Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    Marvel

    Review: Ultimate Spider-Man #131

    Stephen SchleicherBy Stephen SchleicherFebruary 27, 20093 Comments4 Mins Read

    Let’s kill Daredevil this time…

    ultimatespiderman131picon.jpg

    The carnage resulting from Magneto’s attack on the world continues to tear New York City apart as hero and civilian alike try and make sense of what is going on. Brian Michael Bendis continues to maim and kill those Ultimate characters we’ve come to enjoy, and while there may be some gut reaction from readers over these changes, no one is more affected than Peter Parker.  At least he makes a friend.

    ultimatespiderman131cover.jpgWhat is a hero?  That’s a question J.Jonah Jameson has to ask himself as he and the surviving members of the Daily Bugle make their way to the emergency newsroom in New Jersey. Admit the confusion, J.J. has a bit of a breakdown and confesses to Joe Robertson that he’s been wrong all along about Spider-Man and whatever happens he’s  going to do everything in his power to clear Spidey’s name.

    I think what makes a hero is not the cape or mask, but the willingness to do whatever it takes to help those in need.  While Spider-Man is doing his best to save those around him, it’s the actions of the civilians trying to make sense of what has become of their city  that makes a compelling story.  We’ve seen World War Hulk: Frontline, and Secret Frontline, and while I didn’t care for those mini-series, I think I might like to see whatUltimatum: Frontline would look like.  Readers get a glimpse of this from J.J.’s point of view, and there’s also another moment where Aunt May and Spider-Woman have a nice exchange as May is put in a safe place while Jessica goes in search of her clone.

    Peter is doing the best he can, but as last issue ended, he’s got a much bigger problem — the Hulk.  Peter does get through to the gray hulking mass, who appears to be in shock himself, and the duo go about helping as many people as they can.  During a down moment, Bruce Banner appears, just as Spider-Man discovers the dead body of Matt Murdock.

    Banner, believing he is responsible for the destruction begs Peter to kill him.  This is rather interesting as it was the Hulk that killed Peter’s parents.  Since Banner has no idea it is Peter under the mask, I wonder if he would see his plea for death as an act of retribution?  Peter isn’t about to kill anyone, and as Banner gets more worked up, he turns back into the Hulk, only this time he’s the angry, rampaging Hulk, and not the docile child he was moments before.

    Peter flees, and winds up just outside the home of Doctor Strange.  The Hulk, in hot persuit, flings a taxi at Peter, which smashes though the Sanctum Sanctorum, breaking the magical seal that is keeping all the demons and nasties contained inside.  If Magneto’s actions didn’t bring Hell to Earth, the Hulk smashing the seal certainly does.

    I’m curious what is going to happen when Marvel does a soft reboot of the Ultimate Universe.  Hopefully it will be a series that new readers can jump on, and hopefully Peter Parker will still be Spider-Man.  With all the death and destruction, and with more and more Ultimate characters getting killed, the new universe is going to be a very different one.

    Stuart immonen only has a few issues left in this series, and he will be sorely missed, as I’ve come to enjoy his art style very much.  His ability to bring out the emotion in J. Jonah Jameson is just as good as his ability to make the Hulk look like a lost child.

    This was another spectacular issue — it’s really amazing to see what Bendis is doing with the Spider-Man family.  While I may not be following every single moment of the Ultimatum event, I’m really digging the Ultimate Spider-Man story being told here.  Ultimate Spider-Man #131 is a good issue, and earns 4 out of 5 Stars.

    4stars.jpg

    Brian Michael Bendis Bruce Banner Carnage daily bugle Daredevil Frontline Gut Reaction hulking mass j jonah jameson joe robertson Matt Murdock mini series peter parker Safe Place Spider-Man Spider-Woman what is a hero what makes a hero World War Hulk
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleReview: Amazing Spider-Man #587
    Next Article WonderCon: Green Lantern: First Flight Arrives July 28, 2009
    Stephen Schleicher
    • Website
    • Twitter

    Stephen Schleicher began his career writing for the Digital Media Online community of sites, including Digital Producer and Creative Mac covering all aspects of the digital content creation industry. He then moved on to consumer technology, and began the Coolness Roundup podcast. A writing fool, Stephen has freelanced for Sci-Fi Channel's Technology Blog, and Gizmodo. Still longing for the good ol' days, Stephen launched Major Spoilers in July 2006, because he is a glutton for punishment. You can follow him on Twitter @MajorSpoilers and tell him your darkest secrets...

    Related Posts

    COMICS PORTAL: Where Is All The Cool Merchandise?

    Read More

    Runaways #1 Review

    Read More

    The Death of the Silver Surfer #1 Review

    Read More

    3 Comments

    1. Robbie on February 28, 2009 5:05 am

      Shit, I didn’t even read this one yet…

      Reply
    2. Brother129 on February 28, 2009 11:41 am

      Me neither…guess that’s why the site is called Major Spoilers:)

      Reply
    3. Matthew Peterson on February 28, 2009 1:31 pm

      Indeed… All our reviews do cover plot points that may be spoilery. If you don’t want to know how it ends, you may want to read our feedback AFTER you’ve read the issue n question…

      Reply

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    6.0
    June 16, 2025

    Runaways #1 Review

    8.0
    June 15, 2025

    The Death of the Silver Surfer #1 Review

    4.7
    June 15, 2025

    Retro Review: Master Comics #11 (February 1941)

    9.0
    June 13, 2025

    Marvel United: A Pride Special Review

    6.3
    June 10, 2025

    X-Men #17 Review

    Patreon Support
    Major Spoilers Store
    Recent Comments
    • ZackaryTobias on COMICS PORTAL: Where Is All The Cool Merchandise?
    • Nathan on Wayne’s Comics Podcast #696: Interview with Creators from Concrete Arcanum
    • Austin Cowboy on FIRST LOOK: Conan the Barbarian #21
    • Frank on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    • ZackaryTobias on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    Subscribe to the Major Spoilers E-Mail List
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT