Written by: Jonathan Hickman
Art by: Marco Checchetto
Colors by: Matthew Wilson
Letters by: VC’s Cory Petit
Cover art by: Marco Checchetto, Matthew Wilson (cover A)
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: July 31, 2024
Ultimate Spider-Man #7, by Marvel Comics on 7/31/24, finds Peter and Harry testing the limits of their new suits after turning on new features. Meanwhile, Captain Britain and Wilson Fisk take steps to address their superhero problem.
Is Ultimate Spider-Man #7 Good?
Now we’re cooking with web fluid. I’ve enjoyed Jonathan Hickman’s foray into the Ultimate Spider-Man canon, but the series hasn’t managed to avoid at least one or two sticking points in every issue. Ultimate Spider-Man #7 finally breaks the mold with good pacing, interesting developments, and a growing sense of momentum toward some goal. Let’s hope it continues.
When last we left Earth-6160 in Ultimate Spider-Man #6, readers were treated to an issue-long origin story explaining how Harry Osborn became the Green Goblin. In short, Harry’s parents died in the Council’s attack on NYC, leaving the totality of assets in Oscorp to Harry. When Wilson Fisk generously sold Stark/Stane Industries to Oscorp, Harry acquired the technological genius of two mega-companies, leading to the discovery of Howard Stark’s Iron Man armor and many concerning secrets.
In Ultimate Spider-Man #7, Otto Octavius gives Harry and Peter a crash course on the differences in their suits. The differences give each hero unique combinations of strength and speed, but both suits can connect to a network to receive remote commands (Peter is anxious to have that option turned off), and both suits can be imprinted with a personal A.I. using the personality of anyone they choose. Peter chooses himself, and Harry his deceased father, Norman.
Elsewhere, Gwen and MJ arrive at the offices of Ben and J. Jonah’s fledgling new publication to find the men are not there to show Gwen where her investment money went. Ben and J. Jonah secretly meet with Robbie Robertson, who turns over incriminating information that he knows The Daily Bugle won’t print. Their meeting concludes with the hint that Robbie will be changing jobs to work for Ben and J. Jonah in the future.
Hickman’s continuing focus on Ben and J. Jonah may seem inconsequential here, but their meeting suggests that Wilson Fisk’s dealings with the Council may be brought into the light of public scrutiny. To be clear, you never see what Robbie turns over, but from the reactions of everyone present, it’s big.
The issue cuts to a quiet meeting between Captain Britain and Wilson Fisk. If you read Ultimates #1 and presumed Captain Britain died during the battle, it appears the rumors of his death were greatly exaggerated. Britain and Fisk are increasingly concerned about the emergence of superheroes, so Britain brought more assassins (Bullseye clones) to take care of the situation. Fisk tells Britain there’s no need because he has “six” plans to deal with the problem.
Hickman smartly uses this scene to confirm that the Council is aware of heroes, isn’t tolerant of heroes, and is willing to take steps to eliminate heroes. Even if the Maker’s return wasn’t looming, this scene serves as clear motivation to drive the Avengers forward. Also, Fisk’s last statement could signal that we’ll see an Ultimate version of the Sinister Six.
Later, Harry and Peter commence sparring under the watchful monitoring of Otto Octavius. Once the two get their licks in to establish a baseline, Otto activates the A.I. in their suits. The issue concludes with leveling up, two very different forms of encouragement, and a scheduled visit.
Hickman kicks the issue off on a fun note by playing with the cool toys and hinting at upgrades, which borrow heavily from the MCU version of Spider-Man. However, Hickman takes the onboard A.I. concept a step further by allowing Harry and Peter to choose their avatars, which speaks volumes about their personalities and hangups, a development that will come into play later.
Overall, Ultimate Spider-Man #7 is the most structurally sound and entertaining issue yet. You get character development, action, intriguing teases, and momentum towards a goal. Hickman may have taken too long to get the title on sure footing, but this issue hits an enjoyable stride.
How’s the Art? Marco Checchetto continues to prove he was the right choice for this series. Checchetto has a great eye for scale by delivering clean, visually engaging panels that work equally well in close-ups or wide shots. The action hits with speed, direction, and force. The character acting through facial expressions and gestures is excellent. And Matthew Wilson’s grounded colors look amazing.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
Follow @ComicalOpinions on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Final Thoughts
Ultimate Spider-Man #7 is the strongest issue in the series so far because the plot takes center stage over the world- and character-building. Hickman delivers a feast of engaging character moments, action, intriguing teases, and the sense that this series is building toward something important. Plus, the art team’s output is spectacular.
8.8/10
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