Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 4: Legacy [Paperback]

Brian Michael Bendis (Author), Mark Bagley (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Ultimate Spider-Man

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. ""Legacy"" includes issues 22 through 26 of ""Ultimate Spider-Man"" and tells the story of Peter Parker using his superpowers as Spider-Man to face off against the Green Goblin.

--This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Marvel (November 29, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785109684
• ISBN-13: 978-0785109686
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 0.2 x 10.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #118,521 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #97 in Books > Children's Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Superheroes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Spider-Man versus the Ultimate Green Goblin, April 20, 2003

By 

Lawrance M. Bernabo (The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 4: Legacy (Paperback)

"Legacy" collects issues #22-26 of "Ultimate Spider-Man" and continues the "re-imagining" of the character in the capable hands of writer Brian Michael Bendis. These trade paperbacks are thematic collections, which explains why the number of issues included each time varies. "Legacy" is about the new and evolved Green Golbin and the question of Peter Parker's secret identity. It is the latter that is becoming one of the defining features of "Ultimate Spider-Man."

The recreation of the Green Goblin in the mode of the Hulk makes sense to me; I always had a bit of a problem with the idea that insanity and a costume could allow the Goblin to slug it out toe-to-toe with Spidey (note the armor upgrade of the Goblin's costume in the blockbuster film version). But even more impressive is the way Bendis reworks the whole secret identity issue between the two; a lot of super villains have found out the secret identity of their arch enemy, which almost always involves an attempt to kill the superhero in question. However, the Goblin has a different plan, of sorts, for Peter. At the end of "Double Trouble," the Volume 3 collection, Spider-Man actually enjoyed a moment of glory. Of course it is all going to get dashed big time in this collection.

As is the case with the previous collections in this series, "Legacy" plays off of our knowledge of what happened in the first ten years or so of "The Amazing Spider-Man." The result is what might be the biggest shock he is ever going to throw our way and if you every think Bendis has gone too far this may well be the point. While your jaw is dropping at that point do not neglect to pay attention to the double look at a pivotal conversation between Spider-Man and the Green Golbin that Bendis creates; that was a nice little replay he threw into the mix.

Mark Bagley continues to provide the distinctive pencils for the series with Art Thibert's inks; hopefully this partnership with last longer than the original Stan Lee/Steve Ditko partnership. For those of us who have a comprehensive understanding of the Spider-Man mythos it is impossible for "Ultimate Spider-Man" to really stand on its own terms because we can also see the additions, deletions, and alterations. But if your familiarity of the good old days comes mainly from the movie, then I can certainly see where you could enjoy this all at face value.

At this point in the series Peter has told Mary Jane Watson that he is Spider-Man, but Norman Osborn knows the big secret, the Kingpin and Electro have seen Spider-Man unmasked, and Doctor Octopus is mumbling Peter Parker's name in his unconscious state. In "Legacy" we discover that somebody else knows the secret as well and that this has some rather significant implications for our hero when he turns eighteen (Peter is still about sixteen at this point). One thing you have to say for the story Bendis is spinning here is that he is always on the edge in terms of his re-imaginings. You might accuse him of going too far, but you cannot dismiss this series as a pedestrian reinterpretation of the Spider-Man saga. To date, I like it a lot.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars He's baaaaccckkkkkkk!, July 13, 2005

By 

Madelyn Pryor "Goblyn Queen" (Mesa, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 4: Legacy (Paperback)

This review is for Ultimate Spider-Man vol. 4 paperback edition: Legacy

You can never keep a good villain down. That's true for all comic book worlds, including Ultimates, which is why Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin makes his return in this addition to the Ultimate Spider-Man library. Far more twisted and evil than in volume 1, Norman is determined to either own or destroy Peter. Nor is Norman Osborn the only threat presented. Nick Fury, of Ultimates fame, makes his presence known to our favorite wall crawler, upping the level of danger for all involved. The end of the original Goblin is slightly different than in original continuity, and more touching in my humble opinion.

Bendis continues to grow and improve with his characterization as he makes these very classic characters his own. The dialog is flawless, appropriate, and flowing as always. His way of showing the madness in Osborn is brilliant, and must be seen. Once you've read those pages, re-read them. It's worth the time and it's too much to take in at once. Bendis is one of the most beloved and well known writers in the comic book industry for a reason, this volume showcases his talents well.

Bagley and Thibert also continue to grow and find their own take on the characters. Their rendition of the Green Goblin is horrible, interesting, and chilling. The human characters are marvelously human, which doesn't happen much in comics anymore.

While this volume can be read alone, I recommend having read at least vol. 1 before. It is appropriate for all ages, and is enjoyable for newcomers and seasoned collectors alike.

This volume reprints Ultimate Spider-Man issues #22-27. Highest recommendations!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST SPIDER-MAN BOOK EVER, March 6, 2003

By 

A. Luna "Strange Hero" (Brea, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 4: Legacy (Paperback)

I'm not really a huge fan of spider-man, but a friend introduced me to the ultimate universe. The first couple volumes of ultimate spider-man were really good, but Legacy has to be by far the best one. I cannot begin to explain to you how great this is.... WOW!. This book definetly goes down in my list of favorites. The characters written are so well developed and in some parts you just want to scream in excitment. During one scene of the story my jaw acctually dropped and I could not turn the page for a couple of minutes in the shock of what was happening. Bendis just [does awesome]in this book. Peter Parker is just amazingly well done. I think the reader acctually begins to fall in love with Mary Jane while all at the same time hating Norman Osborn. WOW! Read this book, it doesnt matter how just read this book. Even if its just for the well drawn art, read this book!