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Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #13 - Divided We Fall, Part One Review

5

by on

Miles Morales meets Captain America and struggles to deal with the downsides of vigilantism in the latest issue of his self-titled series.

The Good

First of all, David Marquez, you can draw Spider-Man anytime you want. In fact, you can draw anything you want because everything you draw is just so freakin' beautiful. This issue is gorgeous. David's pencils are so intricate that they pull you deep into the story; I guarantee you will get lost in it. The characters are all unique individuals, and their expressions and emotions are beautifully executed. Pair that with the incredible colors of Justin Ponsor, and you have one of the nicest looking books out on the shelf this week.

Putting aside how absolutely beautiful and emotional the art is in this issue, we have to give it up for the execution of a fantastic story. If you haven't been reading ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN, this is the perfect place to start. America's political infrastructure has been torn to shreds, the states are seceeding from the Union, and Spider-Man (Miles Morales) has been targeted by police and the government for murder. The story opens with Tony Stark and Captain America who play on opposite sides of the issue. For Cap, Miles is far too young and impressionable to be roaming the streets of New York City playing superhero during such tumultuous times. I love that Stark draws a comparison between Spider-Man and a young Captain America -- not only is it funny, but it brings a neat perspective to the story.The focus of the issue moves away from these two heroes and to Miles, who has just born witness to the death of his Uncle. If you have been following the story then you know that Miles' Uncle was acting as a mentor to him; guiding him along and showing him that he is going to hold a lot of responsibility on his shoulders.

The death of Miles' uncle plays an incredibly important role through the entirety of the issue and is a theme that carries throughout. Sometimes when a character dies in a comic, we fail to see the results of that death and the way they alter a character and push a story; that's certainly not the case here.

This story is heavy! It's interesting, entertaining and will leave you wanting more. It will suck you in because it's so good (I love Bendis on this title, I really do), and leave you hanging on every panel. Truly one of my favorite comics of the week. If you don't love Spider-Man, give this book a shot. It is bound to change your mind.

The Bad

I loved this book so much, there's nothing bad here.

The Verdict

A comic is truly great when it can get the reader to feel an array of different emotions. You'll go from feeling really bad for Miles, to laughing at the way Bendis pokes fun at the villain in this issue; Batroc the Leaper. I think what I love the most (aside from the incredible art) is the dialogue. Each character is unique and has a unique voice, and Bendis really captures that magnificently. I hung on every word bubble and reveled in the beauty of every panel. If you are looking for a fun, entertaining, all-around great superhero comic to add to your pull list, you should definitely think about starting with this one.

25 Comments
Posted by Twentyfive

Awesome. Can't wait to pick it up!

Posted by DDangelico

Loved this book as much as you

Posted by Rainooo

Yet another great issue from a consistently good series.

Posted by JamDamage

I stopped reading Spider-man before the clone original 616 clone saga. I never jumped back on except for a few arch I bought in trade. I follow up his history on here, but don't collent spidey. I don't miss it either. I do collect Ultimate S.M. and have since it started. I just love Bendis. Like all big writers there are haters, and it seems like the haters like to bitch more then the fans like to praise. This is a new title. Even tho Ult. S.M. went past 100 issues with Bendis aboard I kept reading how certain arch were good to jump on. This is a new Spidey and still see reviewers say its a good jump on point. I'm sick of it. It's so good. If you keep reading the reviews on this title and still have yet to jump on thats your fault. every month it's solid. Every month it gets a pretty good review. Us fans aren't missing you haters are.

Posted by bookerman20

There hasn't been a bad issue....

This is by far my favorite series in the Ultimate Universe

Posted by danhimself
Posted by AdrianOpIvy

Like TDKR, Bendis demonstrates that there is way more to Spider-Man than just a person. This book is so goddamn great.

Edited by Jawshco
Posted by Jawshco

@danhimself:

SPOILER WARNING: Click here to reveal hidden content.
Well it should have been! But now I have yet another reason to hate Captain Cornball. I was so stoked when I say it was May there with that box... I just knew Miles was Finally going to get webs, then Capt. shows up and DENIED! Arg! LOL!
Posted by Om1kron

I didn't read the review fully because I haven't read this issue yet (pull list) But Ultimate Spiderman has been a real treat to read and while I was a little butthurt Sara left to work on spider men, I think the replacement is so seemless it's almost hard to differentiate their styles until you get down to the body language. Regardless I am really happy spending my money on this book monthly.

Posted by spartan177

Awesome! I just subscribed to this title. I'm excited.

Posted by Baberaham_Lincoln

I missed issue 12 at my LCS since it was finals prep examination period at school and was in lock down mode. Got to pick this up today and read it and tis amazing... However, i felt like something was missing, does that mean i should order issue 12???

Thanks.

Posted by thenexusrebound

@danhimself:

Seems to be that way if someone doesn't get his stars and stripes undies in too much of a bunch.

Posted by JohnnyWalker

finally something is happening. god they take their time.

Posted by feargalr

Love this series. Can't wait till the origin story is over though... :/ cos lets face it.. its still pretty much in origin mode

Posted by Superdork

@bookerman20 said:

There hasn't been a bad issue....

This is by far my favorite series in the Universe

Posted by cuhcoast

Am i the only one who thinks that keep holding back the webshooters? FFS give miles peter's webshooters already ... damn!!!!!!

Posted by zombietag

i like how miles is still going to be motivated to be spider-man by the death of his uncle, a big nodd to the original peter parker even though it is a much different situation. it's cool that that ties in so well

Posted by danhimself

@Jawshco: @thenexusrebound: I understand where he's coming from though...out of all the Ultimates he feels the most responsible for Peter's death...he was heavily against Peter being Spider-man and he was a few years older than Miles...so if anything Peter's death just reinforced his feelings that minors shouldn't be superheroing

Edited by Jawshco

@danhimself: You're absolutely right in terms of the writing correctly portraying Cap's character and motivations. But WHY did he have to interupt that scene? That's the scene I've been wanting to see since issue #1.

Also, I like the fact that they're taking the story slow, and not trying to treat the story in a hamfisted sort of way. However, is it just me or is this comic super-short on pages? I read each issue in a couple of minutes. "It arouses my appetite without beddin' her back down," - paraphrased movie quote from Oh, Brother Where Art Thou...

Posted by danhimself

@Jawshco: the wait should just make it that much sweeter when it actually happens...probably next issue

it reads fast because it's so good

Posted by ahgunsillyo

Hopefully, we'll get to see Aunt May slap the bejeezus out of Captain America again.

Posted by Mrakbarman

are there any volume collecting these issues?

Posted by PaperDemon

I completely agree i pick up these comics at my local comic shop every time one comes out. straight on the date its out. This comic deserves all of my respect and it gets it all. 5/5 stars.

Posted by Mrfuzzynutz

for all those wishing Miles gets web shooters, I hope they come with a formula, because how is he going to be able to make more?

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