- Written by: Jonathan Hickman
- Art by: Marco Checchetto
- Colors by: Matthew Wilson
- Letters by: VC’s Cory Petit
- Cover art by: Marco Checchetto, Matthew Wilson (cover A)
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: December 18, 2024
Ultimate Spider-Man #12, by Marvel Comics on 12/18/24, gathers friends and family at the Parker household for a Christmas party filled with chatting, Watson family drama, and a twist ending.
Is Ultimate Spider-Man #12 Good?
First Impressions
It’s hard to get completely mad at Ultimate Spider-Man #12 because writer Jonathan Hickman presents another day-in-the-life issue, similar to the infamous double-date in issue #4, but the ending is a super-strong twist. Casual readers are likely to toss the issue after the midway point out of sheer boredom, and they’d be right to do so, but the ending may be a payoff that gets longtime Spidey fans excited. In short, Hickman gambles, again, with the reader’s patience, so it remains to be seen if that gamble pays off.
Recap
When last we left Peter Parker in Ultimate Spider Man #11, Spidey encountered the next member of the Sinister Six, Mr. Negative, during a bank robbery. The villain used his telepathic powers to turn all the bank customers into a mob that attacked Spider-Man, giving the villain a moment to escape. Later, Mr. Negative debriefed Kingpin on the outcome and Peter had two heart-to-heart conversations, first with MJ and then with Uncle Ben, about the increasing risk his exploits place on his circle of family and friends. The issue ended with the briefest of introductions to the new Black Cat.
Plot Synopsis
In Ultimate Spider-Man #12, it’s Christmas time in the Parker household as friends and family gather to enjoy the festivities.
May plays on MJ’s phone while the grown-ups talk about grown-up stuff. Anna, Gayle, and Madeline Watson surprisingly decide to show up to add energy to the evening, even if it comes in the form of dysfunctional drama. Madeline, MJ’s mother, intends to stay with her sister without advanced notice, and Gayle is getting a divorce.
As the party wears on, everyone appears to be on the road to making amends for past slights and hard feelings.
The issue ends with MJ getting a desperate call from Gwen Stacy explaining Harry hasn’t been seen in days. When MJ pulls Peter into a bedroom to discuss the situation, we learn the real Peter hasn’t been seen in days either.
Enter Ultimate Kraven and Ultimate Venom (almost).
What’s great about Ultimate Spider-Man #12?
It’s the ending that makes this issue remotely worth the read. In a series where Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man, is almost treated like a side character, the ending at least gives readers the impression Hickman is trying to do something more than daydream while waiting for the Maker’s return next year.
Are the moments of reconciliation between MJ and Gayle well done? Yes. Sure. But the value of their scenes greatly hinges on your investment in those characters, so your mileage may vary.
What’s not great about Ultimate Spider-Man #12?
Why on Earth does Jonathan Hickman believe Spider-Man fans are interested in the interpersonal dynamics between MJ, her sister, and her mother?
What does the soap opera drama of the Watson family have to do with anything related to Spider-Man, the Maker’s Council, the Maker, the Sinister Six, or anything else?
Why would Hickman go through the trouble of introducing a new Black Cat or instigate a fight with Mr. Negative that ends in a stalemate and not follow any of those developments up?
How many Spider-Man comics have we had in a 12-issue run so far that don’t have Spider-Man in it? Why do Hickman and Marvel Editorial think that’s okay?
In short, Hickman gives you well-written character moments for everyone BUT the titular character, which is the persistent problem for this series. If it weren’t for the last three pages, this issue would be a complete waste of time and money for Spider-Man fans who want to read a Spider-Man comic.
How’s the Art?
Oof! God bless Marco Checchetto for making lemonade out of a mostly sour script. Checchetto’s figure work is fantastic, the character designs are amazing, and Checchetto’s skill with facial acting brings Hickman’s conversations to life. If not for Chcchetto’s art, the score would be much lower.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
Follow @ComicalOpinions on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Final Thoughts
Ultimate Spider-Man #12 does exactly what Marvel and Jonathan Hickman should NOT be doing – more world- and character-building of side characters, relegating Peter Parker to the back burner… again. If it weren’t for the strong, albeit predictable, twist in the last three pages and Marco Checchetto’s gorgeous art, this issue would be a complete waste of time for Spider-Man fans.
5.8/10
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Weird Science Marvel Comics 
“Why on Earth does Jonathan Hickman believe Spider-Man fans are interested in the interpersonal dynamics between MJ, her sister, and her mother?“
Because we are. The Watsons are an intriguing addon as Peter’s part of the family is pretty much just Ben.
This title has from the start used Peter’s supporting cast and there is a reason why. It is one, if not the best of comics supporting cast.
I was never bored with this issue. Just delighted.
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so you are all Spider-Man fans now? People are such apologists for a book that has done nothing for a year! It’s like they think that if they don’t like it, Marvel wins and they will never give fans the family ever again. First off, Marvel doesn’t give a shit about the fans and what they are probably thinking is “these idiots will read anything!” while they count their money!
this issue again shows that this monthly progression of each issue was a huge mistake – a year has gone by and Peter had barely done anything as Spider-Man – so every time he does, it is glaring how much we missed of him being older and learning how to be Spider-Man because he has been doing it all behind the scenese. the idea that each issue is the most exciting part of that month it comes out is laughable – just imagine when he is doing less than what we get each issue! People want the family and yet, he has barely done anything signifigant with his family either! the book has been running in place for 6 months!
But Peter and Mj have kids so it has to be a 10/10!
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