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[Punchy]

Oh man, this issue was, it was, it was emotional. I’m going to admit it, I cried. The last time a comic brought a tear to my eye was the Peter Parker funeral issue of Ultimate Fallout, so it’s no coincidence that this follow-up story has done the same. When Peter and Aunt May are talking about Uncle Ben, and they realise it’s real… Oh jeez, it hit me right in my emotional core. And MJ! Oh my god! That broke my heart too. I don’t even know if I’m looking forward to their inevitable meeting in #5, it could be do much. Thankfully this issue wasn’t all raw emotion, otherwise I probably wouldn’t be able to write this, as Bendis has some fun at comparing and contrasting the Marvel and Ultimate Universes. There’s Gwen’s incredulity at MJ being a super-model, Peter finding out his Ultimate counterpart dated Kitty Pryde, Nick Fury’s reaction to his alter-ego being white, and Peter meeting a still-drinking Tony Stark. These are all basic, fan-service bits, but they really work, and you can forgive them because of the emotional heft of the rest of the comic. I also like the little stuff Miles is getting to do here, he’s the secondary character for sure, but he has his moments, like messing with the web-shooters and working out where Mysterio is. Even though I’m sad that Ultimate Peter is dead, Miles is still awesome. Sara Pichelli’s artwork was brilliant as usual, she’s going to be a big star after this. Oh wow, even writing this recap is making my eyes a little sore, well done Brian and Sara, you did it, you got to me! Now don’t mess up the ending!

[doombug]

This mini really has been Bendis at his best. Loving every second of it.

[doombug]

And god, the stuff with Aunt May was tear inducing.

[The Bass]

Probably one of the best things Marvel has done in years. And easily a high watermark for Bendis. And I say that as a pretty big fan of his work.

[Zero]

This is still a title with far too little plot, but this issue was brilliant.