Story by: Saladin Ahmed and Javier Garron
Art by: David Curiel, Annie Wu, and Rachelle Rosenberg
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: September 11, 2019

Well with Miles getting wrecked from the last story arc, where does it leave readers now? Fans would assume it may just be a simple cooldown issue. But, this issue has been the talk of the town since the cover was revealed. A name like Ultimatum is a big name with all the baggage it brings to the table, especially when you take into consideration that the universe Miles comes from was the Ultimate Universe. Not only that, fans see the Ultimate Universe’s Green Goblin and someone behind him that looks like Giant-Man. Welcome readers to a book that is celebrating it’s 250th issues and is packed so big that it has to have a second story in it. Immediately from the cover, Miles fans see that it appears to be the origin of Starling. I will admit, prior to reading the issue, that didn’t excite me. But enough talking, let’s dig in and see what we have here…

The issue opens up with a break-in at ESU. And by the shadow of the thief and the main cover, readers can practically guess who was doing the break-in. We check out Green Goblin wrecking security in a way that is giving this reader a feeling that crap is about to go down! Right from the start, this issue begins with a bang.

We check in with Miles, who is still writing in his journal, and we learn that this is a new semester for Miles and it’s been months since he last put on the costume. I can understand a few days or even weeks but not months?! Additionally, readers learn that he’s been having some weird dreams. These dreams show him in different universe’s as we see Giant-Man, Captain America, Spider-Man (Peter Parker), and possibly a Deadpool in the background of his dreams.

As the story continues, fans see Miles on his way to pick up his birthday cake with his dad. His dad informs Miles why he didn’t give him his last name. Honestly, this part of the story made no sense and didn’t seem to fit with the overall story and background of Miles and his family. Furthermore, they aren’t even from that Earth.

Back at the home front, Miles gets some guests and Judge just stops by to drop off a gift which felt really odd. From a person who has read tons of Miles Morales, my main issue with this comic is that Ahmed’s Ganke voice seems off. It could be that the comic matured a bit and his charm is gone. After an awkward exchange, Peter crashes into Mile’s room to basically give him the mission he was on which felt a tad bit forced and seemed a bit out of character for Peter too.

The trail leads Miles to come face to face with the Ultimate Universe’s Green Goblin. However, it’s strange that Miles doesn’t remember who he is at first. They both go at it and what seems like could be a draw, ends up being a handicap match until someone steps on Miles. Someone who calls himself Ultimatum but has a face like Giant-Man.

As the story continues, readers see that Ultimatum knows Wilson Fisk and he reveals his identity to the audience. Not only do we get the reveal of Ultimatum but also the origin of Starling! It’s nice but unnecessary.

Final Thoughts:

Well with everything we got and the price it was, it would have been better suited as an annual with just a few extra pages. Some concepts in this issue let me know that Ahmed knows his continuity but other things led me to believe he needs to iron out some of the details. Additionally, I have a few questions that I would love to get answered soon! Would I recommend this issue? Yes, but I’m on the fence if the price begins to get too high. However, it is a great starting point for the series. So, fans can jump right in!