Last week's Ultimate Spider-Man #1 got everyone talking thanks to the introduction of the Parker family - including a very much alive Uncle Ben - which showed fans just how extraordinarily different Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto's vision for Spider-Man storytelling is going to be.
Today, we have a sneak peek at the excitement that lies ahead in February Ultimate Spider-Man #2, but what is Peter Parker wearing?
The Ultimate Tony Stark/Iron Lad gifted the older Peter a radioactive spider and "picotech stealth suit" so he could finally fulfil his destiny. The latter looked an awful lot like a Symbiote, and as the wall-crawler heads into action in his all-black get-up, we'd say there's a very good chance that's exactly what it is.
Covers for the series continue to showcase the classic red and blue, though, so we're sure that's coming.
Marvel's new Ultimate Universe was shaped by the evil Reed Richards variant known as the Maker. Travelling back in time on a parallel Earth, the Maker prevented young Peter Parker from ever being bit by that fateful radioactive spider. Now, 20 years later, the Universe’s own Tony Stark has given Peter the chance to reclaim the heroic destiny that was stolen from him.
Taking on a great responsibility as Spider-Man, an adult Peter web-swings into the New York skies for the first time, ready to use his newfound abilities to help fix the world in any way he can, all while balancing his new role with being a devoted husband and loving father.
Peter won’t be the only Parker embarking on new adventures and taking down supervillains. Peter’s beloved uncle Ben is an award-winning journalist, and alongside his trusted partner J. Jonah Jameson, he’ll pursue the truth of their corrupt world and the unrest that’s stirring around every corner—starting with discovering the identity and motives of the newly emerged Green Goblin.
Back to Spidey, though, and he has his first supervillain in this newly released preview: Shocker!
"My love for this character is no secret to anyone," Checchetto says. "As soon as I received Jonathan Hickman’s plot of the series, I was immediately fascinated with how he managed to create something truly fresh and new, while keeping the spirit and essence of the web-slinger intact."
"I really loved the dialogue and got chills drawing these scenes. We have the opportunity and privilege to create our version of Spider-Man, and for me, to create the entire design of the series."
"Throughout our run, expect changes and both classic and new versions of characters," he continued. "One of the first you’ll meet is Shocker. He’s at the beginning of his career, so I wanted to create something different. Shocker wears a bomb squad suit to protect himself from the powers of his gloves, but still maintains some details of his classic costume."
Check out this all-new interior artwork and Checchetto's original design sheets for Ultimate Spider-Man #2 below.
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #2
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
Art and Cover by MARCO CHECCHETTO
Colors by MATTHEW WILSON
On Sale 2/21