Ultimate Spider-Man #23 (Marvel Comics)

Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the 23rd issue of Ultimate Spider-Man from Marvel Comics!

We’re approaching the finale of this series! There’s just 1 more issue (after this one is out) before we see the final issue. However before we get there, Peter has a few loose ends to tie up. Namely his ongoing battle with Wilson Fisk among others! So let’s jump into it!

Credit: Marvel Comics // Ultimate Spider-Man #23 by Johnathan Hickman (Writer), Marco Checchetto & David Messina (Artists), Matthew Wilson (Color Artist), VC’s Cory Petit (Letterer), Marco Checchetto & Matthew Wilson (Cover Artists) is a tremendous issue that sets up for a spectacular finale!

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The Story

Things continue the split focus we’ve seen in recent issues, with Peter & his son Richard Parker being the primary focuses in this issue. Peter and Mary Jane have finally learned what Richard has been up to, and they’re NOT happy about it. There’s a calm, silent demeanor about Peter that’s slightly frightening as a reader. Richard’s perspective is of course following his on going adventure in New York City with Felicia Hardy.

I really enjoyed seeing Peter’s side of the story in this issue, because we finally get to see Spider-Man on the offensive after watching him play defense for so long. There’s no subtlety, no sneaking around and planning things out. He just goes in punching first and asking questions later. You can definitely tell that he isn’t pulling his punches either, and it plays out spectacularly.

Richard’s story with Felicia doesn’t make any huge leaps this week, but considering the finale is next month that makes sense. There’s also an interesting development with Harry and Gwen in the issue that I hope plays out a little bit more in the final issue. I realize that it probably won’t, it is the finale after all, but I can still hope.

The Artwork

Marco Checchetto, David Mesina & Matthew Wilson do a really great job with the artwork in the issue and continue to give it a classic feel you’ve come to know for the series. In a similar way it reminds me of the early run of the original Ultimate Spider-Man in the early 2000’s. There’s a hint of familiarity to this rendition, but with enough of a twist on things to give it a unique spin on things.

FINAL POINT: A tremendous penultimate issue for the series that sets up for what’s sure to be an explosive finale. Hickman has given us the best Spider-Man story of the last decade. I get the feeling the finale is going to be one of the most talked about issues in a while, and you're not going to want to miss it.

Overall Grade: 9/10

Thank you for taking the time to check out my review. Be sure to reach out to me on Twitter, and let me know what you thought of the issue!