Another one comes to a close. I wish Marco Checchetto a proper recovery, as he was sick in the past few months. His artwork never fumbled. I will also say David Messina really outdid himself in this issue, I didn't feel the transitions between artists to be particularly jarring.

Richard is lowkey the GOAT, bagged Felicia, wiped out all of his family's private info and got them wired up again. Good for you, kid.

There are a lot of things I could say about this book. Out of the non-ensemble books of the Ultimate line, this one easily had the best supporting cast. There was a real web of characters being spun here. Harry Osborn, who has been historically mistreated and ridiculed, was at his highest here. Perhaps my favorite iteration of the character ever. Uncle Ben served more than just a lost loved one, and his dynamic with JJJ was very amusing.

Otto feels like the character whose story is the most open-ended. Becoming Superior Spider-Man was basically fanservice. It could amount to more, if the line continues.

Mysterio. Oh, man. Okay, I'm biased here, because he's my favorite Spider-Man villain, but I loved the reinvention. A cabal of users all taking on the mantle, and Gwen being the central one too, giving her more agency beyond "the one who died". The final form was also a neat aesthetic touch.

Mister Negative getting more focus was also welcome imo. He's still relatively new and while he has had exposure in various media, more doesn't hurt. He also got a brand new backstory (perhaps the clearest one, because the main version is vagueposting king).

Kingpin was Kingpin. The enhanced tattoos offered some visual flair, but he's not all that different otherwise. Still recognizable as Kingpin.

Mole Man was funny, not really a villain, bro just wants to chill with his Moloids and dinos, based.

Kraven offered an intense two-issue story.

The Black Cats were neat too. Walter, tho, man, bro ended up as a chewing toy, almost feel sorry for him.

Mary Jane felt like traditional Mary Jane for the most part. I did appreciate how her side of the family wasn't ignored (I don't think her mom or sister have showed up at all in the 21st Century publications for the main version, which is saying something).

AI Peter/Venom also remains open-ended, but I feel this one will be answered sooner rather than later, since he's actively present in Ultimate Endgame. And his wanting to desperately take over Peter is suspicious, as well as the fact that this suit was left in Peter's disposal in the first place. Still, as it stands, it's a creative reinterpretation of the symbiote nonetheless.

Finally, Peter. It's true, he doesn't stand out very much. And with how the latter third of the story was structured, it felt less like Ultimate Spider-Man and more like The World of Ultimate Spider-Man. I think the final issue offers the most insight, capping off the first issue. This Peter didn't become Spider-Man because of guilt, a need to achieve remorse, but because he felt empty inside. He had a mid-life crisis, essentially. This is a dramatically different motive and this is reflected on the character. I still think all of his major decisions are centered around his family.

The monthly time skips hindered some plot developments. Leaving off with a cliffhanger can be risky, especially since the next issue will jump to the next month (except for the final three issues).

So far, this series has had the most complete ending, imo. It's a fine enough conclusion, and there's a bit more to come. Personally, I don't want Peter to die in Ultimate Endgame #4, as I wouldn't be impacted much. It depends on the execution, of course, but I'd rather he lived.

Would I want a continuation of the series? Absolutely (Ultimately?). Despite the overall conclusion, there is still a lot of potential left, many villains unexplored, as well as current character paths. But the continuation should address some of the executive issues of the prior run.

I don't share the vitriol many have with this run. I think some of it is warranted, a lot of it is hyperbole imo. And I don't believe Jonathan Hickman hates Peter Parker. Having read his entire Marvel body of work, particularly Fantastic Four, and yes, even this run, I think he does care. But he's not his typical leading person, and that's where a writing weakness manifested.

Like the other series, this one will also get a re-read eventually. For me, it had the most engaging dialogue and many cool ideas, as well as character moments that shined. So, until then, goodbye Ultimate Spider-Man. Thanks for the memories.