Show notes
In this episode, Michael and Benjamin are wading deep into the gutters of Marvel’s latest Spider-man reboot to discuss Ultimate Spider-Man (2024) Volume 1 (Issues 1-6) and Volume 2: The News (Issues 7-12) by Jonathan Hickman, Marco Checchetto, and David Messina.Is this 2024 reimagining a light snack or a massive epic?We look at everything from Peter Parker’s 35-year-old power fantasy to Harry Osborn’s consistently dreadful decision-making skills. no matter how old he is. Spider-Man might not be a dweeby 16-year-old anymore, but the classic Parker luck. and the looming threat of the Sinister Six, is still alive and well.Spoilers ahead for all 12 issues!Episode Highlights:The 35-Year-Old Power Fantasy: How Hickman shifted the target demographic from tween nerds to millennials dealing with mid-life crises. Peter has the supermodel wife, the great kids, and a steady job; so why does he still feel like he's destined for more?A World Without Aunt May: Exploring the fascinating alternate timeline where Ben Parker lives to start a his own newspaper with a surprisingly not-terrible J. Jonah Jameson.The Iron Man Ex Machina: Breaking down the "Picotech" (or McGuffin-tech) suit gifted by Tony Stark and how this tech-heavy, adult Spider-Man differs from the analogue, web-fluid-mixing teenager we all know.Accidentally Creating Venom: Why giving your advanced super-suit a sentient AI personality so you have someone to talk to is a fundamentally terrible idea.The Dinner Party of Doom: Reviewing the bizarrely brilliant, non-superheroic issue dedicated entirely to the social anxiety of Peter, Mary Jane, Harry, and Gwen Stacy awkwardly navigating a double date.The Not-Sinister Six: Analysing the shadowy cabal running the five boroughs, featuring Kingpin, Mr. Negative, Mole Man, Mysterio, Kraven, and Black Cat.Harry Osborn’s Daddy Issues: Why programming Norman Osborn's voice (we all heard Willem Dafoe) into the Green Goblin suit is the single worst decision Harry makes in the entire run.Coming Up Next MonthMay is a month of many comics! Make sure to subscribe and tune in next time as the lads cover:Assorted Crisis Events (Volume 1) by Deniz Camp: Our main read for May, featuring an alternate timeline, timey-wimey chaos anthology!Enjoyed the episode? Give us a subscribe on YouTube, follow us on Spotify (where you can now watch the video version!), and check out our newly remastered archive episodes, including our deep dive into Kraven's Last Hunt, linked down below!Follow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on YoutubeTime Stamps:00:00 Ultimate Spider-Man Setup01:02 Book Club Rules05:47 Why Spider-Man Works08:31 Adult Power Fantasy15:36 This New Ultimate World19:32 Iron Man Box Origin23:17 Learning Spider-Man Late27:16 Costumes and Tech Debate31:12 Bullseye and Kingpin32:52 Awkward Dinner Party36:31 Ensemble Shift37:51 Stormwatch Vibes40:00 Podcast Plug Break41:37 Zeitgeist Retelling42:23 Paul Saga Detour43:11 Volume Two Tech45:18 Oscorp And Otto46:25 AI Voices Venom49:41 Sinister Six Setup52:52 Ultimates Tie In53:33 Christmas Venom Twist58:42 Power Responsibility Bingo01:00:36 Final Thoughts Highlights01:04:16 Next Reads And Archives Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
