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/21.webp "Ultimate Spider-Man #21")
Yeah, I think originally it was a great run AND the only other Spider-Man option was Zeb Well's run. ASM has been in a funk for so long, people would probably drink the sand. It was a recipe for success with Marco Checchetto on art. I remember reading the first 3-4 issues and enjoying the story, the art, and excited for what might be.
Ultimate Spider-Man #21
| Writer | Jonathan Hickman |
| Artist | David Messina |
| Cover Price | $4.99 |
THE FINAL MEETING OF THE SINISTER SIX? Blood boils over as these warring villains gather to destroy each other once and for all...or will they reunite against their common enemy, Spider-Man?
CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Nerd Initiative - Josh Allen
Sep 24, 2025What did you think of the issue? Be sure to comment your thoughts below, or reach out to me on social media! Read Full Review
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9.2
The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally
Sep 24, 2025Messina delivers stunning art throughout the issue. I love the visual style and the focus on characters visually throughout. Read Full Review
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9.0
AIPT - David Brooke
Sep 24, 2025It's hard to believe we have so few issues left when so much time can be spent on a single villain, but it works. Ultimate Spider-Man #21 is a gripping character study of Mr. Negative, pairing tight storytelling with outstanding art to set the stage for seismic shifts in the series. Read Full Review
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8.5
KPB Comics - Chris Hernandez
Sep 24, 2025Ultimate Spider-Man #21 is a great issue that proves the series is about more than just Spider-Man. It's about the brutal and complex world he lives in. Exploring Mr. Negative's past and the conflict within the Sinister Six makes for a gripping story. Read Full Review
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7.8
Comic Watch - Tyler Davis
Sep 29, 2025Ultimate Spider-Man #21continues on with the series' hallmark of delivering a brilliant issue that significantly breaks the pace of serialization that elevates this medium. While the origin for this new Mr. Negative may be enthralling, any hope for the character is doomed by the continued pattern of poor developmental pacing. Read Full Review
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6.5
Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez
Sep 24, 2025Ultimate Spider-Man #12 has so many things to like about it that where it ends up faltering is even more disappointing to see. Everything that has to do with Mr. Negative and Gwen Stacy's Mysterio crew is fascinating. Unfortunately, because of time management issues we don't get to see other characters get time to shine, such as Spider-Man's only having a cameo appearance. Hopefully the remaining issues of Ultimate Spider-Man will do a better job managing the time left to fully tap into the potential of the Sinister Six war. Read Full Review
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5.8
Weird Science Marvel Comics - mrgabehernandez
Sep 24, 2025Ultimate Spider-Man #21 offers stunning art and a fascinating look at Mister Negatives dark mind, but it is painfully light on Spider-Man and action. The storytelling waits in the shadows, refusing to advance the plot or excite the reader. This issue feels like a long intermission before the real show beginsand its hard to stay interested when the star barely shows up. Theres promise here, but it needs to snap out of its moody haze and get moving fast. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Plot Mr. Negative kidnaps James Wesley to torture him and extract information about the Kingpin, as he wants to defeat him for all the humiliations he has suffered and force him to join the Sinister Six. Mr. Negative has the power to bend people's wills with his words. Wesley reveals to him that he is not loyal to the Kingpin, but rather to the Mysterio cult he belongs to. Harry and Otto have a secret; Otto warns Harry that he must divorce Gwen. At the Mysterio cult meeting, James Wesley reveals that he betrayed them and that he is wearing a bomb vest...and it explodes. It is unknown who survives, but Gwen is the last one to scream. A shocking ending that leaves us breathless; the narrative tension of this series is addictive. more
+ Like • Comment• Likes (1) -
9.0
Some crazy twists there
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8.0
I thought it was a good story. Just missing Spider-Man. Normally, I would hate that, but I like the world building issues of this series.
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7.5
Art: 4/5 Story: 3.5/5 Total: 7.5/10
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7.0
This issue was really scattered and the first one where I will agree with some of the nay-sayers that the story took a hit due to its following of the month an issue format. It all felt very rushed but also like a punt story-wise. This would have worked with better build up and more space for the climax, I worry that next issue is going to feel like a complete transportation from where we last left off with Peter and the gang. Also convenient way to avoid any fall out or follow up from the climax of the last issue. The montage near the end feels like a slap in the face, that's the story I wanted to see.
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5.0
I am going to make the executive decision to stop reading this book, and basically read the final issue. Jonathan Hickman is a writer that a lot of people love, but I have reservations. It's like after Hickman left his X-Men books, he just doesn't have that spark or hook like Fantastic Four, or Avengers, Secret Warriorsor even his Ultimates. Ultimate Invasion, G.O.D.s, Imperial just don't have that magic in it. Hickman likes to shake up status quo and change things to make sure the characters aren't stagnant. But he also likes decompressed long-running story-telling. He takes some high-level concepts, but he makes it vague sometimes. But he also has really strong character moments with GREAT dialogue that hits home. I bring this up be more
+ Like • Comments (1)• Likes (2) -
5.0
Much like others have pointed out, this story has drifted from its original focus. Unlike Hickman's work on Fantastic Four and Avengers, his final issues here don't quite stick the landing. What began as an excellent character study of Peter/Spider-Man has shifted into an extended spotlight on the supporting cast. While their backstories and development are handled well, a Spider-Man comic without enough Spider-Man doesn't quite work. It feels as though the book might be trying to set the stage for the upcoming Ultimate Endgame, but in the process, Peter's growth into the hero we want him to become has been sidelined. Maybe I'm nitpicking, but it often feels like Hickman starts strong only to lose momentum-his X-Men run, Decorum, and more
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5.0
Jonathan Hickman wants to write anything other than a book featuring Spider-Man. The title character has been barely in the book for much of the series and when he is featured... it's not doing any heroics. Spider-Man has not thrown a single punch since issue #18 in a single panel. Let that sync in. If Hickman wants to world build , write D&D guides or a story with dinners and side quests etc he should do that and not waste my $ with a Non Spider-Man book. Give me the title character in a book with stakes.
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2.0
Easily the worst issue by far. Damn it's sad how disappointing this book has become. I am intrigued to read this till the end, but oh boy is this poorly made series. Again, is this a bad issue in a vacuum? No. Enjoyable one. But the idea is so stupid. This. This??? We have 3 issues left after this and this is what Hickman decides to start focusing on??? A side villain??? Yeah it's nice to get backstory for a character introduced 14 months ago. BUT IT'S NOT THE MAIN PROTAGONIST OR THE ANTAGONIST. AND WE KNOW SO LITTLE OF EITHER OF THEM . Like I don't get how this book is praised as a good Spider-Man comic. How is this a Spider-Man comic at this point??? It's like Hickman is deadly afraid of showing us anything related to Peter at more
+ Like • Comments (2)• Likes (3) -
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2025 In Review:
