Ultimate Spider-Man #66-71 Talkback (Spoilers)

[Spider-Man]

With the events of "Carnage" behind him, Peter moves forward...

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #66
http://comics.toonzone.net/solicitations/2004-10/marvel-covers/t-ultimatespiderman66.jpg

Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils & Cover by: Mark Bagley

"Switcheroo" Parts 1 of 2. A bizarre occurrence brings Spider-Man and Wolverine together for the weirdest team-up in super-hero history! As the two struggle to unravel this mystery, their lives literally unravel. Why are both heroes too concerned with their own lives to work together? Strap yourself in, True Believer, it's all part of the ride you get when you buy a ticket for the team-up for people who hate team-ups!

Comments?

[Pyro]

It was good. Pretty funny. Peter's situation was funnier, while Wolverine's was interesting on it's own. I felt sort of bad for Aunt May and to a lesser extent MJ. At least Peter can let MJ know what happened later.

This was the first issue of USM I've picked up in a while. I stopped after 63, no reason really, just priority I guess. I'll pick up 64 and 65 later. I liked this issue.

[Tobias]

Did anyone else think something... bad... crossed Logan's mind when MJ hugged him?

[Somejerk]

Did anyone else think something... bad... crossed Logan's mind when MJ hugged him?
He does like the red heads.

[krazymed]

If this perverted version of humor isn't a one-time deal, I think the Ultimate ship might have it's first risky creative leak.

[SpiderPunk]

I don't know...I thought it was pretty funny. I wondering what happened it definally left me wonder what the hell was going on. But I can see being either really good or very bad.

[Icer]

I thought it was awesome, best Ultimate Spider-Man issue we've had in a very long time.

5/5

[Batmanfan]

i cant wait in my opinion one of the worst arc to come:eek: . Cant wait for the next arc to follow.

[Clayface]

This issue had it's moments, but come on, Bendis is scraping the bottom of the barrel here - I mean, a rehash of the old Freaky Friday/swapped bodies storyline? You can't get more lame and unoriginal than that. Either bendis is desperate for ideas, or someone in the editorial department forced this on him. If it was his idea, someone needs to fire his butt soon.

[jadrax]

Maybe the Carnage arc deliberatly sucked bad to make this hokey old plot look good? ;o)

[Batmanfan]

I thought it was awesome, best Ultimate Spider-Man issue we've had in a very long time.

5/5
WHAT!!! tell me what was best part of it please tell me because i am clueless. The whole thing with body shift is absurd and nothing really happened in this issue than wolverine going to school?? man i was dissapoint.

[PaQ]

I thought this was an interesting issue, a fun read, and an extremely hard to believe situation. It took me a few pages to realize what happened to Peter and Logan, and I'm really interested to see what exactly happened to cause them to switch bodies. I did like the interaction Logan had with Aunt May, MJ and then having to go to class so that Peter doesn't get dropped, and Peter just seemingly getting into trouble in Logan's body, cutting off his finger by accident. :D A pretty fun issue, I wonder how they're going to fix their situation.

[halinar]

My question is how did the adamantium grow back? Or did it?

[Storm]

This issue had it's moments, but come on, Bendis is scraping the bottom of the barrel here - I mean, a rehash of the old Freaky Friday/swapped bodies storyline? You can't get more lame and unoriginal than that. Either bendis is desperate for ideas, or someone in the editorial department forced this on him. If it was his idea, someone needs to fire his butt soon.

Ditto. I got this in the mail today and I was unimpressed with the issue and this was my first read at Ultimate Spider-Man and sadly my last. I hated when Marvel use to do the whole "This Is Not A Hoax/What If" issues esp. when they're cheesy like this one and I hope they don't bring them back. This issue had the scent of "fan-fiction" idea all over it and it was just bad. The dialogue was average. The art was okay. The cover art looks great however not enough for me to muster enough interest in this title.


- Fray

[SpiderPunk]

I agree that it wasn't the best issuse. But to say that it was horrible I believe is a littel harsh. I mean come on if was funny. I thought Peter was reacting great to wkeing up in Wolvie's body. I'm by no means saying this is a great arc. But it kept me interested and I'm curios to see where Bendis takes it. IT's only a two part arc so if it sucks it'll be over soon.

[Stu]

This was the best issue of Ultimate in a long time. After the boring Carnage arc, it's nice to see Ultimate return to form. Whilst it doesn't compare to the previous greatness that Ultimate reached, I'm anxious to see exactly how they managed to swap bodies.

Considering most of the mainstream X-Men/Spider-Man crossovers suck, it's cool to see Marvel's 2 flagship characters work so well together here.

The intro cracked me up too.

[Spider-Man]

I thought after the constant gloom from the last few months in this title it felt great to get a fun story in here. And that's all this is. Pure fun! I had a great time reading this and found myself laughing at so many parts. To all the blunders made on both characters, to the claws coming out at all the wrong moments, to the great debate over the worth of school, this was a fun flat-out issue. Is Bendis scrapping the bottom of the barrel? No. He just wants the reader to have a little fun after the past few somber months.

[Clayface]

I thought after the constant gloom from the last few months in this title it felt great to get a fun story in here. And that's all this is. Pure fun!

That's very subjective. I didn't find it that "fun". Yeah, I laughed a couple times, but mostly I rolled my eyes at the corniness of it.


I had a great time reading this and found myself laughing at so many parts. To all the blunders made on both characters, to the claws coming out at all the wrong moments, to the great debate over the worth of school, this was a fun flat-out issue.

I thought the debate about the importance of school was shallow, not well argued by either side, and not entertaining in the least. And the claws popping out at the wrong time didn't amuse me. Every time I saw Peter/Wolverine pop his claws and have the big surprised look on his face, all I could think of was that obnoxious kid from Home Alone doing that annoying scream when he slaps the aftershave on his face. It was cutsie kiddy humor.


Is Bendis scrapping the bottom of the barrel? No. He just wants the reader to have a little fun after the past few somber months.

Yes, he absolutely was scraping the bottom of the barrel. There are a hundred ways to have a "fun" issue without resorting to tired, overused plot devices that weren't funny the first time they were used.

[Spider-Man]

As you said: "Subjective."

I got a fun kick out of this issue plain and simple. Given all the darkness looming over the Spider-Man comics lately it was nice to see something so off the wall goofy. And yes the premise isn't the best but Bendis worked it fine, running with the goofy nature of it. Besides there is much farther to go before he's scraping the bottom of the barrel or whatever, at least in my opinion.

[Batmanfan]

That's very subjective. I didn't find it that "fun". Yeah, I laughed a couple times, but mostly I rolled my eyes at the corniness of it.



I thought the debate about the importance of school was shallow, not well argued by either side, and not entertaining in the least. And the claws popping out at the wrong time didn't amuse me. Every time I saw Peter/Wolverine pop his claws and have the big surprised look on his face, all I could think of was that obnoxious kid from Home Alone doing that annoying scream when he slaps the aftershave on his face. It was cutsie kiddy humor.



Yes, he absolutely was scraping the bottom of the barrel. There are a hundred ways to have a "fun" issue without resorting to tired, overused plot devices that weren't funny the first time they were used.

Man I couldnt agree more what you said!!

[Spider-Man]

The hilarious mis-match continues!

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #67

http://comics.toonzone.net/solicitations/2004-10/marvel-covers/t-ultimatespiderman67.jpg

Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils & Cover by: Mark Bagley

"Switcheroo" Part 2 of 2. Spidey and Wolverine continue to struggle to unravel this mystery, their lives literally unravel. Why are both heroes too concerned with their own lives to work together? Strap yourself in, True Believer, because this team up is about to get even weirder!

Comments?

[Tobias]

Now that this story is done... let us never, EVER, speak of it again. It was that bad.

[krazymed]

When the cover title is "jump the shark," the comic is in deep trouble.

[halinar]

Humm, guess my local store was shorted. Didn't see this one.

Bummer....

[Conekiller]

When the cover title is "jump the shark," the comic is in deep trouble.
It could be a writers version of "wink wink, nudge nuge" like the forced-on-the writers episode of Beast wars, where a really good ep was canned and they had to make a slapstick-ish ep. They titled it "Go with the flow" in a knowing nod to the fans.

I wonder how these 2 issues are going to be dealt with in Graphic novel format. I hope they don't occupy the last bit of the Carnage story, becase these antics kill any kind of drama the events of that story leave us with.

[Spider-Man]

Bendis make a silly and stupid story even sillier and dumber...it was laugh out loud hilarious. I'm glad to see Bendis taking a break from the doom and gloom to give us some great, stupid, cheap laughs. He eve takes some pot shots at himself in good fun. I can go a bit more indepth later when I post comments about the other books I got this week but this issue is just too hilarious. It's exactly what the longtime readers of this book readed - a breathe of fresh air...accompanied with silly antics.

[Icer]

5/5

It was hilarious, just like part 1. It made me laugh out loud (really), and no comics ever do that.

And it's definetly a nice change of pace since all this book is, is stack more unfortunate events on Peter over and over.

[Pyro]

It was pretty funny, I don't hate it. I liked the X-men's appearance and I had already figured out Jean did a mind swap.

Conekiller, I think this is the first of a couple team-ups. Next is Human Torch I think, and at the end they can all make a nice team-up trade.

[PaQ]

This was definitely an odd little 2 parter in USM, hopefully there's less ones like this and more.. better. lol. Anyway, I liked this issue a whole lot more than the previous one.

Peter unable to control Logan's claws at times, his hilarious call to the Xavier Institute. Not to mention Logan's unwillingness to wear much more than just the mask. I thought it was cool to see the X-men show up, and then the way Peter blew up was just hilarious. Colossus's reaction was great, not to mention Peter's reaction at the end when MJ told him they should wait till they're older for what "he" tried to do that morning. Fun issue, glad this little story is done though.

[Spider-Man]

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #68

http://comics.toonzone.net/solicitations/2004-11/marvel/t-ultimatespiderman68.jpg

Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils & Cover by: Mark Bagley


Part 1 of 2. Johnny Storm realizes that despite his new flame powers and fame on the horizon, he still doesn't have a high school diploma. And where does the young New Yorker enroll? Why none other than a certain Queens high school that also has one Peter Parker — Spider-Man — as a student. And what's up between Johnny and sweet Liz Allen? Watch the sparks fly!


Comments? What are your thoughts?

[Tobias]

Part 2 had better be better.

I expected this be a Peter Parker/Johnny Storm or Spider-Man/Human Torch issue. Not a Johnny/Mary Jane/Liz/whoever the hell else is in Peter's clique issue. I don't like how USM is becoming the Dawson's Creek of comics.

[randomguy]

I agree. If I get one more issue where Spidey's not in costume, heads are gonna roll.

[Pyro]

I agree with Tobias, but I still liked the issue. It's an interesting idea and it was executed well, however, it wasn't what I would have expected. I don't necessarily mind Peter not being in costume, since he's grieving over Gwen, and I think this is the first time he's given it up in the Ultimate series so it's acceptable. It seems he sort of regrets giving it up so I wouldn't be surprised if he's back in it soon anyway. Johnny gets more characterization here than in his own comic!

[Icer]

I was hoping it would be a funny 2 part story like Spider-Man/Wolverine Switcheroo.

Ah well, how much longer until Hobgoblin? yawn...
3/5

[kid_flash]

I actually dug the issue. If all we got were Spider-Man stories, well...frankly, it wouldn't be a Spider-Man book. Wouldn't feel right. It's nice to have an issue here and there which is just Peter in high school. It's what drew me into the series, and these character issues are usually the strongest. It's light, it's fun, it's a little sad...sounds about right to me, man.

How long can Bendis last with Peter out of costume? I have a feeling he's gonna test his limits here. More power to him, USM should never feel safe, but it should also never feel forced. Peter being out of costume for like two years would be forced.

And actually, the ending of this issue felt a little forced.

[Spider-Man]

I actually dug the issue. If all we got were Spider-Man stories, well...frankly, it wouldn't be a Spider-Man book. Wouldn't feel right. It's nice to have an issue here and there which is just Peter in high school. It's what drew me into the series, and these character issues are usually the strongest. And actually, the ending of this issue felt a little forced. I completely agree. I like seeing this side of his character and Bendis does a good job exploring it. He does a good job at making it seem so natural and real even given the extreme circumstances of the characters. I wonder how long he is going to make this "Not being Spider-Man too much" thing last. I think Bendis could really get alot out of that, and build up to him putting that costume back on in a big, dramatic way.

And the ending did seem a bit forced, but had to get to that Human Torch revelation sometime.

[PaQ]

This issue was better than the last two IMO. I didn't really like how any of the F4 characters looked, it just didn't look right, but I did enjoy reading the issue. I liked how Johnny was saying all those great things about Spider-Man.. too bad he got interrupted with a fiery situation. :p I'm interested to see where Bendis takes this, but I really haven't been wowed by USM lately.

[Spider-Man]

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #69

http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/good/images/0411/usm69sm.jpg

Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils & Cover by: Mark Bagley

Part 2 of 2. Johnny Storm realizes that despite his new flame powers and fame on the horizon, he still doesn't have a high school diploma. And where does the young New Yorker enroll? Why none other than a certain Queens high school that also has one Peter Parker — Spider-Man — as a student. And what's up between Johnny and sweet Liz Allen? Watch the sparks fly!

Comments? What are your thoughts?

[Spider-Man]

This is where Bendis shines! These kind of scripts with characters interacting so perfectly and so honestly, given the extreme situations of their powers or situations. Not only did we get great character moments, but the first official Spider-Man/Human Torch team-up! The action sequence towards the end, with the building going up in flames, was pretty impressive and well done by Bagley. This is one of the best issues this book has had in awhile and I hope Bendis continues onward. These light issues have been a breathe of fresh air from the past dark arcs.

[PaQ]

I really liked this issue. This was better than the previous and this little teamup was a lot better than the Wolverine one IMO. I liked how MJ talked Peter into talking to Johnny as Spider-Man, and how they saved the day. Only to see the naiveté of Human Torch as the Police come towards them, thinking they wanted to thank them. Very nice issue, well worth the read.

[SpiderPunk]

I dug it, I thought that Bendis showed us how good a team-up can be sometimes. It was a good read, I was getting a little worried that Bendis was losing it but it's good to see him writing well. And Bagley's art rock.

[Tobias]

It was nice to see Spider-Man actually show up in his own title for once. Hopefully we'll get more Spidey/Torch team ups down the road.

[Spider-Man]

I don't mind Bendis keeping the costume off for a little bit. It's not a bad idea to show us more about the characters before diving back in to the superheroics. It's a great idea to flesh them out more and Bendis is doing a great job getting under Peter's skin. Peter is going through alot right now and Bendis is really taking advantage of it.

[Spider-Man]

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #70

http://comics.toonzone.net/solicitations/2004-12/marvel/t-ultimatespiderman70.jpg

Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils & Cover by: Mark Bagley

In the midst of Peter’s bizarre dreams and flashbacks, he goes to see the one man who might be able to help him — Dr. Stephen Strange — Master of the Mystic Arts! Special appearance by the Ultimates, too!

Comments? What are your thoughts?

[PaQ]

I really liked this issue. Now I only jumped on to USM during the end of the Carnage arc, so I don't know much of what happened before, so just having this storyline involving the Ultimate version of Dr. Strange is cool. Poor Spidey's run into the Ultimates ending in just more frustration from the attitudes, but the whole dream sequence thing was interesting. I can't wait to see how he's going to get out of this current mess. ****

[Reed Richards]

great issue

loved Ultimate Deathlock!!!!!!!!

peters speech about how all these guys are angry over things theyve missed out on in their lives was nice. somehow, i can relate

anyway, good issue. i love the ultimates AND dr. strange, so this arc should be a lot of fun...

[Spider-Man]

I thought that Ultimate Deathlok was a great nod too. I knew exactly who he was the second I saw him. It's nice to see they kept his design pretty much exactly the same as his regular universe look.

I found this to be a pretty good issue though. I like Spider-Man interacting with the universe around him a bit more. The past few issues have been fun and this storyline looks lto be just as good. The fake out with the MJ/Peter dinner was a good way to get us into the story and it was great how Bendis dropped alot of hints that there was something really wrong here.

My favorite line of the issue had to be Clint's barb towards Peter: "See you at the Prom."

[Nick K.]

Great issue! I liked the Ultimates and Deathlock appearance. And... Strange seems really cool! Wonder what that thing was... looked like the creatures from The Village.

[Pyro]

I'm not familiar with the Deathlock character. I also wish the prime superhero team wasn't so unpleasant. I'm very interested to see how Strange will be developed in the Ultimate universe. The dream thing was a bit of a cop-out, but really want to see it continue.

[Spider-Man]

How sweet is the cover art for this month's Ultimate Spider-Man?

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #71

http://comics.toonzone.net/solicitations/2005-01/marvel/t-ultimatespiderman71.jpg (http://comics.toonzone.net/solicitations/2005-01/marvel/ultimatespiderman71.jpg)

Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils & Cover by: Mark Bagley

"Sorcerer Supreme" Part 2 of 2. Peter Parker has somehow gotten involved in a mystery involving sorcerer Stephen Strange! Will our dazed and deluded hero get to the bottom of this?

Comments? What are your thoughts?

[Conekiller]

that cover's cool, but not as cool as the freaky stuff going on in the last panel of the previous ish.

[Bearpod91]

i'm a BIG fan of ultimate titles and with a subscription for USM and UFF i'm loving this dream world idea. :evil: :evil: :evil: the evil stuff that goes in that head of petes is so crazy how does this story continue with smiles? and with all the stuff that he heard MJ said in the nightmare...wow thats ganna sting. and the cover..boom! it blows me away..but is the grey thing there on the left the hulk? i'm not sure but damn i cant wait for hobgoblin to come. and who was that guy in the nightmare controlling peter?

looks like we all need a Dr.Strange Jr in our minds at night..wow that sounds wierd..

hope hobby's ganna be good...2/02/05 Ultimate Spiderman #72!!!:D

[Spider-Man]

An excellent issue but the execution of the "dream" feel to the issue isa mixed bag I think. There are times when it looks great then turn the page and it's barely comprehensible. Still this is a great little look into Peter's mind. I wonder what this will do not only to his relationships with Aunt May and Mary Jane but how this will effect his crimefighting alter ego. An excellent issue with a solid if slightly flawed execution.