Ultimate Spider-Man #9

The big picture is starting to come into focus with Ultimate Spider-Man #9, and not just because Peter is behind the camera. Hickmans careful seeding of the Ben and Jonah plotline becomes vital in this issue, as MJ injects a sense of momentum for the two that clarifies the possible role the duo will have in taking down Kingpin. Paired with the more visually graceful sequence of Peter and Black Cat battling, the issue offers a little bit of everything needed for a great Spider-Man story. Checchetto and Wilson fire on all cylinders to deliver some of the best art of present Marvel, allowing the visual storytelling to excel past the writing in parts to convey the big picture treatise on Spider-Man supporting characters and their pivotal role to the title. Read Full Review

Ultimate Spider-Man #9 continues to show this series has legs, appealing to longtime fans with tweaks on the familiar while packaging it in an all-new and awesome experience. Read Full Review

This continues to be a special book. Read Full Review

Ultimate Spider-Man #9 continued to do more set-up for what Peter Parker and Harry Osborn's approach to being superheroes are. That led to a big fight against Walter Hardy's Black Cat that could have big ramifications to the end results of this Sinister Six story. In the middle of all that we get some solid character development for the supporting cast as well. All of that comes together for another strong issue of Ultimate Spider-Man. Read Full Review

Checchetto delivers beautiful art in the issue. I love the visual style of this series and the character designs. I was hoping for more action, but what I got was visually satisfying given the story. Read Full Review

Ultimate Spider-Man #9 is a generally solid issue that gives Peter's suit an upgrade (again), gives J. Jonah and Ben a marketing lesson on running a newspaper (?), and pits Harry and Peter against the first member of the Ultimate sinister Six to join the hunt. Overall, Jonathan Hickman's pacing picks up a bit, and the developments here range from interesting to amusing, but the pacing is much too slow to hold interest for anyone but hardcore fans, and Peter's lack of concern for himself and his family's safety is a head-scratcher. Read Full Review

The issue is a fun read, and really interesting in terms of character development. But if you're looking for a knockdown drag out fight, then this isn't the issue for you. The scenes between Harry & Peter at the end of the issue are the real highlight, and is the start of a point I think all the readers have been waiting to see start happening. Despite the misstep that is this issue, I fully anticipate the next one will be a return to form. Read Full Review

derbycomics

Sep 28, 2024

This series makes me smile. I could wax poetically about Hickman’s writing or Checcetto’s art, & I’ll get to those in a bit, but at the end of the day I could read this series in any mindset & I’d instantly have a smile in my face. This book is exactly why I read comics. Is there a better feeling than that? Between Ben/JJJ/MJ figuring out their business model or Peter & Harry discussing their ideas on crime fighting, Hickman is creating human stories. Strip away all of the superhero aspect of it all & this would still be captivating dialogue. Hickman is also laying the groundwork for these character dynamic to take multiple paths. Will JJJ remain a more joyful version of himself or will the Spider-Man stories overshadowing his i nvestigative journalism be what pushes him to come full circle & hate Spider-Mqn? Can Harry continue staying a benevolent Goblin or are starting to see the cracks form on his path to villainy? Hickman has done such a great job that any direction he chooses will feel earned. Checcetto on this book may be the best writer/artist pairing Marvel currently has — & they have some strong teams! Every panel looks cinematic. The character designs, Spider-Man’s poses, the action sequences. His use of shadowing during the scene w/ Otto gave me goosebumps. Matt Wilson’s colors ooze with drama & lettering by Cory Petit & Joe Caramagna provides depth. The “sploooosh” onomatopoeia after a water tower collapses was splendid. Ultimate Spider-Man’s debut issue instantly proved this new Ultimate Universe had leg. It gave the other series a platform to explore familiar concept in new ways that didn’t feel like cash-grab gimmicks. Nearly 10 months later it remains the Universe’s crown jewel & continues to impress & build on its own success w/ each new issue. more

Un Cómic Más / Dave DSG

Sep 28, 2024

Plot JJ Jameson and Ben are concerned that their newspaper "THE PAPER" only has news about Spider-man, but MJ tells them that they should follow that line while they grow with their marketing strategy, then they will be able to write the articles they want, both are investigating Kingpin and the Stane/Stark company. Otto offers Peter and Harry the opportunity to stop being spied on by Tony Stark, Peter rejects a Spider Armor Mark I (homage to the spider suit of Civil War) but accepts a normal spandex suit. Peter and Harry face Black Cat, who is neutralized by an attack from Harry that almost leaves him dead, they already know that they are in the Kingpin's sights. Peter is worried about how volatile Harry is. This new arc continues with mystery and suspense, with an epic action sequence. Art It's loaded with cool details that explode in your face supported by subtle and well-placed textures, which gives a raw and powerful tone to this story that shakes and gives a realistic twist to Spider-man. It's organic and dynamic. Summary Peter and Harry face the first member of the Sinister Six, Harry loses control. more

Afre

Sep 25, 2024

One of the best issues in a while. Interesting new developments, a lot of stuff happening, great character moments and amazing art. What more can you ask for.

BirdmanG07

Sep 27, 2024

Great read, I can feel the build.

Jawnyblaze

Oct 01, 2024

This continues to be one of the best books on the shelf every month, and I'm not even a big Spidey fan. The art, writing, plot, everything is just top tier. The alternate Spidey suit that Peter turns down as a nice easter egg/gag. Quick pop for recognition, then Peter is like "nah, I'm good." heh

Hex

Nov 06, 2024

Harry is very quickly becoming a very scary dude.

Screaming Enigma

Jan 25, 2025

Great stuff, once again. Checchetto kills it on his front, as per usual, and Hickman continues to bring about interesting developments. The most interesting, this time, is the dynamic between Peter and Harry. I'm definitely getting the sense that we're going to see some stronger tension between them at some point, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how that plays out. Aside from that, everything else continues to be well-written.

daspidaboy

Sep 25, 2024

a nice twist on classic spider-man tropes. I like Hickman's writing for uncle ben and J Jonah Jameson

Kalaoui

Apr 04, 2025

Everything is measured and has weight, means something and is building towards something. New wrinkles on old characters. Hickman just delivers. We're not fudging around to fill space waiting for something even though we have 18 issues to get to the event but no space feels wasted. Marco Checchetto is on fire and his art never looked this good! Props to all!

Kenjamin

Jan 01, 2025

Art: 4.5/5 Story: 4/5 Total: 8.5/10

DDJamesB

Sep 29, 2024

Makes me wonder why we can't get an ASM run as well crafted as this. The art, the story, it all feels like it means something.

Comics Code Authorities

Oct 10, 2024

A pretty good issue with some good action. We haven't really seen much since #6. I still enjoy the Jameson and Uncle Ben subplots. Those headlines of theirs shows more of what I'd like to see. Spider-Man in action and actually beating the bad guy like he used to. Jonah's feelings on Spider-Man still aren't clear so I still wonder if he'll consider him a menace or something else. It's amazing how Uncle Ben of all people became such a kindred spirit and gave old JJJ a more mellow attitude. I do question Harry's actions and so would the Spider-Man I knew. This one smiled and accepted his reason for what he did while the original would've still not liked and protested it. It shows he still doesn't have the morals of the original. I know, it se ts them apart, but still.... We have one bad guy down and 3 to go. I hope Hickman doesn't spend so much time tying into Marvels crap that this ends up another totally unresolved arc with 4 still to go or something like that. This series is all I get from Marvel anymore. It definitely lives up to its reputation and has earned its place topping Amazing. It certainly leaves you already ready to see what's next. more

superstan52

Sep 25, 2024

"Action-packed issue?" Not unless you count lots of talking "action." A few pages wasted at the start: MJ has to school Jonah and Ben that break-out views and circulation is actually a good thing? Best part was seeing the seeds of GG eventually becoming an arch-foe. Otherwise, fairly pedestrian.

+ Like • Comments (1)

George - May 3, 2025

I’m reading this in trade. Don’t entirely disagree. And Taking mask off while being hunted doesn’t make a ton of sense.