Ultimate Spider-Man Omnibus Vol. 4 (Ultimate Spider-Man

Ultimate Spider-Man Omnibus

by Brian Michael Bendis, Stuart Immonen (cover_art), David Lafuente (artist)

Collects Ultimate Spider-Man (2000) #112-133 And Annual #3, Spider-Man Requiem #1-2, And Ultimate Spider-Man (2009) #1-15.

With new artistic collaborators, Brian Michael Bendis shakes up the Ultimate Spider-Man's world! The Green Goblin escapes from prison - and he wants Peter Parker dead. Can Spidey's friends help him fend off the Goblin's vengeance-crazed attack? Meanwhile, one of Peter's classmates makes a startling She's a mutant! But when family secrets come to light, she may be forced to join Magneto's Brotherhood! Then symbiotes return - and as Venom takes on Carnage, Gwen Stacy's life hangs in the balance! And life will change forever when Magneto issues a terrifying Ultimatum and unleashes a tidal wave on Manhattan. Amid the chaos, villains see opportunity - and the up-and-coming Mysterio targets Spider-Man for elimination by any means necessary! Will a sinister imposter damage Peter's life beyond repair?

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Spider Man, Graphic Novels

872 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 27, 2010

About the author

A comic book writer and erstwhile artist. He has won critical acclaim (including five Eisner Awards) and is one of the most successful writers working in mainstream comics. For over eight years Bendis’s books have consistently sat in the top five best sellers on the nationwide comic and graphic novel sales charts.

Though he started as a writer and artist of independent noir fiction series, he shot to stardom as a writer of Marvel Comics' superhero books, particularly Ultimate Spider-Man.

Bendis first entered the comic world with the "Jinx" line of crime comics in 1995. This line has spawned the graphic novels Goldfish, Fire, Jinx, Torso (with Marc Andreyko), and Total Sell Out. Bendis is writing the film version of Jinx for Universal Pictures with Oscar-winner Charlize Theron attached to star and produce.

Bendis’s other projects include the Harvey, Eisner, and Eagle Award-nominated Powers (with Michael Avon Oeming) originally from Image Comics, now published by Marvel's new creator-owned imprint Icon Comics, and the Hollywood tell-all Fortune and Glory from Oni Press, both of which received an "A" from Entertainment Weekly.

Bendis is one of the premiere architects of Marvel's "Ultimate" line: comics specifically created for the new generation of comic readers. He has written every issue of Ultimate Spider-Man since its best-selling launch, and has also written for Ultimate Fantastic Four and Ultimate X-Men, as well as every issue of Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Ultimate Origin and Ultimate Six.

Brian is currently helming a renaissance for Marvel’s AVENGERS franchise by writing both New Avengers and Mighty Avengers along with the successful ‘event’ projects House Of M, Secret War, and this summer’s Secret Invasion.

He has also previously done work on Daredevil, Alias, and The Pulse.

Reviews

[Austin Baltes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contains some of the highest highs of the series, but really takes a nose dive after it gets to the renumbering after Requiem. It feels like a completely different series. Tainted Love part 4 might be my most hated single issue now.

I still definitely recommend ultimate Spider-Man, but maybe just read up through Requiem, and then skip to the death of Spider-Man.

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death of a Goblin (112-117). The return of Norman Osbourne as USM's biggest foe. This story has some real heft too and even if it runs just a bit too long, the ending makes it worthwhile. We also get some great use of Kitty, post-Peter, and she continues to be one of the highlights of this comic in its later days. [3.5/5]

Amazing Friends (118-120). A great excuse to bring together Peter, Bobby, and "Firestar". Also, a nice story for Liz and a nice crossover with the X-Men. (I'm confused that Magneto is out and about when he was still described as being imprisoned in the Death of a Goblin storyline, but so it goes in an interconnected universe.) [4/5].

Omega Red (121). A cute little coda to Amazing Friends that focuses on school & Bugle characters, which is to say: Peter's Amazing Cast. There's nothing deep here, but it's a fun read [3+/5].

Shocker (122). One of the strengths of Bendis' USM was the possibility for real repercussions in a slightly more realistic world. This is one of those issues [4/5].

War of the Symbiotes (123-128). What a muddy yet important story. The muddiness is due to the chronology, which is all over the place. Bendis wants to cleverly interweave events at the Triskelion and so he pushes much of this story into the past, and it's just confusing. The important part is that we get the continued story of the symbiote and Eddie Brock and most importantly the return of one of the most beloved characters in the series. Overall, a poignant story, even if it has a bit of an annoying non-ending [4/5].

Mysterio (A3). A fun little one-off that does well with Mysterio as a foe and has some great character development and advancement for several different people. But it's also all a setup for Spider-Men [4/5].

Ultimatum (129-133). This is Bendis' Spider-Man at its best, with great characters, moving moments, and great adventure. I'm not that sold on the silent final issue, but a lot of what led up to it is great. Also, very nicely integrated with Ultimatum. Though the story gains some depth when read with that other volume, it's entirely complete and comprehensible on its own. (Generally, Ultimatum seems to have gained a bad reputation over the years, but Bendis' work here showed how it could have been a good crossover without the Millar excesses.) [5/5]

Requiem. The fakeout that Peter might be dead due to Ultimatum is cheap, and Jonah's essay gets long in the tooth toward the end of issue #2, but this is nonetheless a good look at how Ultimatum has affected the cast and a strong turning point for Jonah [3.5/5].

The World According to Peter Parker (1-6). Six months after Ultimatum, Bendis offers us a soft-boot of the series that's pretty cool: Johnny Storm and Bobby Drake come to live with Peter and May! It's a status quo that's utterly unlike anything else in the Marvel or Ultimate universe, past or present. Then we get the continuing threat of Mysterio, who comes across quite cool. Overall, a great start to a new run, too bad it would be short-lived [5/5].

Crossroad (7-8). This two-issue story is just full of Ultimizations of stuff: the Serpent Squad, Project Pegasus, Captain Marvel. And it's also nice to see Peter, Johnny, and Bobby working together. But it's also a bunch of big action scenes without a whole lot of depth, except for the new character [3+/5].

Tainted Love (9-14). An excellent introduction of Ultimate Chameleon(s) and a fun look at how they mess up Peter's life. Plus, more great character growth for Jameson after what we already got in Ultimatum. And finally, a good look at Peter's whole home crew. You couldn't ask for much more as this era sadly comes to an end. [4+/5].

After Chameleons (15). The repercussions of the Chameleon(s) story is great. Lots of personal views. Then an absolutely heartbreaking final spread. As usual, Bendis is at his best with characters [5/5].

[Arthur Hucknall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been a few months since i read the 3rd omni but i was very excited to get my hands on this. Bendis keeps the pace of the previous books and the stories in this omni are great, i may argue some of the best on the series! The biggest let down however is the art. Assuming you’ve been reading up until the book you will be familiar with the style up until issue 133 (about 2/3rds into the book), from here the art changes to David Lafuente and i cannot express how genuinely painful it is to look at this work, not only does it supply one of the worst omnibus covers i’ve ever seen but it is also just painful knowing how good the stories being told are. It’s a real shame but would still recommend the book as bendis is a master with all things spiderman.

[Jota Houses · Rating 4 out of 5]

En esta última reseña incluyo varios retapados que entroncan en esta historia general como los números de otras colecciones que nos llevan al evento Ultimatum, el propio Evento, los distintos Ultimatum Requiem y la colección Ultimate Comics: Avengers vs. New Ultimates ya que por fin el Spider-Man de Ultimate se mezcla en la continuidad.
Le pongo la cuarta estrella porque, a pesar de que no me encantó el recurso Refugio de la Tía May para Superhéroes Adolescentes (y Gwen) el brutal enfrentamiento final y los números finales tras la muerte de Peter me dejaron echando la lagrimita como cuando mataron a la madre de Bambi (con Mufasa no me pasa, curioso).
El argumento está un poco más desquiciado que antes del Ultimatum y no se entiende muy bien que no lo maten en este después de dejarnos el acongoje para luego dar ese quiebro. A cambio prefiero el arte de Imogen en cuanto a realismo y el de Lafuente con sus pequeños guiños al lector español (Si sabes lo que era el Supergrupo échale un ojo a esta imagen).

[Joey Amorim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is easily the most inconsistent stretch of Ultimate Spider-Man. The Immonen era was mostly solid, but it was way too short. It’s the post-Ultimatum relaunch where things get weird. I thought I would hate David Lafuente’s art, but I have to admit it grew on me. It’s definitely very anime coded, but I feel it fit the more soap opera tone Bendis was seemingly going for. I found it hilarious that they felt the need to address Spidey’s round ahh head in-universe! The character writing, specifically for Peter, MJ, and Gwen is where the relaunch era feels like the biggest step down. I’d say that the reason for Peter and MJ splitting up is flimsy, but it’s honestly never really explained. The only thing we know is that MJ broke up with Peter, and that’s all we get, at least in this omnibus.

One more funny thing I noticed, and this is spoiling ahead a little bit, is that we get two different characters (Norman and Jonah) getting shot in the head and surviving in this single omnibus. Bendis clearly doesn’t believe that “they’re only dead if you can see the body,” because he’ll just have folks get one put in their skull and be like “Nah, they’re fine.”

[Harvey N · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

Not on the same level as the previous omni’s I think the main issue with the series is that the whole set of events takes place within 1 year of peter Parker’s whole life, and as the series goes on and he goes through so much stuff the time element ruins the element of character development. How are we as readers supposed to accept this all happens within 1 year?

Still though some great moments in this one and a look into Spider-Man’s lesser know rogue gallery, which was all fresh for me, the whole ultimatum wave coming out of nowhere seemed incredibly random for someone who isn’t reading the event specific comics, I guess this is the downside of superhero comics you can’t just read a single run and expect to know everything going on within the universe.

Overall I’m too deep into the series to not enjoy reading more! The lack of Baglys art was felt however, the two new artists who jump on do a decent job, although the style is very very different.

Worth the read but sadly falls off a bit.

[Harrison Delahunty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Immonen’s section is the best part of the book, and skews closest to where the series started in terms of feel.

Lafuente’s segment is where things go off the rails a bit for me. The storyline jumps bigger and bigger sharks at a rapid pace, and Lafuente takes time to settle in to the look he’s going for. It gives off the feeling of a sitcom that’s been running a little bit too long.

That said, though, there is still charm here and it’s all paced well. Bendis still has his standout moments amidst all the goofiness, though they’re perhaps a bit fewer and farther between than the earlier volumes. All told, this is an okay-to-good chunky collection of comics.

[Robert McCallum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another superb ultimate Spider-Man omnibus.

Like all these books there is very little filler which tends to make the quality so much more consistent throughout the book.

The first series makes up the bulk of the book and is the strongest part - both in writing and art. The 15 issues of the 2bd series are ok but no better than that. Art also is average at best.

Still, some top class stories in here that are well worth your time

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This still continues to be an exemplary Spider-Man story (and story in general) and having Bobby Drake and Johnny Storm be more included adds for some great character back and forth. While the art is still good, I do really miss Bagley's style since I associate it with USM. A great continuation, even though I know what this is all building to.

[Josh Prynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say the writing in this was at least 4.5⭐️ but I really missed Bagley’s art in this omnibus. There was a shift in art about 3/5 and to be honest I wasn’t the biggest fan but the writing and story arcs definitely kept me excited as I was reading this.

Definitely worth if you’ve read omnibus 1-3 and if you love Spider-Man.

[Joshua]

Bendis Spidey omnibuses are both the wordiest and the ones I read the quickest. I’m having a great time.

[Sadiel Giron · Rating 3 out of 5]

First half of the book was really good. The requiem 2 issue story was probably my least favorite out of the bunch. The rest of the book was solid.

[Jared Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I miss Bagley.

[Connor Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only read ultimate Spider-Man not the other comic in the omnibus, I miss you so much mark bagley 😭😭

[Hush · Rating 3 out of 5]

First half is solid but the second half is so bad, art, plot points, how some characters act, everything

[Kamen Rider Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esta no es solo una calificación y reseña para este volumen específico del ómnibus de Ultimate Spider-Man original, sino un homenaje a toda la serie en general.

Ultimate Spider-Man fue, para mí, la puerta de entrada no solo al personaje de Spider-Man, sino al vasto y fascinante mundo de los cómics occidentales, después de pasar toda mi adolescencia leyendo únicamente manga. Este es mi Peter Parker. Su historia, contada a lo largo de este extenso viaje, tiene un lugar fundamental en mi corazón. Desde el primer volumen, con el arte constante y dinámico de Mark Bagley, la serie establece un tono fresco y moderno que captura la esencia del personaje, pero también lo reimagina de una forma que resonó profundamente conmigo.

Sí, reconozco que tras ciertos eventos importantes en la historia, el arte pierde algo de su consistencia y la escritura de Brian Michael Bendis comienza a mostrar altibajos. Pero incluso esos momentos, que muchos podrían criticar, los defiendo con fervor. Esos capítulos más tranquilos, los que se enfocan en el día a día de Peter, construyen algo invaluable: su familia encontrada. Ver cómo se rodea de amigos, aliados y seres queridos le da un peso emocional enorme a los momentos más oscuros y, especialmente, a su sacrificio final. Esa construcción lenta y detallada es lo que hace que su despedida no solo sea trágica, sino devastadora.

Las cinco estrellas que le doy a esta serie no pretenden ser objetivas. De hecho, creo firmemente que la objetividad en el arte es un mito. Pero más allá de eso, no puedo ser objetivo con algo que marcó mi inicio en el mundo de los cómics, que me enseñó a amar a estos personajes y a sus historias de una manera completamente nueva. Ultimate Spider-Man no es solo una serie para mí; es un recuerdo, un descubrimiento y una parte importante de mi historia como lector.

Amo esta serie demasiado, y siempre tendrá un lugar especial en mi estantería y en mi corazón.

[Francisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spider-Man Requiem broke me. Bendis really know how to write Spider-Man, but I do have an issue in how he writes other characters interactions with Spidey. I am still salty for what the Ultimate universe did to Daredevil and the Defenders. Alas, still a great run for Spidey.

[Kaiden Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ultimatum really hit best in ultimate spider-man. also i really like the art switch. it’s cute.

[Colton Skaleski · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st half was good. 2nd half was bad. I did not enjoy the soft reboot over everything that happened after ultimatum. And the way they did Peter and Mary Jane was dirty. They massacred my boy!