ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #21
"Hunted"
Highly Recommended (9/10)
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Marvel Comics
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Mark Bagley
Inks: Art Thibert
Colors: Transparency Digital
Letters: Sharpefont
Editor: Ralph Macchio
Price: $2.25 US/$3.75 CAN |
This easily stands out as the strongest issue of Ultimate Spider-Man since #13, and that's saying something. Bendis continues to shift the emphasis from the superhuman onto the human, making it easy to relate to the title character. He has injected logic and plausibility into the thoroughly incredible work of a teen that can cling to walls. It's issues like this one that helps the "Ultimate" version of Spider-Man to stand out as the best one to come along in decades.
Spider-Man has faced off against Dr. Octopus and now Kraven the Hunter live on camera, and the publicity -- and especially his own remarks about why he does what he does -- does wonders for his previously negative image. What the public doesn't know is that even a super-hero has to follow the rules of the household, as Peter Parker learns when he returns home after a chaotic and triumphant night.
Back in the 1990s, when Bagley took over the regular pencilling chores on Amazing Spider-Man after Erik Larsen, it was clear that his angular style and lithe figures were perfect for conveying the action and agility of the title character. He's brought that skill to bear in this title as well. But he's also demonstrated -- as he does in this issue -- that he can convey the more tender, character-driven moments as well. He's aided in that respect in the latter part of this issue by the colors, which help to establish a sombre mood that reflects the pain that both characters in this key scene are feeling.
Spider-Man's speech to the media may come off as a bit corny, but it also boasts a heartfelt quality. The character has been put through the ringer, and at a pivotal moment, there's a clarity and earnestness that comes over him that's compelling. Fortunately, there's also a down-to-earth tone in the dialogue that helps makes the dramatic moment more genuine.
The real payoff in this issue is the quietly climactic confrontation between Peter and May. Peter's a good guy, and he's doing amazing things for people he doesn't even know. But it's easy to forget how his focus on helping those others might end up hurting those close to him. Bendis reminds us this character has a lot to learn, and not just about using super-powers and putting on a mask. It's easy to relate to both Peter and May. We've all neglected those close to us, and we've all been neglected or forgotten. That universal humanity is this book's greatest strength.
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