Ultimate Spider-Man #19 Review

Written by: Jonathan Hickman
Art by: Marco Checchetto
Colors by: Matthew Wilson
Letters by: VC’s Cory Petit
Cover art by: Marco Checchetto (cover A)
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: July 30, 2025

Ultimate Spider-Man #19, by Marvel on 7/30/25, finds the Sinister Six and the Parker Family reconsidering their strategies after Richard Parker escapes the Kingpin’s clutches with Venom-ous help.

First Impressions

This issue felt like a filler episode, packed with conversations and light on Spider-Man action… again. I was hoping for a thrilling showdown, but instead, I got a lot of talking and a lot of underwhelming foreshadowing.

Recap

Ultimate Spider-Man #18 saw Peter Parker’s world turned upside down. After Mysterio, Gwen Stacy, betrayed the Sinister Six to save Peter and Harry Osborn, Peter’s family was forced to go on the run for their safety. However, Harry convinced them to return to aid him and Gwen in their war against the formidable Kingpin and his allies. Unbeknownst to them, Peter’s young son, Richard, had been secretly contacted and lured into Kingpin’s elaborate trap by the mysterious Black Cat.

Plot Analysis

Ultimate Spider-Man #19 begins with Richard parker meeting Black Cat on a rooftop to discuss how Richard escaped the Kingpin’s clutches. Cornered by Kingpin, Bullseye, and a gaggle of minions, Richard turned over control to his suit, who hulked out into a Venom-like monster, killing Bullseye and several henchmen, nearly killing Black Cat Sr., and forcing Kingpin to flee.

Now, Kingpin meets with the remaining Sinister Six. Mysterio(s) are outed as traitors, and Kraven is missing (we know he’s dead… maybe). Kingpin’s control of the group is fracturing, particularly when Mr. Negative expresses concern that only his businesses are affected by Mysterio(s) guerilla attacks.

Elsewhere, Mole Man breaks into the old Parker apartment and finds Spider-Man waiting for him. They have a tense conversation, ending in the hint that Mole man intends to leverage Spider-Man’s help to escape the Sinister Six and Kingpin’s control.

The issue ends with Richard Parker getting caught sneaking back into his house. Peter and MJ are concerned the suit given to protect him is putting him in danger, causing MJ to reflect on what the superhero life is doing to their family.

And… that’s it. no cliffhangers. No big reveals. No hooks.

Story

The story in Ultimate Spider-Man #19 is a mixed bag. While it tries to delve into Peter’s emotional struggle with balancing his hero life and family, the main plot regarding Kingpin feels like it is spinning its wheels. We get a minor skirmish that does not really advance the Kingpin conflict much. It feels less like a cohesive narrative and more like a bridge issue setting up future events, which can be frustrating when you want to see the current conflicts resolved. The pacing feels off, with long stretches of dialogue punctuated by brief, uninspired action.

Art

The artwork by Checchetto and Wilson is definitely the highlight of this issue. The characters look fantastic, with expressive faces that convey their emotions clearly. The action sequences, even the brief ones, are dynamic and visually striking. The colors are vibrant, making every panel pop. There is a real sense of atmosphere, whether it is the quiet moments between Peter and MJ or the chaotic fight scenes. The art team consistently delivers, making even a slow-moving plot look great on the page.

Characters

Character moments are surprisingly strong, especially the internal struggle Peter faces. His conversations with MJ are heartfelt and relatable, showing the toll his double life is taking. Harry and Gwen continue to be interesting as their superhero counterparts, and their frustration with Peter’s hesitance adds a realistic dynamic. Richard’s journey with Black Cat introduces a lot of intrigue, and Black Cat herself is portrayed as a cunning and mysterious figure. Even though Spider-Man is not prominently featured, the human characters are well developed and engaging.

Positives

The absolute best part of this comic is the stunning artwork. Every panel is a feast for the eyes, from the dynamic action sequences to the emotional character close ups. The artists nail the expressions and bring a real sense of life to the page, making even the slower moments visually engaging. Beyond the art, the issue excels in its character moments, particularly Peter Parker’s internal conflict and his heartfelt conversations with MJ. These scenes ground the story and remind readers why they care about Peter, even when he is not in costume.

Negatives

The biggest letdown here is the almost complete absence of Spider-Man in a comic titled “Ultimate Spider-Man.” Peter Parker is certainly present, but his costumed alter ego barely swings into action, leaving the heavy lifting to Richard Parker. This makes the issue feel like a side story rather than a core Spider-Man adventure. Furthermore, the plot feels like it goes nowhere, with the main conflict against Kingpin essentially stalled for another issue. The fight scene is brief and unimpactful, adding more questions than it answers and delaying any real resolution to the ongoing Kingpin storyline. The pacing is sluggish, making the read a bit of a slog for anyone looking for exciting superhero action.

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

Ultimate Spider-Man #19 is a visually stunning comic with solid character moments, but it struggles with its plot and a distinct lack of Spider-Man. If you are looking for gorgeous art and a deeper dive into Peter Parker’s personal life, you might find some enjoyment. However, if you picked this up expecting a thrilling web slinging adventure, you will likely leave feeling underwhelmed and waiting for the real story to begin. It’s a setup issue through and through, which can be a bit of a letdown.

6.5/10

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