Thread by @KTF2004

I think the coolest thing about #UltimateSpiderMan that doesn't get talked about enough is how Hickman flips the Spider-Man narrative on its head. Whereas, 616 Peter learned about responsibility. 6160 Peter learned how to use the power he was given.

Let me explain (A 🧵)

We all know the story of Spider-Man. But, one of the things that gets overlooked quite often with Early Spider-Man is how selfish he is. Throughout the Ditko era, Peter uses his powers JUST so that he can make money. He rarely goes out to fight crime because it's the right thing.

He has Great Power, but he doesn't understand the Responsibility behind it. Yet, he finally does during Spider-Man No More, and he is reminded of his Uncle Ben. It is there that he realizes his potential and vows never to look away ever again. And the very next issue, he-

Follows through! He becomes a full-fledged, bonafide superhero. Hell, he becomes so obsessed with fighting crime that Peter straight up forgets to take pictures of his fights because he's more worried about saving people now. And it's a cool arc.

Issue 50 is when Peter TRULY becomes Spider-Man. You can really argue that up until then, he's had a slow hero's journey, which culminates in him finally beating his angst and becoming the hero he was supposed to be. Issue 50 , in a way, is the proper end to his origin story.

Let's take a look at 6160 Peter. There's one key difference between Ultimate Peter and regular Peter. When we meet him, he's already an altruistic and responsible person. By far, he is the most unselfish Peter we've possibly met. Probably because he's a dad!

In issue one, we see that Peter deeply cares about the people around him. He's constantly thinking about his family before himself. He is a RESPONSIBLE person. He's unselfish. And we keep seeing more of it as the series goes on. Peter puts others above himself. But, he has a flaw

Peter's one fatal flaw is his confidence. Because the Maker altered this reality the way he did, Peter grew up in a very controlled society. He is the child of a world that shot his potential, and he knows it. But, some part of him doesn't think that he's worthy of that destiny.

Which is why he doesn't immediately let the Spider bite him. It's not a brash decision he makes to spice up his life cause it's boring. It is a patient choice that he deeply considers. Peter is not acting on impulse. He carefully chose this.

But, that doesn't exactly mean he's Spider-Man yet. He doesn't need the push to be the hero he was meant to be. Peter already knows it's the right thing to do. Buuuut...he's dogshit at it. He's made the first step, but he has no idea what to do. He still doesn't know who he is.

That's when he meets Harry. Unlike Peter, he has EVERYTHING figured out. He knows what he has to do, he knows who he has to fight. He has all of the answers. Harry has the one thing Peter doesn't. Confidence.

Harry wasn't handed his destiny to him by Tony. Harry took it and he became the hero he needed to be. Which, makes it a no brainer, that he should be the one to tell Peter that with Great Power comes Great Responsibility.

But the line doesn't exactly mean the same thing here. Whereas 616 Peter learns it to do good. 6160 Peter learns it to realize his POTENTIAL. He already has the Great Responsibility. He's a father after all. He needs to know how to use the Great Power.

That's when Issue 6 happens. Not only my favorite issue, but the best issue of Ultimate Spider-Man so far. While Peter is still a little hesitant, he knows EXACTLY what he has to do now. He goes straight to the Kingpin, looking for a fight. Because he can't let evil people go on

This fight reminds me a lot of Spectacular's fight with Tombstone. They both lose the battle...but now they know about the war. From that point on, there's no turning back. Peter knows who the enemy is. He can put a face to it now. He has a purpose.

Nows the perfect time to mention how Ultimate Peter's family is so tied to his identity. Ben gives him the first push. May helps make the costume. Richard reminds his dad to stay safe for the people he's fighting for.

And in a beautiful, final panel. Swinging high above the city. Splashed with the light of a golden sunset. More proud and in love with her husband than ever. Mary Jane gives Peter his name. After a 6 issue long arc, Peter Parker finally becomes Spider-Man!

I think that's what makes the new Ultimate Spider-Man so unique. He isn't a character defined by tragedy. This Peter really doesn't fit the typical Peter Parker archetype like that. I don't think that's a bad thing in the slightest. That's what makes the book refreshing!

I'd also say he's a more realistic reimagining of Spider-Man. He mirrors a lot of adults in the modern day who struggle to find their place in the world, who wonder what to do, who wonder who they're supposed to be. That certainly relates to me a lot.

A lot of the fantastical elements of the story too feel grounded. Harry really feels like a guy in a suit. Peter gets beaten REALLY badly. Peter's strength is really no joke. Its played seriously, and it's the first time I've seen a "grounded" interpretation done perfectly!

Ultimate Spider-Man has spoken to me as a young man struggling to find his place in the world. I feel like my potential and confidence too has been shot by a world that feels built to go against me at times. This book truly does feel like it takes place in 2024.

The way Jonathan Hickman has reinvented the Spider-Man era in a way that truly does feel of the times is amazing. If you haven't already, go give Volume One a read. I hope my analysis was a fun read, and it did something to help you think about the story in a new way

End of 🧵!!

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