Spider-Man Novel Reviews: Ultimate Spider-Man by Mr. Mio

Ultimate Spider-Man
Edited by Stan Lee
Reviewed by Mr. Mio

The Ultimate Spider-Man, edited by Stan Lee, is a collection of short stories guaranteed to please and entertain any Spidey fan. The book begins with a charming introduction by “The Man” himself, who gives his version of how he came up with the whole idea of Spider-Man. He cautions the reader, though that “I’ve told this to so many people, so many times, that I’ve actually started to believe it. So I no longer know if it’s true or not!”

The first story in this anthology is more of a novella than a short story. It gives the origin (at least one of them, so I’ve been told) of Peter Parker and how he came to be the Amazing Spider-Man. Both Stan Lee and Peter David get story credit for this one, and the illustration is done by Steve Ditko, who, according to Lee’s book dedication, “was there at the beginning.” (Incidentally, each story has its own illustration done by various artists that have depicted Spider-Man throughout the years) This was one of my favorites in the book, and it was especially helpful to me to get some good background info, being a Spider-neophyte myself. Peppered throughout are various wordplays and fun characterizations that make the story quite enjoyable. I especially enjoyed Dr. Otto Octavius (who later becomes the villain Dr. Octopus) being compared to Moe Howard, since I am a big Three Stooges fan. Another funny name is the dean of Empire State University, where Dr. Octavius is a professor, is named Henry Martin, or Dean Martin.

The rest of the stories are much shorter. Since there isn’t much time or space for the writer to be able to develop plot and characters extensively, tight plot lines and good action are a must. The nice thing about these being short stories is that you get a variety of characters, namely the super-villains. And, if you’re like me, you don’t always have much time to read. So if you can get through at least one of the stories, you can pick the book up later and not feel like you’ve gotten behind in the story. Another benefit to this format is that you get a good sampling of different writers, enabling the reader to decide which ones he or she feels depict Spider-Man the best. They can then pick up a full-length novel from that writer, since many of the authors featured in this book have also done full-length novels.

I won’t take the time in this review to look at each story individually, but I will say that they are all worth your time. Each one brings its own strengths to the table. Spider-Man faces many of his arch rivals in these stories, including Doc Ock ,Venom, Mysterio, the Vulture, the Lizard, Morbius the Living Vampire, and other of your favorite super-villains.

My second favorite was the last story featured in the book, “Five Minutes” by Peter David. This guy really knows how to weave a story together! David captures realistic dialogue quite well between Peter and MJ. Peter’s inner struggle between his responsibility to his wife and his responsibility to innocent victims that he has sworn to protect is masterfully written to make the reader sympathize with his plight.

One of the stories that I felt did a great job capturing Spidey’s voice was “Thunder on the Mountain” by Richard Lee Byers. The dialogue included Webs doing an impression of Curly to try to cheer up a kid, again appealing to my Stooge appreciation. “I was a victim of soycumstance!” he said to the boy, explaining how the Rhino had taken advantage of him.

My least favorite was “Blindspot” by Ann Nocenti. It was definitely different, almost too cerebral for me. Not that it was bad in itself, but I just don’t think that it fit in this book. She focused more on the ancillary characters then on Spider-Man himself. The plot revolves around the mind of a mechanical creature that’s created from harvested human body parts. It brings up some interesting ethical issues, but was just too weird for me.

So, all in all, my recommendation would be to pick up this book. Each story is well written and will keep your interest. From the Spider-newby like myself to the experienced Spider-Man fan, there is something for everyone here. I give this book out of four.