Ultimate Spider-Man (2024) #9 review: Let the games begin

So far, Ultimate Spider-Man (2024) has favored creating three-dimensional and charming characters above explosive superhero action with amazing levels of success. However, we knew Peter Parker and Harry Osborn wouldn't get to be safe very long, as Wilson Fisk and his new ensemble of Sinister Six revealed their intentions to hunt the dynamic duo down. It's at that moment that issue #9 kicks things off, with the promise of new villains arriving in town while Peter and Harry still try to understand how their Stark suits work. But did the latest entry in the saga deliver on those promises of greatness? Let's find out!

The hunting games are upon us

Issue #8 of the saga made it clear the Sinister Six were coming - we just didn't know how would that happen. While the idea that issue #9 would present an inexperienced Spider-Man fighting against many iconic enemies simultaneously was interesting, Jonathan Hickman decided to take another route and it proved to be for the better. After all, Peter has lost most of his fights against big-name enemies at this point. Even the Shocker managed to escape the wall-crawler, only for him to be stopped by the Green Goblin later. This version of the friendly neighborhood hero isn't ready to fight against a whole team of supervillains... at least, not yet.

That's why the idea of Wilson Fisk making out a game of the hunt works incredibly well. As revealed by a new version of Black Cat, the Sinister Six were even given the option to pick their weapons, and it seems they are competing to see who could trap the spider first. That gives readers the time to be properly introduced to these villainous characters one by one before they eventually team up (you know, a la Marvel Cinematic Universe). While it will take some time to get there, it will make the pay-off all the more worth it. Meanwhile, we get to see Spider-Man battle different villains across many issues which is a plus.

Ultimate Spider-Man (2024) #9 also delivers an action-packed finale, which works incredibly well for a saga that has mostly taken things slow. Better yet; the confrontation between Spider-Man, the Green Goblin, and Walter Hardy's Black Cat ends in a rather bloody way for the latter supervillain, leaving the doors open for Felicia to enter the scene in the upcoming issues. Besides, the fight's resolution also gives us the chance to see a rather dark side to Harry Osborn.

The Sinister Six aren't Peter's only problem

Ultimate Spider-Man (2024) #9 ends with Peter Parker and Harry Osborn arguing about how to deal with the supervillains threatening New York City. While the former wants them to act like heroes and attempt to stay away from any casualties, the latter makes it clear he would always choose to save a close friend or relative in favor of a criminal no matter the outcome. Both of them make compelling arguments, giving readers a better idea of who they really are and how they act in dangerous situations. Better yet, it's a great way to naturally build up their eventual rivalry (because it's bound to happen, right?).

Many modern Spider-Man stories like to introduce Peter and Harry as former best friends, only for them to quickly switch into being mortal enemies. We rarely have the time to see that friendship form and feel natural, but that's exactly what readers find in Ultimate Spider-Man (2024). It truly feels like the duo could save the world while maintaining a close relationship. That will make it even more heartbreaking when they clash with each other, bringing high emotional stakes to their fight. I'm sold on Jonathan Hickman's take on these two beloved characters, and I can't wait to emotionally suffer when they turn into sworn enemies.

Speaking of supervillains, we also get a glimpse of Otto Octavius' evil side when the Iron Spider suit that he built is rejected by Peter. That brief moment comes thanks to Marco Checchetto's detailed illustrations, which are splendid as usual. It's always nice to see the true nature of these characters months ahead of their transformation into classic Spider-Man villains. It lets readers know there was always something dark within them to begin with.

The saga still has its heart

We've praised Ultimate Spider-Man (2024) for its brilliant handling of characters. After all, they truly feel like real people and their interactions are the heart of the series. That's why it's nice to see many of those "human" moments in issue #9.

J. Jonah Jameson and Ben's struggles to balance publishing news they like and those that sell is a definite highlight of this chapter. Besides, M.J. trying to help the journalist-duo view the positives of their work also adds a lot of depth to that arc. Finally, it's heartwarming to see Peter and Harry make Christmas plans even when they have two very different lifestyles. Ultimate Spider-Man (2024) is more than a Spider-Man adventure. It's also a Peter Parker story, and we couldn't be any happier about it.

Veredict: another amazing read

Ultimate Spider-Man (2024) #9 delivers on the promise of the Sinister Six hunting down Spider-Man (individually, that is), while also building up many stories for the future, and advancing the plot in a way the two previous issues didn't quite manage to do. It balances the human moments with fast-paced superhero action and shows a glimpse of Spider-Man being a friendly neighborhood hero by stopping common thugs in news headlines. Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto prove once again they're an amazing duo more than capable of telling an emotional Spidey story, and we can't wait to see where their series leads us next.

Are you liking the series so far? Let us know on our social media pages! And be sure to stick around with Whatever A Spider Can for everything Spider-Man-related.

Ultimate Spider-Man (2024) #10 will be published on October 16, 2024.