Written by: Jonathan Hickman
Art by: Marco Chechhetto
Colors by: Matthew Wilson
Letters by: VC’s Cory Petit
Cover art by: Marco Chechhetto, Matthew Wilson
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: March 27, 2024
Ultimate Spider-Man #3 gives Peter’s pico-tech suite a glow-up (courtesy of May’s input) before deciding to hunt down the Green Goblin to find out why he’s attacking Wilson Fisk.
Is Ultimate Spider-Man #3 Good?
Jonathan Hickman may be getting a little heat for spending too much time on character- and world-building and not enough on plot, but in Ultimate Spider-Man #3, you get a pleasant balance of action, story, character work, and world-building. This issue won’t blow you away, but you will be entertained.
Previously, Peter’s attempts to get used to his powers and “smart suit” feel short when both encounters with the Shocker ended in defeat. After a body- and ego-bruising, Peter came home late and accidentally surprised young May Parker in all his Spider glory. After calming words, May seemed to embrace Peter’s new role. Meanwhile, we learned the attacks on Wilson Fisk by a masked man riding a glider were increasing.
Now, May secretly helps Peter with fashion advice to update his black pico-tech suit into the familiar red and blue. After a visit to the new offices of Ben and J. Jonah’s fledgling publication, Peter learns about the newly-named Green Goblin, the attacks on Fisk, the Bugle’s internal attempts to squash the story, and the locations where the Goblin has or likely will attack.
Peter puts the new red & blue suit through its paces with a stakeout in the hopes of encountering the Green Goblin. After a few days, he gets his wish when he encounters the Green Goblin in a serious fight against Bullseye. Spider-Man intervenes, helping to capture Bullseye. The issue concludes with masks off, where we learn the Green Goblin is Harry Osborn.
What’s great about Ultimate Spider-Man #3? Despite the well-done battle, it’s the simple moments between characters that bolster this issue. The brotherly charm between Ben and J. Jonah is solid, and Peter’s father/daughter chemistry with May is off the charts. Further, the reveal of Harry as the Goblin isn’t a surprise, but what he’s doing and why remains an intriguing mystery.
What’s not so great about Ultimate Spider-Man #3? It’s the intangibles that are lacking. So far, Hickman hasn’t established a major threat or challenge that puts Peter and his loved ones in harm’s way. In short, Peter is playing at being Spider-Man, but he isn’t showing any of the responsibility or urgency of what it means to BE Spider-Man. The famous “Uncle Ben” moment may be coming to give the series what it lacks, but for now, the vibe is a bit too casual.
How’s the art? Stellar. Chechhetto is firing on all cylinders with great action, a cool new look for Bullseye, and great character moments through gestures and expressions.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
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Bits and Pieces
Ultimate Spider-Man #3 lacks the urgency and “responsibility” that makes up the soul of a Spider-Man comic. However, what the issue lacks is adequately made up for with fantastic art, immaculate character- and world-building, and an intriguing plot. You won’t be blown away by this issue, but you’ll enjoy it.
7.8/10