Customer Reviews

Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 4: Legacy

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"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.

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!

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!

While the first appearance of the Ultimate Green Goblin was a bit disappointing, (it led to several fans accusing Mr. Bendis of 'bastardizing' the character, accusations not entirely unfounded; Norman Osborn was originally true to form, but the Goblin was severly lacking), this new encounter is sure to satisfy the most hardcore Goblin fans. Norman returns and threatens to ruin Peter's life, and kill his loved ones. He's also planning to assassinate Nick Fury, (Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.), and the guy's even brainwashing his own son! As one online reviewer put it, his badass level raises exponentially. How will Spider-Man combat the return of his greatest enemy, and how does Mr. Fury figure into all of this? You'll have to read it and find out!

The action is picking up with this collection of issues 22-27 of the Ultimate Spiderman, and shows no signs of slowing down.

Things go from bad to worse for Peter Parker, who has just finished battling both Doc Octopus and Kraven the Hunter, only to find that Green Goblin is back from the dead.

Green Goblin's character is much improved from Ultimate Spiderman's first story arc. The grunting and growling is gone, replaced with the very sadistic persona of Norman Osborn. Of course, Osborn's first priority after coming back from the dead is to completely wreck Spiderman's life. Naturally.

Brian Michael Bendis' work on this title is really extraordinary, he has such a grasp and feeling for these characters. The talent Bendis shows for dialogue is really out of this world and adds such a natural feel to his stories. Time has made Bendis very familiar with these characters and it shows.

Over time, Mark Bagley has gone from the weak link of this title to an integral contributor. I just love his pencils in this one, but I think some of his success comes from Art Thibert, the inker. Something has changed about the art in this title. I'm not sure which of these guys is responsible, but I love it.

Ultimate Spiderman is top-notch, have no doubts about it. Bendis isn't doing anything that hasn't been done before, but you'll be hard pressed to find a better written superhero story written in this day and age.

This is a great arc in the Ultimate Spider-Man series - in my opinion, the best of the ones I've read (up to Venom - Ugh!). So much is done well here - the story, the pacing, the art; everything seemed to work well together (well, almost everything). If I could give it four and a half stars, I would.

There were two things I felt were done especially well: the portrayal of the goblin's insanity and that Peter Parker's emotions. The goblin's insanity is masterfuly done - at one point we are actually see things through his mind, and witness the manifestation of his dementia, both graphically and in narritive. It makes for quite an effective - if disturbing - scene.
And Peter Parker is finally making some sense as a character; he actually reacts as one might expect a teenager in his position to react - terrified. Super powers or no super powers, the Green Goblin Parker faces is monsterously powerful, totally insane, and, worst of all, fully aware of Spider-Man's true identity and making use of it in a threatening way. It's all done in a very convincing manner - the drawings drive the fear home.

There are other nice surprises thrown in, that help build fill out the long term character of Peter Parker, adding continuity and connectivity. The Mary Jane/Gwen Tracy portions I like less, but it's harmless overall and doesn't hurt the highlights. Over all, the most intense arc I've read in the series so far (which, again, is up to volume 6).

Legacy is the best yet I have read of the series. When the new Green Goblin was first presented to me, I felt a little skeptical, but they have really blown me away with the gravity of this character. Norman Osborn is an evil evil villain, and Spider-man has scary consequences from now on. Legacy definately carried on the series and made me an Ultimate Spider-man collector.

Other great things this chapter offers; a great cameo that promises returning in chapters ahead, the love triangle between Mary Jane and Gwen Stacy is like a soap opera for us guys(in a good way), and Spider-man really gets serious and swings into some tough fights. I always enjoy Spidey on an angrier note as opposed to the comedic thug-puncher. Just you wait till the next volume. The story grows into tragic disaster!

But this is a bigger fight than in first issue. Nick Fury and Shield shows up to help Spidey. I really have a problem with Green Goblin being like the Hulk? Every villain is basically bulked up except for Spider-Man. There is a scene on the bridge with Goblin and Mary Jane and Spider-Man which looks eeringly similar to the death of Gwen, well somewhat similar. Another scene where Goblin battles Spidey at Osborne mansion looks like a scene from the movie but not entirely.

I agree with the other reviews here, the story is beautifully written, artwork is amazing and the reboot of Spidey keeps improving with each volume. I loved that the Goblin has been refined into a hulking green "mini-hulk" (as one other reviewer put it) and he is very scary and twisted, blowing away the version played in the Spiderman movie). Dialogue is excellent, you need to re-read it a couple of times to get the sutblities but its worth it. I give this volume top marks!

Here, Harry Osborn is back at school. His father is not a nice crazy green mini-hulk kind of guy. Nick Fury puts in an appearance at Peter's high school at tells young Spidey they are watching the whacko.

They are illegally spying on him and know that he has threatened violence and mayhem and murder, but they are waiting for him to do it publicly with evidence, so web-boy is on his own until then.