Ultimate Spider-Man facts for kids

This page is about the comic book series. For other uses, see Ultimate Spider-Man (disambiguation).

Quick facts for kids Ultimate Spider-Man
First issue of Ultimate Spider-Man, with the original cover by Joe Quesada.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics (Ultimate Marvel imprint)
Schedule	Monthly
Format	Ongoing
Publication date	September 2000 – June 2011
Number of issues	160 (+ 3 Annuals, 1 Special)
Main character(s)	Peter Parker / Spider-Man
Creative team
Writer(s)	Brian Michael Bendis
Penciller(s)	Mark Bagley Stuart Immonen David Lafuente

Ultimate Spider-Man is a popular superhero comic book series. Marvel Comics published it from 2000 to 2011. This series gave the classic Spider-Man story a modern twist. It was part of the Ultimate Marvel collection. In this world, Spider-Man lived alongside new versions of other Marvel heroes. These included the Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Fantastic Four, and The Ultimates. Their adventures took place on a special Earth called Earth-1610.

The story follows Peter Parker. He is a smart but shy teenager living in Queens, New York. Peter lost his parents when he was six. During a school trip, a special spider bites him. This bite gives him amazing spider-like powers. He gains super strength, speed, and can stick to walls. He also gets a 'spider-sense' that warns him of danger.

At first, Peter uses his powers for himself. But when a thief he could have stopped harms his Uncle Ben, Peter feels terrible. He decides to use his powers to help people as the hero Spider-Man. Peter now has to juggle high school, his job, his girlfriend Mary Jane, and his secret life as Spider-Man. He fights bad guys and tries to protect New York City.

The first Ultimate Spider-Man comic came out in 2000. Brian Michael Bendis wrote it, and Mark Bagley drew it. They made Spider-Man's origin story much longer and more detailed. This team worked together for many issues, until #111, when Stuart Immonen took over the art. The series became very popular and sold millions of copies. People loved Bendis's writing and the artwork. Bendis and Bagley even set a record for working together on a Marvel series for so long.

After issue #133, the series was restarted for a short time. It then continued its original numbering until issue #160. In 2011, the series changed to Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man. This new series introduced a different Spider-Man named Miles Morales. The very first issue of Ultimate Spider-Man is now a valuable collector's item. In 2024, a brand new comic series also called Ultimate Spider-Man began. It tells a new story about an older Peter Parker.

How Ultimate Spider-Man Was Created
Main Characters in Ultimate Spider-Man
Villains Spider-Man Fights
Ultimate Spider-Man in Other Media
See also

How Ultimate Spider-Man Was Created

Writer Brian Michael Bendis signing a copy of the series' first issue.

Ultimate Spider-Man was the very first comic in the Ultimate Marvel series. The publisher, Bill Jemas, wanted to make Marvel stories easier for new readers. He felt the old stories had too much history. So, he decided to start fresh with Spider-Man.

The original Spider-Man origin story was short. But writer Brian Michael Bendis made it much longer and more detailed. The first issues were a big hit with fans and critics. This success helped launch other Ultimate Marvel comics. These included Ultimate X-Men and The Ultimates.

Ultimate Spider-Man #1 was even called one of the 'greatest Marvel Comics of All Time' in 2001. It became more popular than the main Spider-Man comic, The Amazing Spider-Man. Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley worked together for a long time. They set a record for the longest continuous run by two creators on a Marvel series.

Mark Bagley left the series after issue #111 in 2007. Stuart Immonen then became the new artist. The series ended with issue #133. After a short break, it relaunched in 2009 with Bendis writing and David Lafuente drawing. The book finished its run with #160. It then became Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man in 2011, featuring Miles Morales as the new hero.

Main Characters in Ultimate Spider-Man

Peter Parker / Spider-Man – A shy, smart high school student. He lives in Forest Hills, Queens, New York City, with his Uncle Ben and Aunt May. Peter is 15 years old and lost his parents when he was a child. A mutated spider bites him during a science trip. This gives him amazing spider-like powers. He gains super-strength, speed, agility, and a 'spider-sense'. After his uncle's death, Peter uses his powers to help others. He creates artificial spider webs with special wrist devices. He tries to balance school, a job, his girlfriend, and being Spider-Man.

Mary Jane Watson – Peter's girlfriend and next-door neighbor. She is the first person Peter tells his secret identity to. Mary Jane often helps fix his costume and cares for his injuries. She and Peter love each other, but his life as Spider-Man can make their relationship difficult.

May Parker – Peter's caring aunt. She is in her 50s and works as a secretary. Aunt May initially disliked Spider-Man. She thought he was reckless. But she later learns Peter's secret identity and accepts it. She supports Peter, even though she worries about him.

Gwen Stacy – A street-smart girl who becomes friends with Peter and Mary Jane. She sees Peter as a brother. Her father was NYPD Captain John Stacy. After her father's death, Aunt May welcomes Gwen into their home.

Harry Osborn – Peter's best friend. He is the son of Norman Osborn. Harry helps Peter when bullies bother him. He sometimes becomes the Hobgoblin after being exposed to a special formula.

Liz Allan – Mary Jane's best friend. She used to dislike mutants. Later, it was revealed that she is a mutant herself. She gains powers and becomes Firestar. Peter eventually tells Liz that he is Spider-Man.

Fred "Flash" Thompson – A school bully who often picked on Peter Parker. He also had a crush on Gwen Stacy. Flash was one of the last main characters to find out Peter's secret identity after Peter's death.

Kenny "Kong" McFarlane – Another former bully of Peter. He later becomes Peter's friend. Kong was a big fan of Spider-Man. He eventually figured out that Peter was Spider-Man.

Kitty Pryde – A member of the X-Men. She dated Peter after he and Mary Jane broke up. Kitty wears a mask when fighting alongside Spider-Man to protect his secret. She still cares for Peter even after their relationship ended.

Johnny Storm / Human Torch – A member of the Fantastic Four. He is Susan Storm's younger brother. After a big event called the Ultimatum wave, Johnny moves in with Peter Parker. He dyes his hair black to help keep his identity a secret.

Bobby Drake / Iceman – The youngest founding member of the X-Men. He can create ice around himself. After the Ultimatum wave, Bobby is forced to leave his home. He moves in with Peter, Aunt May, Gwen, and Johnny. Aunt May enrolls him in Midtown High as Peter's cousin.

J. Jonah Jameson – The editor-in-chief of the Daily Bugle newspaper. He strongly dislikes Spider-Man. He often publishes articles that make Spider-Man look bad. Peter Parker works for him as a web designer and photographer.

Nick Fury – The tough leader of S.H.I.E.L.D.. He wants Peter to join the Ultimates superhero team when he gets older. Nick Fury is a powerful and well-connected figure.

Ben Parker – Peter's kind and understanding uncle. He raised Peter like his own son with Aunt May. Uncle Ben taught Peter important lessons about being a good person. He was killed early in the series, which deeply affected Peter. His famous motto, "with great power comes great responsibility," inspires Peter to become Spider-Man.

Richard Parker – Peter's late father. He was a brilliant biochemist. He and Peter's mother died in a plane crash when Peter was a child. Richard was working on a special "molecular adhesive" before his death. Peter later finished this formula to create his artificial spider webbing.

Mary Parker – Peter's late mother and Aunt May's sister-in-law. She died in a plane crash with her husband, Richard, when Peter was young.

Dr. Curt Connors – A professor at Empire State University. He sponsors Eddie Brock's Venom project. Dr. Connors tries to regrow his lost arm using lizard DNA. This experiment accidentally turns him into the Lizard.

Jessica Drew / Spider-Woman – A female clone of Peter Parker. She has all of Peter's memories and spider-powers. Jessica can shoot organic webbing from her fingertips. She becomes a superhero and later joins S.H.I.E.L.D. as an agent.

Felicia Hardy / Black Cat – A skilled cat burglar. She seeks revenge on the Kingpin for her father's death. Felicia is interested in Spider-Man, but is surprised to learn he is a teenager.

Jean DeWolff – A captain in the NYPD. She sometimes offers support to Spider-Man.

Villains Spider-Man Fights

Norman Osborn / Green Goblin – The dishonest CEO of Oscorp. He is a scientist and Spider-Man's main enemy. He injects himself with an experimental drug called "OZ". This turns him into an insane, powerful, green-skinned monster. He can also shoot fireballs from his hands. He knows Peter's secret identity.

Otto Octavius / Doctor Octopus – One of Osborn's scientists. Four cybernetic arms were permanently attached to him in an explosion. He is very smart and has fought Spider-Man many times.

Eddie Brock / Venom – A childhood friend of Peter Parker. Their fathers worked on a special "suit" meant to cure illnesses. This suit bonds to a user and protects them. If the suit bonds with the wrong person, it can become dangerous.

Wilson Fisk / Kingpin – The powerful leader of New York's organized crime. He knows Spider-Man is a teenager.

Max Dillon / Electro – One of the Kingpin's henchmen. He gained powers from a genetic experiment. Electro can control electricity. He was once defeated by Aunt May.

Flint Marko / Sandman – A criminal who can turn his body into sand. He gained his powers from a genetic experiment.

Sergei Kravinoff / Kraven the Hunter – The host of an action reality show. He wants to hunt Spider-Man to make his show more popular.

Herman Shultz / Shocker – A common criminal who uses devices that shoot sonic vibrations. He is often an annoyance to Spider-Man.

Alex O' Hirn / R.H.I.N.O. – A man who wears impenetrable armor. He has fought both Spider-Man and Iron Man.

Blackie Drago / Vulture – A former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. He was hired by the Tinkerer for a mission.

Mysterio – A mysterious magician who uses advanced technology. He creates special effects and illusions.

Carnage – A dangerous organism created from Dr. Curt Connors' experiments. It is a powerful and destructive being.

Enforcers – A group of three henchmen. They include "Montana" Bale, "Ox" Sanchez, and "Fancy Dan" Crenshaw.

Elektra – The Kingpin's skilled assassin.

Silver Sablinova / Silver Sable – A trained mercenary who leads a group called the Wild Pack. She has fought Spider-Man.

Beetle – An agent sent to New York City to get a symbiote sample. Spider-Man interfered with his mission.

Elijah Stern / Tinkerer – A mechanic who used other villains to attack his former boss.

Deadpool – A disfigured cyborg who hunts mutants. He once captured the X-Men and Spider-Man.

Kaine Parker – A flawed clone of Peter Parker. He was created by Doctor Octopus.

Arkady Gregorivich Rossovich / Omega Red – A mutant who dislikes humans. He was hired to attack a cargo boat.

Ringer – A criminal who uses rings that shoot sonic vibrations. Spider-Man has defeated him multiple times.

Ultimate Spider-Man in Other Media

Television Shows

The show Spider-Man: The New Animated Series was almost a direct adaptation of the Ultimate Spider-Man comics.
The Spectacular Spider-Man animated series used many ideas from the Ultimate comics. For example, Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy, Harry Osborn, and Mary Jane Watson were all teenagers in high school.
An animated series called Ultimate Spider-Man aired from 2012 to 2017. In this show, Ultimate Peter Parker had died. Miles Morales took over as Spider-Man.
The 2017 Spider-Man series also featured elements from the Ultimate comics. This included Kraven the Hunter having a TV show.

Movies

Live-action Films

Sam Raimi's 2002 Spider-Man film used many ideas from the Ultimate comics. These included Peter Parker being bitten by a genetically-altered spider. Also, Norman Osborn became the Green Goblin after injecting himself with a serum.
The 2004 sequel Spider-Man 2 also adapted ideas from the Ultimate comics. Dr. Octavius worked for Oscorp to fund his experiments.
The 2007 sequel Spider-Man 3 used small parts from the Ultimate comics' Venom story. This included Peter's anger while wearing the Black Suit.
Marc Webb's 2012 film The Amazing Spider-Man took several elements from the Ultimate comics. These included Peter Parker's personality and his bite at Oscorp. Gwen and Peter also dated in high school.
The 2014 sequel The Amazing Spider-Man 2 continued to adapt Ultimate comic elements. Richard Parker was a scientist working on cures. Harry Osborn's transformation into the Green Goblin was similar to his father's in the Ultimate comics.
The 2017 Marvel Studios film Spider-Man: Homecoming adapted several elements. These included a younger Peter Parker and Aunt May. Tony Stark acted as Peter's mentor.
In the 2019 film Spider-Man: Far From Home, Peter and Nick Fury's interactions were inspired by their relationship in the Ultimate Comics.
In the 2026 film Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Peter takes a bullet for Jean Grey. This is similar to what his Ultimate comic counterpart did for Captain America.

Animated Films

A version of the Ultimate universe appeared in the 2018 Sony animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. In this film, Ultimate Peter Parker was older and married to Mary Jane Watson. He had licensed his likeness to help fund his superhero work. The movie also took inspiration from Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man.
In the 2023 sequel Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, a poster referencing the first issue of Ultimate Fallout can be seen in Gwen Stacy's room.

Video Games

A video game called Ultimate Spider-Man was released in 2005. It continued the Venom storyline from the comics. The game's story was created by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley.
In Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, Venom wears his Ultimate universe costume.
A prequel game, Spider-Man: Battle for New York, was released in 2006. It retold Ultimate Spider-Man's first fight with the Green Goblin.
A mobile game called Spider-Man: Toxic City was released in 2009. It was loosely based on the Ultimate comics.
Ultimate Peter Parker/Spider-Man is a playable character in Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions. He uses his symbiote costume in the game.
Another mobile game, Ultimate Spider-Man: Total Mayhem, was released in 2011.
The Ultimate version of Venom is a playable character in the 2013 game Lego Marvel Super Heroes.
The 2018 Spider-Man game included minor elements from the Ultimate comics. Peter Parker, Mary Jane Watson, and Harry Osborn knew each other since childhood.
The follow-up game Spider-Man: Miles Morales was visually inspired by the Ultimate universe. It featured the Tinkerer's vendetta against Roxxon Energy Corporation.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2, released in 2023, also used elements from Ultimate comics. Peter Parker had a similar hairstyle to his Ultimate counterpart. The Venom symbiote was used as a cure for diseases.

Attractions

An interactive attraction based on the Ultimate and mainstream Marvel universes was built in Niagara Falls. Guests help Spider-Man stop villains using lasers. Spider-Man's look in the ride is based on his Ultimate version.