(Originally written June 14 2012)
Here's a small history lesson. Everyone knows Peter Parker: your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Peter has been a staple in comic books for 50 years now. I learned so many of life's lessons from Spider-Man, whether it was through the '90s cartoon series, or the comic books themselves. The importance of responsibility, giving people a second chance, and sometimes denying your own wants and needs for the sake of other. Maybe I did not learn these lessons from Spider-Man himself, however the character always reinforced these beliefs. I don't have life all figured out, and I struggle with daily choices and temptations... and that's the part of myself I see when I read Spider-Man. To a generation raised on the idea that you can get whatever you want whenever you want, and you can do whatever makes you happy without any repercussions, it's a wonder that Spider-Man is as popular as he is.
In 2000, in an effort to boost sales (like there's ever any other reason), Marvel Comics launched their Ultimate universe, with "Ultimate Spider-Man" leading the way. The Ultimate line was an outlet to reintroduce classic Marvel characters in a modern light, while giving some of their creative minds an avenue to write stories that simply could not exist in the original Marvel Universe. This Ultimate universe was a huge hit, with titles like Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Fantastic Four, and The Ultimates (their version of the Avengers). I never cared for the Ultimate line... while some interesting stories were being told, I did not need reimagined characters to be entertained. I do own a few issues of Ultimate comics, but nothing ever made a lasting impact. I just prefer my classic Marvel universe. 616 for life, home slice!
In 2011, the Ultimate universe's Spider-Man, the character that garnered enough attention and interest to spur on the creation of Ultimate comics, the character that so many people are able to relate to, died. After a long fought battle with the Green Goblin, young Peter Parker collapsed, dying in Mary Jane's arms. His identity was made public, as he inspired many through his death. One of those he inspired was a young man named Miles Morales. Miles gained his own spider-like abilities through a spider bite, and chose to become a new Spider-Man, dedicating his life to the legacy of the great fallen hero.
Now, for the first time ever, Marvel's classic 616 universe will crossover with the Ultimate universe, bringing the Spider-Man we've seen and grown with for 50 years face to face with the Spider-Man who has just recently put on the tights, and is still learning the ropes (webs?). This first issue was great. Artwork, writing, story progression... it's a very well done. As i mentioned before, everything in comics is done to increase sales... bottom line. It appears that Marvel is simply trying to get even more of the spotlight on their new Ultimate Spider-Man by crossing him over with one of the most loved characters of all time. I think it will work.
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