So it looks like Peter Parker has spun his last web. For those of you not aware things are getting shaken up in Marvels Ultimate Universe. For the last year marvel has been hyping it’s “Death of Spider-Man” story. Over the course of the last few issues Peter Parker has been though the ringer. Caught in the middle of a superhero war Spidey is shot by the Punisher, taking a bullet meant for Captain America. Simultaneously his greatest enemies escape from prison. Our friendly neighborhood superhero has to make a heroic last stand to defend his loved ones. He put up a valiant effort and was able to subdue Kraven, the Vulture, and Electro leaving him exhausted to face his greatest enemy Norman Osborn.
Ultimate Spider-Man has been one of the comics that’s been consistently good since its inception. There have been a few rough patches but whenever the mainstream continuity did something to screw over Spider-Man, fans could always rest assured there was always “ultimate”. Brian Michael Bendis, and Mark Bagely have one of the longest creative run in the history of comic books. Lately I’ve found the title particularly enjoyable with Aunt May becoming a caretaker to the wayward young superheroes Iceman, and the Human Torch. There are still a few hanging plot lines I’d like to see resolved, and many more new stories to tell.
I’m still keeping hope alive that the death is metaphorical. He’s been unmasked and beaten to hell in front of alot of people. It’d be a good time to fake his death, Jack
Bauer style, to start a new life. Marvel’s released a images of the “new” Spider-Man, a figure wearing a red and black suit. Prior to this plot line other superheroes were training young Peter Parker. Many individuals have commented how special and amazing Peter Parker is. Nick Fury and Captain America have remarked that he has the potential to be the greatest of the heroes. Perhaps Spider-Man dies in battle with the Green Goblin, and from it Peter Parker will emerge as a more serious fighter. I can’t think of any ancillary characters who could replace Spider-Man and make for a compelling story.
If the Death of Spider-Man really is a literal death, I’ll be sad to see him go. Comic book death is seldom permanent, and if they kill him there’s no reason they can’t bring him back. At least he’s going out in a blaze of glory, during a good story line. He wasn’t able to save Uncle Ben. It’s fitting for him to go out defending Aunt May. Either way thanks for the fun Spidey. Rest in Peace.
