Written by: Jonathan Hickman
Pencils by: David Messina
Cover by: Marco Checchetto
Let’s get one thing out of the way: if you came to Ultimate Spider-Man #20 expecting a big superhero brawl or explosive action sequence, you’re going to be surprised—and maybe even a little thrown off. This issue is a total pivot from punches and powers, but not in a bad way. In fact, it’s one of the most emotionally complex, human entries in the series so far.
We’re twenty issues deep into Hickman’s character-driven web of intrigue, and this one slows down the pace to focus on the people behind the powers. And honestly? It works. Really, really well.
PROS:
A Web of Relationships
This is a book all about relationships. No costumes, no swinging through skyscrapers—just conversations, emotions, and layered dynamics coming to the surface.
It’s refreshing to see Peter, MJ, Harry, and Gwen all sharing space again. There’s a history between all of them, even in this new Ultimate universe, and this issue makes sure to lean into those undercurrents. MJ’s concerns as a mother and wife are completely valid—she’s stressed, suspicious, and scared. She knows there are secrets being kept from her. And let’s face it, she’s right. Peter, Gwen, and Harry are dancing around her, trying to protect her, but they’re doing it by keeping her in the dark—and she’s had enough.
Which leads us to maybe the wildest moment in the issue: MJ knocking out Gwen in a restroom. Yep. That happened. And while it’s shocking, it doesn’t feel out of place. MJ is tired of being sidelined. She’s cracking under the pressure—and when faced with a cryptic Gwen Stacy who happens to be a Mysterio, you can’t blame her for throwing hands. That punch lands hard, both physically and emotionally.
Gwen: Enigma in the Room
Speaking of Gwen, her presence in this book is fascinating. The way Hickman writes her—as a version of Mysterio—is layered, eerie, and always slightly off. You can never quite trust her, and yet she seems genuinely invested in Peter and MJ’s well-being… to a point.
She’s a character who operates in shadows, constantly playing a few moves ahead of everyone else. And even though MJ clocks her this time, it’s clear Gwen’s holding back far more than she’s letting on.
The Fathers and the Foundations
While the younger cast gets the emotional fireworks, the grown-ups aren’t left out. We get some surprisingly moving scenes between Richard Parker and Uncle Ben. There’s something incredibly real about the way these two talk—awkward at first, guarded, but then slowly opening up as the conversation deepens.
Richard, who’s been this stoic, emotionally locked-down figure, finally lets his guard down. He confesses his love for Black Cat, and expresses how much he just wants space—to figure out what it means to be Spider-Man on his own terms. That kind of vulnerability is rare in superhero comics, especially from a character like Richard. And Ben, ever the heart of the Parker family, listens without judgment. It’s subtle, mature writing—and it adds real depth to both of them.
J. Jonah Jameson… On a Date?
And just to keep things from getting too heavy, we get a delightful little sidebar with Jonah Jameson out on a date. It’s charming, it’s funny, and it reminds you that even the most gruff, headline-chasing journalists have a soft side. It’s these kinds of moments that make Hickman’s run feel lived-in and real.
The Calm Before the Storm
There’s no denying it—this issue is the calm before the storm. You can feel the pressure building. Hickman has been masterfully setting the board piece by piece, and even though nothing “explodes” here in the traditional comic book sense, emotionally, this issue is volatile. It’s setting the tone for the final chapters of this run, and you can tell something big is coming.
The tension, the lies, the mistrust—it’s all about to boil over. And when it does? It’s going to hurt.
The One Con
If there’s a downside to this issue, it’s that there’s no traditional action. Aside from MJ delivering a surprise KO to Gwen (which was amazing in its own way), this issue is purely dialogue and emotion. For readers looking for web-slinging or claw-slicing, you won’t find it here.
But to be honest? I didn’t mind. Sometimes the most powerful punches are the ones thrown with words—and this issue proves that.
Final Grade: B
Ultimate Spider-Man #20 is a bold, character-heavy chapter that prioritizes emotion over explosions—and it totally sticks the landing. Hickman understands these characters on a deep level, and with the end of his run drawing closer, this issue feels like a crucial breather before everything comes crashing down.
Whether it’s MJ cracking under the weight of secrets, Gwen’s cryptic double role, or the surprisingly wholesome Richard-Ben bonding, there’s heart everywhere in this book. No action? No problem—when the characters are this well-written, just letting them talk is enough.
I’m bracing myself for the finale. And if this issue is any indication, it’s going to be an emotional rollercoaster.
English (US) · 