First Read: Ultimate Spider-Man

Cap finally gets his butt off the bench and returns to the action, Zach applies to architecture school, and everyone celebrates a happy Thanksgiving!

Jonathan Hickman's Ultimates arc concludes!

Ultimate Comics: The Ultimates #11 & 12

Issue coverage begins at 20:30

We're back with The Maker! What's he going to get up to? Probably no good. A lot of US history in this one. The Spiderman coverage starts around the 25 minute mark.

Spider-Man and the Prowler take down Scorpion

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #11 & 12

Issue coverage begins at 9:55

Uncle Aaron asks Miles for a favor, and Miles has to choose work with the lesser of two evils. No extra fluff in this one. Get ya spiderman and get the heck out.

In this special bonus episode, we discuss Zach's favorite oldie issue

Nick Fury arrives in Tian looking for allies. The President takes matters into his own hands. The Hulk gets dropped from space into The City. It's awesome baby.

Ultimate Comics Ultimates #7 & 8

Issue coverage begins at 10:30

The Maker is up to his old tricks again, and its up to Sam Wilson to infiltrate and stop him. Hawkeye is present and accounted for. Spiderman stuff starts at around 8:40ish.

Thor seeks revenge for the slaughter of Asgard. The Maker reveals his identity to the Ultimates.

Ultimate Comics Ultimates #3 & 4

Issue coverage begins at 16:00

Uncle Aaron comes back from Mexico with a business opportunity. Other things happen. Speaking of business opportunities, some great gambling advice for those that stick around til the end.

As Nick Fury responds to crises around the globe, The Maker and his Children of Tomorrow arrive and declare themselves the new rulers of Earth

Ultimate Comics Ultimates #1 & 2

Issue coverage begins at 25:00

The boys read & discuss Fantastic Four #252 by John Byrne AND review the latest major superhero films. Now here's some buzzwords for that sweet sweet SEO, baby. Matt Shackman Pedro Pascal Vanessa Kirby Ebon Moss-Bachrach Joseph Quinn Galactus Mr. Fantastic The Thing Human Torch Invisible Woman Silver Surfer Galactus MCU DCCU James Gunn David Corenswet Rachel Brosnahan Nicholas Hoult Lois Lane Lex Luthor Krypto Mr. Terrific Comics Comic Book Graphic Novel ComicCon Nerd Nerdy Trending The Offspring Jimmy Eat World New Found Glory Thunderbolts Kanye West Miles Morales AI Disney Taylor Swift Travis Kelce Joe Rogan TikTok Instagram Reddit X...

Miles delivers under pressure and proves himself to Jessica Drew, Nick Fury, and The Ultimates. Meanwhile, Aaron gets into some trouble in Mexico City.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man 5 & 6

Issue coverage begins at 11:41

As a stunned New York grieves the death of Spider-Man, Miles Morales wrestles with the question of who he's meant to be.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man 3 & 4

Issue coverage begins at 16:10

We kick off a new chapter of this podcast and officially begin following Miles Morales' run as the one and only Spider-Man.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1 & 2

Issue coverage begins at 5:19

Nick Fury juggles several crises at SHIELD and takes responsibility for Peter's death. Aunt May and Gwen seek a new start. Quicksilver makes his case for being the Worst Person Ever.

GO PACERS!

Ultimate Fallout #5 & 6

Issue coverage begins at 9:18

Reed Richards escapes from the Negative Zone, and a new wall-crawler emerges wearing a costume that's in pretty poor taste.

Also included: Stories from Kitty Pryde, Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, and Val Cooper. Zach & John praise the future 2025 NBA champion INDIANA PACERS

Ultimate Fallout # 3 & 4

Issue coverage begins at 18:00

The people of New York gather for Peter Parker's funeral and we explore various characters' responses to his death.

Ultimate Fallout #1 & 2

Issue coverage begins at 24:10

Ultimate Spider-Man concludes as Peter Parker dies defending his friends and family.

Thank you to Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley, Mark Brooks, Stuart Immomen, David Lafuente, Bill Jemas, Justin Ponsor, Cory Petit, Art Thibert, and everyone else who had a hand in giving us this iconic run. We've loved every second of talking about it.

Ultimate Spider-Man #159 & 160

Issue coverage begins at 30:16

The penultimate chapter of Ultimate Spider-Man's story. Peter intervenes in the battle between the Avengers and the Ultimates while the Sinister Six plan their final attack.

Ultimate Spider-Man #157 & 158 and portions of Avengers vs New Ultimates #4

Issue coverage begins at 21:74

His dream job. His dream girl. A surprise party. An old friend returning. Peter Parker really has it all :)

Ultimate Spider-Man #155 & 156

Issue coverage begins at 12:00

Peter begins his superhero training with Iron Man while Mysterio and Black Cat wreck Soho in their dispute over a MacGuffin.

Ultimate Spider-Man #153 & 154

Issue coverage begins at 10:00

Our heroes confront Reed in this thrilling conclusion to the Ultimate Doomsday story

Ultimate Doom #3 & 4

Issue coverage begins at 10:13

Reed Richards muses about finding or creating a perfect world. I wonder if that concept will ever be brought up again...

Ultimate Doom # 1 & 2

Issue coverage begins at 19:10

The ULTIMATE MYSTERY is solved when the ULTIMATE ENEMY reveals himself. Will this spell ULTIMATE DOOM for our heroes?

We also talk:

Ultimate Mystery #3 & 4

Issue coverage begins at 11:15

Peter and Jessica team-up to investigate Roxxon. Rick Jones returns to Earth to fulfil his destiny. Someone is still one step ahead of our heroes.

Ultimate Mystery #1 & 2

Issue coverage begins at 17:40

Gilroy the Terrible attacks the Parker house, Nick Fury confronts Carol Danvers, and The Thing gets his rocks off.

Ultimate Enemy #3 & 4

Issue coverage begins at 12:10

Someone is targeting the super heroes. Who watches the Fantastic Four?

Ultimate Enemy #1 & #2

Issue coverage begins at 18:10

Black Cat's history with The Kingpin puts her in conflict with Mysterio, Gwen Stacy and Peter have a much-needed conversation, and Iron Man misunderstands the meaning of "go pick up Peter Parker".

Ultimate Spider-Man 151 & 152

Issue coverage begins at 13:40

We return with a vengeance to discuss jaw surgery, Family Guy, crypto, and our favorite web-slinger.

Ultimate Spider-Man 15 & 150

Issue coverage begins at 21:10

In our last episode before the 2 month hiatus, we check in on the latest work from the Distinguished Competition. Let's just say it's Batman AF.

Absolute Batman #1 & 2

Issue coverage begins at 27:26

Peter (the real one) comes face to face with his captors while Peter (the fake one) uses his great power irresponsibly.

Ultimate Spider-Man 13 & 14

Issue coverage begins at 19:04

Peter gets replaced by an impersonator (who would have guessed?!). Zach & John discuss the 2024 US Presidential Election results and defend their title as the #1 political podcast for comic book fans.

Ultimate Spider-Man 11 & 12

Issue coverage begins at 14:17

We look at a couple of standout issues for the girls. Jessica, Kitty, MJ, Gwen, and the Bombshells all shine. Also, Zach reads his Star Wars fanfic.

Ultimate Spider-Man #9 & 10 (142 & 143)

Issue coverage begins at 11:50

Rick Jones wakes up from a six month coma. Spider-Man, Iceman, and The Human Torch must help him uncover the origins of his newfound abilities.

Ultimate Spider-Man #7 &8 (140 & 141)

Issue coverage begins at 15:01

We finally learn the identity of the red-cloaked hero, and the Parker house gets a little bit fuller.

Ultimate Spider-Man #5 & 6 (138 & 139)

Issue coverage begins at 6:00

Mysterio (and Baby Billy) are causing problems. We laugh through the pain.

Ultimate Spider-Man 3 & 4 (136 & 137)

Issue coverage begins at 10:00

After the dust has settled, Peter has a new job, a new relationship, and new super-villains.

Ultimate Spider-Man 1 & 2 (134 & 135)

Issue coverage begins at 8:52

With Spider-Man missing in the aftermath of Ultimatum, a changed J Jonah Jameson begins work on the wall crawler's obituary.

Ultimatum: Spider Man Requiem #1 & 2

Issue coverage begins at 8:50

Everyone dies.

Ultimate Spider-Man 133 & Ultimatum 5

Issue coverage begins at 12:24

Peter faces supernatural foes at the ruins of Doctor Strange's house while the surviving members of The Ultimates and the X-Men launch their assault on Magneto.

Ultimate Spider-Man #132 & Ultimatum #4

Issue coverage begins at 11:00

Ultimatum nonsense continues. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Hank Pym, our fallen friend. May his heroic sacrifice never be forgotten.

Ultimate Spider-Man #131 & Ultimatum #3

Issue coverage begins at 15:54

Ultimatum plunges the world into chaos. You've never seen shock value like this in a Marvel Comic before or since!

Ultimate Spider-Man #130 & Ultimatum 2

Issue coverage begins at 7:04

Just when everything seems to be going well, Ultimatum kicks off.

Ultimate Spider-Man # 129 & Ultimatum # 1

Issue coverage begins at 13:21

On the eve of Ultimatum, we explore the origins of Charles Xavier and Magneto as well as a new retcon story about Richard and Mary Parker.

Ultimate Origins 3 & 4

Issue coverage begins at 15:35

So it turns out "The Suit" doesn't actually cure cancer-- but it CAN cure dead.

Ultimate Spider-Man 127 & 128

Issue coverage begins at 19:00

In this double sized episode, Spider-Man fights Venom in more than one way, and we try to make sense of this story's timeline.

THEN we spoil the hell out of Deadpool & Wolverine, and share our thoughts on it & other recent MCU items such as Robert Downey Jr returning to the MCU to play Doctor Doom.

Ultimate Spider-Man 125 & 126

Issue coverage begins at 15:44

Deadpool 3 & MCU coverage begins at 1:20:07

Eddie Brock returns- and he's hungry

Ultimate Spider-Man 123 & 124

Issue coverage begins at 8:14

We dive into the psychology of our favorite tortured anti-hero: The Shocker

Ultimate Spider-Man #122 & Ultimate X-Men #96

Issue coverage begins at 13:20

Peter and Mary Jane have a discussion about their relationship.

WARNING: The content of this issue & episode is sexual in nature. If that offends you, we have dozens of episodes that are violent in nature which may interest you more.

Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #3

Issue coverage begins at 10:48

Liz Allen must choose between joining the X-Men or Magneto, and Peter and Kitty present on their time as pretend parents

Ultimate Spider-Man #120 & 121

Issue coverage begins at 11:47

In these change-of-pace issues following Harry's death, the kids get a rare chance to enjoy themselves--- until someone's powers manifest for the first time.

Ultimate Spider-Man #117 & 119

Issue coverage begins at 12:52

In this episode, a goblin dies. Zach and John also talk Dr. Who, The Boys, and Justin Timberlake.

Ultimate Spider-Man #116 & 117

Issue coverage begins at 29:27

No matter who's running it, SHIELD is the reason we can't have nice things.

Ultimate Spider-Man #114 & 115

Issue coverage begins at 16:40

SHIELD hath no Fury... just a woman scorned. Peter & Kitty get paired up together for an awkward class project. Zach explains his latest concert injury.

Ultimate Spider-Man #112 & 113

Issue coverage begins at 30:47

We finish up the 2015 5-issue miniseries "Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows"

Issue coverage begins at 20:44

We look at the first two issues of the 2015 Secret Wars tie-in miniseries "Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows".

We also read leaked lines straight from the script of the upcoming Ryan Reynolds & Hugh Jackman film "Deadpool & Wolverine". WARNING: INCLUDES SPOILERS!

Issue coverage begins at 16:30

We look at Mark Bagley's final issues as the regular penciler for Ultimate Spider-Man. The Ultimate Knights arc concludes, and Peter finally has a much-needed conversation with Aunt May.

Ultimate Spider-Man # 110 & 111

Issue coverage begins at 8:34

Perhaps entrusting an important task to "Mark Steven Little-Girl Moon Grant Spector Ronin Knight" was unwise...

Plus, we discuss the Drake & Kendrick Lamar beef and John shares his thoughts on X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014).

Ultimate Spider-Man 108 & 109

Issue coverage begins at 13:37

Midtown High gets a new student & Peter teams up with Daredevil, Dr Strange, Moon Knight, Iron Fist, and Shang Chi to take down the Kingpin.

We probably break the record for Ayn Rand mentions in a Spider-Man podcast episode. We also discuss naming kids after presidents and what the X-Men represent.

Ultimate Spider-Man # 106 & 107

Issue coverage begins at 13:07

Three cheers for Zach recovering the audio that failed in the last episode! Here's that back half of it we promised you. In the second ever Ultimate Spider-Man Annual Issue, Spidey & friends take down the overconfident mobster The Kangaroo!

Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #2

Issue coverage begins basically immediately

We cover the epilogue of the Clone Saga in this partial episode. Due to technical difficulties, Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #2 will be covered in a separate episode.

"We go through episodes too, like Attack of the Clones" -- Talib Kweli

Ultimate Spider-Man # 105

Issue coverage begins at 19:10

"It wasn't the arms, Peter..."

Ultimate Spider-Man 103 & 104

Issue coverage begins at 17:20

In which the answers to "what is going on?" start to slowly trickle out.

Ultimate Spider-Man 101 & 102

Issue coverage begins at 17:00

"Hey Brian, we love your drafts so far for the Clone Saga, but it's still not quite complicated enough. What if you had Peter's dead father show up right as everything else is happening?"

Ultimate Spider-Man 99 & 100

Issue coverage begins at 12:35

The clone saga kicks off in a big way!

Ultimate Spider-Man 97 & 98

Issue coverage begins at 9:13

We're back from our brief hiatus- and finally talking about the most popular comic of 2024 so far- Ultimate Spider-Man #1 by Jonathan Hickman & Marco Checchetto. We also discuss Lexington Comic & Toy Convention. Stay in your seats for a post-credits scene you won't see coming!

In our last episode before the two week break, we discuss and rank all 10 Spider-Man films of the 21st century (plus Spider-Man: The Animated Series)!

Spider-Man

Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man 3

The Amazing Spider-Man

TASM 2

Homecoming

Far From Home

Into the Spider-Verse

No Way Home

Across the Spider-Verse

Morbius. 'Nuff said.

Ultimate Spider-Man 95 & 96

Issue coverage begins at 12:54

Spidey and the X-Men continue their battle on Krakoa with Deadpool and his reavers. Zach and John discuss Super Bowl LVIII, Usher, Jared Leto, Madame Web, The Deadpool 3 & X-Men '97 trailers, and The Fantastic Four casting announcement.

Ultimate Spider-Man 93 & 94

Issue coverage begins at 19:15

Spider-Man, Kitty Pryde, and the rest of the X-Men are kidnapped and taken to the island of Krakoa to be hunted for sport. Think "The Hunger Games" meets "The Most Dangerous Game".

Ultimate Spider-Man 91 & 92

Issue coverage begins at 15:56

In this double-sized episode, we conclude the Silver Sable arc in Ultimate Spider-Man and discuss the recent Doctor Who special episodes that featured the return of David Tennant.

Ultimate Spider-Man #90

Issue coverage begins at 18:25

Doctor Who coverage begins at 55:45

Silver Sable finally delivers Peter to Mr. Roxxon, but then probably wishes she hadn't.

Ultimate Spider-Man 88 & 89

Issue coverage begins at 18:56

A gang of mercenaries mess with the wrong Midtown High student

Ultimate Spider-Man 86 & 87

Issue coverage begins at 14:40

In the first ever Ultimate Spider-Man Annual, Peter goes on a date with the X-Men's Kitty Pryde

Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #1

Issue coverage begins at 15:43

Someone switches sides. Someone enters a coma. Someone is a double agent. Someone dies. Someone realizes they've been rizzing up a child. Listen to find out more!

Ultimate Spider-Man 84 & 85

Issue coverage begins at 15:57

In this special episode that kicks off the second year of the pod, we laugh twice as much, bleep twice as much, and get sidetracked twice as much as usual.

In which we continue the Warriors arc & Black Cat steals every scene she's in.

Ultimate Spider-Man 82 & 83

Issue coverage begins at 6:45

"Twas the day before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring except for Zach's mouse. This bonus & the main episode were edited with care, in hopes that the webheads would listen and share"

Happy holidays everyone! In this bonus episode we watch an episode of the Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon and we discuss all things Christmas.

Spider-Man, Moon Knight, Shang Chi, Iron Fist, Black Cat & Electra all get wrapped up in the power struggle between Kingpin and Hamerhead.

Ultimate Spider-Man 80 & 81

Issue coverage begins at 11:26

Mary Jane copes with being dumped. Hammerhead makes a move on the Kingpin's turf. We learn that TiVo is a hot commodity on the black market.

Ultimate Spider-Man 78 & 79

Issue coverage begins at 14:05

Spider-Man fights the Hobgoblin. What else did you possibly want out of this episode?

Ultimate Spider-Man 76 & 77

Issue coverage begins at 12:10

The boys commemorate Thanksgiving 2023 and discuss some not-very-Ultimate comics

Marvel Super Hero Adventures: Captain Marvel- Mealtime Mayhem #1 & Spider-Gwen #14

Issue coverage begins at 16:30

We learn more about what's been going on with Harry, and his presence causes friction between Peter and MJ

Ultimate Spider-Man 74 & 75

Issue coverage begins at 6:33

Harry Osborn returns to Midtown High, and Peter wonders if he can be trusted.

Ultimate Spider-Man 72 & 73

Issue coverage begins at 11:14

Peter must join forces with Doctor Strange to defeat Nightmare

Ultimate Spider-Man 70 & 71

Issue coverage begins at 10:14

A new student arrives at Midtown High... and he's none other than the Fantastic Four's Johnny Storm!

Ultimate Spider-Man 68 & 69

Issue coverage begins at 12:54

We take a week off from the Ultimate Universe to take a look at the 2022 one-shot "Mary Jane & Black Cat: Beyond"

Mary Jane & Black Cat: Beyond #1

Issue coverage begins at 7:33

Spider-Man and Wolverine pull a Freaky Friday

Ultimate Spider-Man 66 & 67

Issue coverage begins at 10:15

Peter defeats the Carnage entity & the kids get a Breakfast Club style detention.

Ultimate Spider-Man 64 & 65

Issue coverage begins at 19:22

We say goodbye to a beloved character.

Ultimate Spider-Man 62 & 63

Issue coverage begins at 9:19

Marvel Comics' Peter Parker (originally created by Stan Lee & Steve Ditko) begins working closer with Doctor Curt Connors, The Lizard. Jonathan Hickman will be writing a reboot of Ultimate Spider-Man in 2024, the same year as the US Presidential Election. Taylor Swift is dating Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. Search Engine Optimization, do your thing.

Ultimate Spider-Man 60 & 61

Issue coverage begins at 12:12

Peter finally learns where the plane was headed, we see the resolution of last week's cliffhanger with Gwen, and Bendis treats us to multiple John Hughes movie references.

Ultimate Spider-Man 58 & 59

Issue coverage begins at 10:04

Doc Ock reaches some new lows-- even for him. Meanwhile, Gwen Stacy starts to suspect something strange is happening within the Parker house.

Ultimate Spider-Man # 56 & 57

Issue coverage begins at 7:00

A Spider-Man movie starring Tobey Maguire?? It may be more likely than you think...

Ultimate Spider-Man #54 & 55

Issue coverage begins at 9:38

Peter learns more about the mysterious Black Cat

Ultimate Spider-Man #51-53

Issue coverage begins at 6:00

Spider-Man encounters a mysterious cat burglar. Jonah gets targeted by Kingpin's enforcers, and Mary Jane's father finds something he wasn't supposed to see.

Ultimate Spider-Man # 49 & 50

Issue coverage begins at 5:00

Peter is disillusioned by the Kingpin's sudden re-emergence and the apathy that adults around him respond to it with. Meanwhile, an aspiring politician has his sights set on Spider-Man

Ultimate Spider-Man # 47 & 48

Issue coverage begins at 11:27

Spider-Man, The Ultimates, and the Sinister Five square off in a climactic battle on the White House lawn & we mourn the loss of an unsung hero as we conclude the Ultimate Six event.

Ultimate Six 6 & 7

Issue coverage begins at 16:30

Norman Osborne begins revealing his master plan to the other escaped villains. Step one? Kidnap Peter Parker.

Ultimate Six 4 & 5

Issue coverage begins at 3:31