Now this is how you do a penultimate issue. Ultimate Spider-Man #23 explodes with action, emotion, and massive universe-shaking stakes, proving once again why this series has been one of Marvel’s absolute best books. Pun intended?
Everything feels tight, urgent, and meaningful — like every page is pushing us one step closer to a finale that could redefine not just Peter’s world, but the entire Ultimate Universe. This issue doesn’t just move the plot forward; it elevates everyone involved.
PROS
• A true all-cast spotlight — everyone shows up to play
This issue throws everyone into the battlefield.
Every hero gets a moment to shine as the operation to take down Kingpin finally erupts into all-out war. The energy is wild, chaotic, and cinematic — exactly what a second-to-last issue should feel like. Even the Mole Man gets a cool entrance and the best seats in the house this month.
• Spider-Man vs. Kingpin — brutal, painful, emotional
The centerpiece fight is raw and honestly difficult to watch.
Peter gets absolutely wrecked.
Kingpin feels like an unstoppable force, and seeing Peter struggle this hard reminds us just how grounded and human this version of Spider-Man really is.
And then… the heartbreaking moment:
Spider-Man calls out for help from his best friend — the Green Goblin.
But Harry never comes.
Gwen forces Harry to stay with her, pushing him to choose her instead of rushing in to save Peter.
It’s messy. It’s painful. It’s incredible storytelling.
• Richard goes full superhero — and Felicia at his side
Seeing Richard finally step into the role of a true Spider-person is awesome.
He’s not just a kid anymore — he’s brave, decisive, and fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with Felicia.
This feels like the official start of his journey.
• Kingpin exposed to the world — chef’s kiss storytelling
The moment Kingpin is publicly revealed for the monster he really is?
Pure perfection.
It hits exactly the way a villain downfall should hit.
Big. Loud. Consequential.
It’s the kind of storytelling beat we will look back on years from now.
• Mr. Negative’s uneasy truce
Mr. Negative and Kingpin starting off at odds, only to form a shaky truce mid-chaos, adds another layer of unpredictability. In a universe ruled by power and survival, alliances can flip in an instant — and this one feels important.
• MJ’s motherly panic — relatable and funny
The scene where MJ freaks out because Otto let Richard run off into danger?
Perfect.
Human. Heartfelt.
And yes — Otto is absolutely going to hear about that for the rest of his life.
• The ART — stunning, kinetic, alive
Every battle feels massive.
Every punch carries weight.
The chaos, the emotion, the desperation — it’s all enhanced by absolutely gorgeous art that makes this world feel real.
• No cons — this issue is perfect
Truly. There’s nothing to complain about here.
This is how you execute a major turning point.
• Incredible setup for the final issue — AND the future
At surface level, this issue is about taking down Kingpin.
But the comic brilliantly keeps the Maker looming like a dark god in the background.
Even with Kingpin exposed, the Maker is still the puppet master pulling on the strings of the entire world.
Which makes everything feel BIG.
Important.
Universe-defining.
The whole Ultimate Universe feels like it’s building toward something major, something life-altering. This issue nails the tone of a story approaching its grand crescendo.
FINAL GRADE: A+ (READ IT NOW!!!)
Conclusion
Ultimate Spider-Man #23 delivers everything you want from a penultimate issue — massive action, emotional gut punches, character-defining moments, and world-shaking revelations. It sets the stage beautifully for the final chapter while reminding us why this run has been so special. Kingpin’s downfall, the Maker’s hidden influence, Richard stepping into the mantle, and the entire cast uniting… it all builds into a story that feels monumental. In a way, it’s kind of bittersweet how everything is going to end just when the entire storyline is absolutely peaking. But you can also look at it or see it as everything ending in perfection. When January arrives next year, I’ll admittedly be a bit sad that this epic era is coming to a close. But I am just so grateful it happened, bringing a breath of fresh air along with it, revitalizing Marvel Comics as a whole.
If you haven’t started reading this series, this is the perfect time to catch up — and if you’re already on board, buckle up.
The finale is going to be huge.
English (US) · 