Rating: 
Summary: Retelling the story of Spider-Man for the 21st Century
Review: I started reading "The Amazing Spider-Man" and "Peter Parker: Spider-Man" again when I started doing a unit on comic books for my Popular Culture class and had ignore "Ultimate Spider-Man" because it was a "new" title. Seeing that the first seven issues were collected in "Ultimate Spider-Man: Power and Responsibility" I thought I would check it out and was more than pleasantly surprised. The idea here was to update Spider-Man for the 21st century, specifically by going back and starting over from the beginning, albeit with Peter Parker a bit younger, and doing so fully cognizant of where Stan Lee and Steve Ditko started off the comic book and where the character would end up in terms of super villains and future bride. There is certainly a sense in which this version is compatible with the blockbuster "Spider-Man" movie, but that is more in terms of having Mary Jane Watson there from the start than anything else. Ultimately, the point here is tighten the original Spider-Man story and give the characters some twists."Power and Responsibility" takes its time in developing the origin of Spider-Man. The original story by Lee and Ditko in "Amazing Fantasy" #15 was eleven pages long. Here it takes six issues to get to the same point in the character's history. Of course, since we know where things are going, we can take time to appreciate the journey. At the same time, there is a concerted effort to bring various elements more into the mix. That infamous radioactive spider is the creation of Osborn Industries, the pet project of Norman Osborn and one of his chief scientists, Dr. Otto Octavius. Osborn is extremely interested in why young Peter Parker does not die after the bite and the creation of the Green Goblin becomes a direct consequence of the fateful spider bite. In time I am sure we will see the birth of Doctor Octopus will come from this as well. The stories here are by Bill Jemas and Brian Michael Bendis (who does the script), with pencils by Mark Bailey and inks by Art Theibert and Dan Panosian. In many ways I am reminded of when John Byrne had the responsibility of restarting Superman; there is a sense to be a bit more realistic. It is not that Peter Parker is an absolute scientific genius; it was his father who did most of the preliminary work on what would become the formula for Spider-Man's web. Once he gains his spider powers, Peter Parker does what just about any persecuted high school nerd would do; he goes out and becomes a super jock. When he starts web slinging he makes a lot of initial mistakes. I even like the way Peter snaps back at Uncle Ben and Aunt May as things start to get to him, both before and after the spider-bite. This jut increases the pathos of the tragedy that unfolds. I like the fact that "Ultimate Spider-Man" is divorced from the two "real" Spider-Man comic books (now three with the rebirth of "The Spectacular Spider-Man"). Going back to the original stories by Lee and Ditko (later John Romita, Sr.) in either "The Essential Spider-Man" or "Marvel Masterworks" series are not going to be really helpful to younger readers of the character. It was well worthwhile for those of us who started reading "The Amazing Spider-Man" in the Sixties to go through Betty Bryant and the death of Gwen Stacy to eventually get to the day when Mary Jane confronted Peter with the fact she knew he was Spider-Man, but those are hundreds of issues to go through. Starting over again with full knowledge of where the characters are going to end up is a worthwhile approach, especially given how good of a start we see in this first collection (the next four are already out for those who want to continue the journey). I have checked out a few of the other Ultimate titles, but this so far this one is the best.
Rating:
Summary: Everything the Movie Should've Been
Review: I was skeptical of the Ultimate series at first, especially after John Byrne's horrific "Chapter One" retelling, but I picked up Ultimate Spidey #1 all the same. Boy, was I ever wrong. Bendis spectacularly takes what Stan Lee wrote oh-so-long-ago and combines it with what we've come to expect from the comic industry today: pacing, character development, and real-world dialouge. For instance, spoilers I guess, but not really if you've had any foray into the Spidey books before: In the original story, Peter gets bitten by the spider, becomes a big-shot egoist, and has tragedy befall him. In one issue. Bendis stretches it over 5, mixing in a few other plot threads. Aside from the origin story, Bedis introduces the Green Goblin in issues 6 and 7, J. Jonah Jameson is there, exactly as he is in the original and movie, albeit younger. The remaining issues deal with Spidey taking on someone whom he cannot possibly defeat physically nor legally, as no one ever has: Wilson Fisk, or the mob boss the Kingpin and his thugs the Enforcers. The characters have changed slightly with the updating into the new millenium, but 90% is for the better. Peter is a little more sure of himself and less terminally shy. MJ is entirely too cute for words, sweet and caring, but she does act like a real teen would, getting upset with Peter from time to time. Norman Osborne is a conniving businessman, as he should be. The one character I was wary about was Norman's counterpart, the Green Goblin. Bagely made it a more literal transformation, but it works, especially in the laters issues not collected here. Bagely is, and always has been, one of my favorite artists, but he's made it difficult for himself to be forgotten after this. His take on Spidey is much like Ditko's original: lanky and gangly. He's taken Peter's inital "geek" look and add muscles to it that make him still look like an awkward teen, but also like an upshot superhero. The extras in this are probably better than the one's that they'll put on the "Spider-Man" DVD. Bagely's original character designs and notes are here, along with the correspondance between writer Bendis and Marvel publishing president Bill Jemas. And the biggest treat of all, "Amazing Adult Fantasy #15" in its whole, reproduced better than ever, so you have the best of the old with the best of the new. This is a deifinite must have for any comic fan, old or new, and anyone who remotely enjoyed the movie and DEFINATELY for those who were disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing.
Review: I'll admit it-I'm not ashamed. I just hopped on the Spider-Man bandwagon after seeing the film. But that's OK. I'm not getting off. The story of Peter Parker got me hooked instantly, and I wanted to dive into the comic realm, the birthplace of Spidey. But where to start? Marvel's Ultimate Spider-Man series re-spins the tale of Peter Parker, but revamped for today's life and times. The artwork is excellent, and this hardcover edition is top-notch. But let's face it, without a good writer, what does it matter? Fear not. Bendis' management of the plot and dialogue are masterful. I found myself grinning several times while reading this collection. Spidey's witty banter is captured well, and it's very easy to identify with Parker. I honestly can't think of anything bad to say about this series, although not having read the old school Spidey stories doesn't give me much perspective in that regard. At any rate, I recommend this to anyone who is thinking about checking into the world of Spider-Man. Mark my words, it's definitely worth it.
Rating:
Summary: Ultimate Spider-man (the 1st 3 tpb's)
Review: I'm not usually into writing any sort of reviews on things but I felt I needed to do so on this series!
I'm a 42 year old Spidey fan starting for me back in the very early 1970's and I know so much about him I almost swear sometimes he's a "real person" if you get my drift!
Anyway, I had always felt that Spidey's beginnings etc. should not be revamped for the present and that it should be enough for readers that the present-day stories are kept in line with current-happenings to keep readers happy.
That was till I (somewhat reluctantly) bought the 1st of the 3 tpb's on this series!!!
What can I say ? It really surprised me, so much so that I'm now collecting all the "Ultimates".
Although its a young Spidey, the stories, characters and artwork are just great and don't cause me any sort of confusion whilst still keeping up with the other current run of Spider-man titles, its just like having a 'parallel' Spiderman on-the-go !
The stories are oft-times very humorous and I often find myself laughing out very loud, much to my wifes bewilderment sometimes. All I can say is that if there are any of you readers out there having reservations about trying out the "Ultimate's" then don't.
Go right ahead and I think you may be surprised just how good and refreshing a read they are.
Rating: 
Summary: Spiderman para el siglo XXI
Review: Primero que nada, a Bendis le toma mas de 100 paginas contar una historia a la Stan Lee le tomo solamente 8. Entonces surge la duda ¿vale la pena este libro? La respuesta es un rotundo si, porque realmente conocemos a los personajes como no se habia logrado antes. El tratamiento que los personajes secundarios reciben, sobretodo el tio Ben (del que antes solamente sabiamos que murio) y la tia May, es notable haciendolos tan importantes como el mismo Parker. El dibujo tambien es notable, sobretodo en las facciones, las expresiones, se ve muy bien. en algunas escenas de accion es confuso pero aun asi es bastante bueno.
Este libro contiene los primeros 13 numeros de Ultimate Spiderman
- del #1 al #6 Power and Responsability, la clasica historia con diferentes modificaciones. Eso si debo alzar mi voz de protesta contra lo mal que esta diseñado el nuevo Duende Verde que ahora es un mosntruo que ni siquiera puede hablar.
- del #7 al #12 Learning Curve, el primer enfrentamiento con el Kingpin. Aunque no se como Peter puede mantener su identidad secreta cuando todos lo ven, ah y una pobre representacion de Electro.
- #13 un innecesariamente largo relato del progreso de la relacion Peter - Mary Jane.
¿Recomendable? SÃ, por supuesto, ademas este tomo de tapa dura tiene una excelente presentacion e incluye el famoso Amazing Fantasy #15.
Rating:
Summary: Spiderman para el siglo XXI
Review: Primero que nada, a Bendis le toma mas de 100 paginas contar una historia a la Stan Lee le tomo solamente 8. Entonces surge la duda ¿vale la pena este libro? La respuesta es un rotundo si, porque realmente conocemos a los personajes como no se habia logrado antes. El tratamiento que los personajes secundarios reciben, sobretodo el tio Ben (del que antes solamente sabiamos que murio) y la tia May, es notable haciendolos tan importantes como el mismo Parker. El dibujo tambien es notable, sobretodo en las facciones, las expresiones, se ve muy bien. en algunas escenas de accion es confuso pero aun asi es bastante bueno.
Este libro contiene los primeros 13 numeros de Ultimate Spiderman
- del #1 al #6 Power and Responsability, la clasica historia con diferentes modificaciones. Eso si debo alzar mi voz de protesta contra lo mal que esta diseñado el nuevo Duende Verde que ahora es un mosntruo que ni siquiera puede hablar.
- del #7 al #12 Learning Curve, el primer enfrentamiento con el Kingpin. Aunque no se como Peter puede mantener su identidad secreta cuando todos lo ven, ah y una pobre representacion de Electro.
- #13 un innecesariamente largo relato del progreso de la relacion Peter - Mary Jane.
¿Recomendable? Sí, por supuesto, ademas este tomo de tapa dura tiene una excelente presentacion e incluye el famoso Amazing Fantasy #15.
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty cool reworking of Spidey's origin story
Review: Since we all know that Spiderman should be pushing sixty by now (alas the opportunity to do a Dark Knight type story with Spidey has been passed up), Marvel decided to start over again with a young Parker re-living his past today. His hairstyle and clothes are contemporary, but he's the same orphaned nerdy science whiz. The origin presented in this book is similar to the movie only more outrageous as it is a comicbook. I gotta say though, that I kind of liked the movie version of Spidey's webshooters growing out of his wrists, but in the comicbook the webshooters have a more plausible origin than in the old 1960s version. What's more Spidey and the Green Goblin have a lot of a connection than in the past when Gobby showed up somewhat later to menace the webslinger. Mary Jane's also here from the beginning rather than showing up later on. Doc Ock makes an appearance as well and the dialogue and plot make for a cool retread that is somewhat unpredictable. I mean we know that Parker's going to be Spiderman, Uncle Ben's going to die after telling him, "that with great power comes great responsibility," yet some of sequence of events is tinkered with and Parker even gets to briefly flirt with being popular at school. The art by Bagley's above average and wait 'til you see the new Green Goblin. This book is great for Spidey fans and those who've had their interest re-ignited by the movie, but will annoy purists. Since nobody gets old in the comicbook world (especially not franchise stars like Spidey), should we expect another retooling in another 40 years? If it's done this well, sure.
Rating:
Summary: The Ultimate Spiderman Series
Review: The entire ultimate spiderman series are A W E S O M E !!!
Rating: 
Summary: Really Popular Terrible Story
Review: The whole thing I dislike, it summarizes what I dislike about modern comics. The conspiracy angle, old stories told with modern references, MJ is a complete ditz, I hate the way all the characters talk, how the stories are incomplete with lack of real action, I hate how these stories are drawn, how Aunt May doles out condoms and it takes up two pages, just everything. I think it's an overrated mess, so it rewrites old Spidey stories, they aren't better or even as good.
Rating:
Summary: The Best comic book series ever made!
Review: This comic book is awesome! It is wonderfully: drawn, colorized, and writen! I have not read a better comic book! I zoomed through these pages, saying "I want more". This comic book series is a lot like the movie "Spider-Man", but in some ways is even better. They should just follow the comic book and put it in the movies. Because this "Ultimate Spider-Man" series is GREAT! SPIDER-MAN RULES!
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