters feels so incredibly dangerous. I’m seriously on the edge of my seat!

The story also focuses on Harry Osborn, who’s haunted by his father’s voice and grieving what he believes is his wife’s death. There’s a surprising and mind-bending twist involving the Mysterios. Even with all the craziness, Harry’s scenes are genuinely unsettling and expertly crafted. Everything in this book feels earned because author Jonathan Hickman has carefully built up these moments throughout the entire series. It’s amazing how much thought and interconnectedness he’s put into the characters and their relationships.

A large cast size means individual characters, including Peter Parker, get less focus. Some fans hoping for more Peter in a “Spider-Man” story understandably feel frustrated, but I believe the benefit of including so many great characters outweighs that. Plus, Peter and Mary Jane did share a significant scene together, which was a welcome addition.

I’m not sure how the ‘Ultimate Endgame’ storyline will conclude this story arc. It’s unclear if Spider-Man will even have a definitive ending in Ultimate Spider-Man #24, but I have a feeling the conclusion will be satisfying. Regardless, it’s been a really enjoyable ride getting to this point, and I’ve loved reading this series.

Read More

2025-10-23 19:40