Ultimate Spider-man #125 - Marvel

I really think that Brian Bendis has an affinity for this character . . . well, maybe it's just for this book. This title did, after all, begin the expansion universe of the Ultimate heroes. And, all the books in it have been fantastic. But this book, and Brian's efforts, have really been at the forefront of this character . . and this series . . and this expansion of the Marvel Universe. His is the mind that's been the driving force behind this evolution. When you read his stories, you can just tell how much he loves this character. I mean, yes he does a good job over in the Avengers books also, but . . I really think he has a special place for this one. It just seems like there's so many more ideas that are presented in this title. When you step back and look at it . . the whole series as one large tome . . he really hasn't changed all that much about Peter Parker or Spider-man. That is of course, other than putting these stories into his teen-age years. No, I really think that Brian's strength lies in getting the reader to look at things from a different perspective. Honestly, he didn't reinvent the wheel here. But, he has made things more interesting by giving us new ways of looking at things. In the beginning of this story, after Venom has beaten Peter up pretty badly . . and Sable has sped away from the scene with Venom . . you think that Spider-man is on the verge of finally getting arrested. He's not putting up much of a fight. But, we find out that actually . . he's stalling. He's trying to give his body a couple of minutes to strengthen itself and recover. So rather than get into another fight, or use up energy swinging away from a spray of bullets . . he chooses a display of weakness and humility to force the police to underestimate his recuperative powers. I think that's very smartly played, and very deftly written. But Brian didn't do all this alone. Mark Bagley gave this book a distinct style and feel. Which is why, when he left the book, I was concerned about it's future. However, with Stuart Immonen now doing the pencils . . I realize I worried needlessly. Yes the feel is a bit different. But . . honestly . . the artwork is better. So in my eyes this book has really just moved to the next level. This is a fantastic character, in a superbly written and drawn book. And if you're not reading it . . . you should. I haven't been disappointed by a single issue yet.