I usually read and review trade paper backs instead of single issues for a number of reasons - mainly because single issues usually lack a complete story and depth. But I made an exception for this one - The 200th issue of Ultimate Comics Spider-Man.
This was probably the most emotional single issue comic I’ve ever read.
In Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #200, the current Spider-Man, Miles Morales, is invited to the 2nd anniversary of Peter Parker’s death. There he meets Peter’s loved ones - Aunt May, Mary Jane, Gwen, and the rest of his superhero gang.
It’s a standalone story that involves a group of people talking and trying to get over their grief. Spiderman doing nothing spider-y may sound boring on paper but believe me, it’s a very gripping comic.
It definitely hit all the emotional beats. A number of panels didn’t have dialogue, and it needn’t have any. It’s actually in these silent moments that the drama becomes more palpable and profound. This issue reminded us of the heartbreak we all felt when Peter Parker died in Death of Spider-Man. It felt that we too, as readers, were re-mourning Peter’s passing/celebrating Peter’s life.
Wonder what's going through MJ's mind right now...
Peter’s friends talked about what Peter could have been if he had lived. (Go ahead, hammer away at our emotions, why don’t you.) There were a lot of great character moments - Kitty Pride’s version of what could have been was easily the most crushing, while Miles’ had me hoping Peter really HAD lived. But all were unique and deeply touching.
What could have been...
Kudos to you Mr. Brian Michael Bendis, for this grief I’m feeling right now. It’s amazing how you created a character so loved that his death still resonates after killing him off in 2011. It’s no wonder this title survived 200 issues, the death of its main lead, and 2 reboots.
Peter Parker is one of the most beloved characters in the Marvel universe. Losing him was a great blow to his family and fans alike. But ironically, he was very much alive in this issue. I love Miles Morales and how he’s carried on your legacy, but having you both would just be double the awesome!
We miss you, Peter Parker!
If you want some back story on this issue (although you can get it through context clues) here are a few reads I would suggest:
- ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN VOL. 1: POWER AND RESPONSIBILITY (Ultimate Spider-Man # 1-7)
- ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN VOL. 1: THE WORLD ACCORDING TO PETER PARKER (Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 2 # 1-6)
- ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN VOL. 4: DEATH OF SPIDER-MAN (Ultimate Spider-Man # 156-160)
- ULTIMATE COMICS FALLOUT (Ultimate Comics Fallout # 1-6)
- ALL-NEW ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN VOL. 1: WHO IS MILES MORALES? (All-New Ultimate Comics Spider-Man # 1-5)
- SPIDER-MEN (Spider-Men # 1-5)
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