The new Ultimate Universe is unlike anything we could have expected and, with each new issue, we learn more about this world.
So far, we've learned that The Maker prevented a radioactive spider from biting the young Peter and likewise stopped other superheroes from being created. In their place, he formed a secret council to rule the world from the shadows.
In the first issue of Ultimate Spider-Man, Peter, now a married father of two, received the spider which should have bitten him from Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Lad. The time-traveller also sent him a "picotech" suit and a warning about those really in charge.
Since then, we've seen the new Spider-Man get to grips with his powers, all while a new Green Goblin takes aim at the villainous Kingpin of Crime (who, along with acquiring The Daily Bugle, is a pawn of that secret council). The Goblin is Harry Osborn, a billionaire intent on making Wilson Fisk pay for his father's death.
He and Peter have revealed their secret identities to each other and this Wednesday's Ultimate Spider-Man #5, we'll learn more about how Harry became the Green Goblin.
A sneak peek has been released today which reveals what became of his mother and father, Norman and Emily Osborn. Just as stern as his Earth-616 counterpart, he berates Harry before dying in the explosion which was meant to destroy the new Ultimates (and frame Iron Lad as a villain).
It's a fiery, definitive end for Norman and one which closes the door on him ever becoming the Green Goblin. Or does it? Norman doesn't appear to be in the building which was hit by that missile because he's watching from a distance; however, he and Emily have been confirmed as being among the dead.
Regardless, we'd bet on Harry eventually breaking bad as his and Spider-Man's values are unlikely to align. It's always possible Jonathan Hickman will keep him a hero, of course, particularly as this Marvel Universe is so different from what we're used to seeing on the page.
Marvel Comics previously teased Doctor Octopus as being part of Harry's origin story; you can check that out here. Until then, check out this first look at Ultimate Spider-Man #5 below and check back here in a couple of days for an in-depth recap.
THE SECRET HISTORY OF HARRY OSBORN! How does the heir apparent of Oscorp become a masked vigilante? And what does Green Goblin know of the true status of the world he lives in? All and more will be revealed!
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #5
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
Artwork by DAVID MESSINA
Cover by MARCO CHECCHETTO