First Read: Ultimate Spider-Man
A podcast that breaks down Brian Michael Bendis's iconic run on Ultimate Spider-Man, covering issues 1 through 160 in Earth 1610. Each episode analyzes the storylines, character development, and impact of this seminal Marvel series.
Episodes
Episode 127: You've Got to Do Better, Starbucks!
Spider-Man faces Venom in a consequential battle. Mary Jane and Gwen Stacy return .The boys talk evil coffee corporations, The Boys, Invincible, Foxy Shazam, media literacy, Dr. Strangelove, Donald Trump, fascism, and autism. Search engine optimization, do your thing!
Episode 126: A Betty Brant Exclusive Report
Ethical journalist Betty Brant presents: a 100% factual bombshell article exposing the identity of the new Spider-Man!
Episode 125: Heroes on Both Sides
Spider-Man finds himself far from home. HYDRA liberates Jefferson Davis. Judy and Red discuss the potential dangers of consuming four thousand lit cigarettes.
Episode 124: Divided We Fall/United We Stand Finale!
Everyday citizens are joining the fight FOR Hydra against the Ultimates! A stiff uppercut to the jaw from Cap should do the trick!
Episode 123: Battle at the Triskelion
Spider-Man gets another opportunity to prove himself to Captain America
Episode 122: Vote For Cap!
Captain America goes state to state campaigning for his presidency. Predictions for the National Championship game from the #1 Sports Comic Book Podcast
Episode 121: Same As It Ever Was
Spider-Man gets slandered in the media, feels guilty about his uncle's death, and quips while fighting the villain of the week. Same as it ever was. Ultimate Comics Spider-Man 13 & 14Issue coverage begins at 16:50
Episode 120: Cap is Back!
Cap finally gets his butt off the bench and returns to the action, Zach applies to architecture school, and everyone celebrates a happy Thanksgiving!
Episode 119: GIANT SIZE Tumor
Jonathan Hickman's Ultimates arc concludes!Ultimate Comics: The Ultimates #11 & 12Issue coverage begins at 20:30
Episode 118: Reed Richards Makes Death: Destroyer of Worlds
We're back with The Maker! What's he going to get up to? Probably no good. A lot of US history in this one. The Spiderman coverage starts around the 25 minute mark.
Episode 117: Uncle Aaron NO MORE!
Spider-Man and the Prowler take down ScorpionUltimate Comics Spider-Man #11 & 12Issue coverage begins at 9:55
Episode 116: Going the Extra Miles with Uncle Aaron
Uncle Aaron asks Miles for a favor, and Miles has to choose work with the lesser of two evils. No extra fluff in this one. Get ya spiderman and get the heck out.
BONUS: A Stan Lee & Steve Ditko Classic
In this special bonus episode, we discuss Zach's favorite oldie issue
Episode 115: Every Xorn Has It's Zorn
Nick Fury arrives in Tian looking for allies. The President takes matters into his own hands. The Hulk gets dropped from space into The City. It's awesome baby. Ultimate Comics Ultimates #7 & 8Issue coverage begins at 10:30
Episode 114: Falcon's Time to Shine
The Maker is up to his old tricks again, and its up to Sam Wilson to infiltrate and stop him. Hawkeye is present and accounted for. Spiderman stuff starts at around 8:40ish.
Episode 113: God of Thunder, Man of Iron
Thor seeks revenge for the slaughter of Asgard. The Maker reveals his identity to the Ultimates.Ultimate Comics Ultimates #3 & 4Issue coverage begins at 16:00
Episode 112: Uncle Aaron Breaks Bad
Uncle Aaron comes back from Mexico with a business opportunity. Other things happen. Speaking of business opportunities, some great gambling advice for those that stick around til the end.
Episode 111: Hickman's Ultimates
As Nick Fury responds to crises around the globe, The Maker and his Children of Tomorrow arrive and declare themselves the new rulers of EarthUltimate Comics Ultimates #1 & 2Issue coverage begins at 25:00
BONUS: Fantastic Four & Superman
The boys read & discuss Fantastic Four #252 by John Byrne AND review the latest major superhero films. Now here's some buzzwords for that sweet sweet SEO, baby. Matt Shackman Pedro Pascal Vanessa Kirby Ebon Moss-Bachrach Joseph Quinn Galactus Mr. Fantastic The Thing Human Torch Invisible Woman Silver Surfer Galactus MCU DCCU James Gunn David Corenswet Rachel Brosnahan Nicholas Hoult Lois L
Episode 110: Uncle Aaron's Mexican Adventure
Miles delivers under pressure and proves himself to Jessica Drew, Nick Fury, and The Ultimates. Meanwhile, Aaron gets into some trouble in Mexico City. Ultimate Comics Spider-Man 5 & 6Issue coverage begins at 11:41
Episode 109: Great Responsibility
As a stunned New York grieves the death of Spider-Man, Miles Morales wrestles with the question of who he's meant to be. Ultimate Comics Spider-Man 3 & 4Issue coverage begins at 16:10
Episode 108: Introducing Miles Morales
We kick off a new chapter of this podcast and officially begin following Miles Morales' run as the one and only Spider-Man. Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1 & 2Issue coverage begins at 5:19
Episode 107: Fury Wept
Nick Fury juggles several crises at SHIELD and takes responsibility for Peter's death. Aunt May and Gwen seek a new start. Quicksilver makes his case for being the Worst Person Ever. GO PACERS!Ultimate Fallout #5 & 6Issue coverage begins at 9:18
Episode 106: A New Spider-Man?
Reed Richards escapes from the Negative Zone, and a new wall-crawler emerges wearing a costume that's in pretty poor taste. Also included: Stories from Kitty Pryde, Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, and Val Cooper. Zach & John praise the future 2025 NBA champion INDIANA PACERSUltimate Fallout # 3 & 4Issue coverage begins at 18:00
Episode 105: Celebration of Life
The people of New York gather for Peter Parker's funeral and we explore various characters' responses to his death. Ultimate Fallout #1 & 2Issue coverage begins at 24:10
Episode 104: GIANT SIZE The Death of Spider-Man
Ultimate Spider-Man concludes as Peter Parker dies defending his friends and family. Thank you to Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley, Mark Brooks, Stuart Immomen, David Lafuente, Bill Jemas, Justin Ponsor, Cory Petit, Art Thibert, and everyone else who had a hand in giving us this iconic run. We've loved every second of talking about it.Ultimate Spider-Man #159 & 160Issue coverage begins at
Episode 103: GIANT SIZE The Best of Us
The penultimate chapter of Ultimate Spider-Man's story. Peter intervenes in the battle between the Avengers and the Ultimates while the Sinister Six plan their final attack.Ultimate Spider-Man #157 & 158 and portions of Avengers vs New Ultimates #4Issue coverage begins at 21:74
Episode 102: GIANT SIZE The Greatest Day of Peter Parker's Life
His dream job. His dream girl. A surprise party. An old friend returning. Peter Parker really has it all :)Ultimate Spider-Man #155 & 156Issue coverage begins at 12:00
Episode 101: First Day of School
Peter begins his superhero training with Iron Man while Mysterio and Black Cat wreck Soho in their dispute over a MacGuffin.Ultimate Spider-Man #153 & 154Issue coverage begins at 10:00
Episode 100: Ultimate Doom (Part II)
Our heroes confront Reed in this thrilling conclusion to the Ultimate Doomsday storyUltimate Doom #3 & 4Issue coverage begins at 10:13
Episode 99: Ultimate Doom (Part I)
Reed Richards muses about finding or creating a perfect world. I wonder if that concept will ever be brought up again... Ultimate Doom # 1 & 2Issue coverage begins at 19:10
Episode 98: Ultimate Mystery (Part II)
The ULTIMATE MYSTERY is solved when the ULTIMATE ENEMY reveals himself. Will this spell ULTIMATE DOOM for our heroes?We also talk:Fauxchella 8 & becoming the #1 comic book podcast for midwest emo fansMr. Beast GamesInvincible War Daredevil Born AgainUltimate Mystery #3 & 4Issue coverage begins at 11:15
Episode 97: Ultimate Mystery (Part I)
Peter and Jessica team-up to investigate Roxxon. Rick Jones returns to Earth to fulfil his destiny. Someone is still one step ahead of our heroes. Ultimate Mystery #1 & 2Issue coverage begins at 17:40
Episode 96: Ultimate Enemy (Part II)
Gilroy the Terrible attacks the Parker house, Nick Fury confronts Carol Danvers, and The Thing gets his rocks off. Ultimate Enemy #3 & 4Issue coverage begins at 12:10
Episode 95: Ultimate Enemy (Part I)
Someone is targeting the super heroes. Who watches the Fantastic Four? Ultimate Enemy #1 & #2Issue coverage begins at 18:10
Episode 94: The Cat Returns
Black Cat's history with The Kingpin puts her in conflict with Mysterio, Gwen Stacy and Peter have a much-needed conversation, and Iron Man misunderstands the meaning of "go pick up Peter Parker". Ultimate Spider-Man 151 & 152Issue coverage begins at 13:40
Episode 93: The Boys Are Back In Town
We return with a vengeance to discuss jaw surgery, Family Guy, crypto, and our favorite web-slinger. Ultimate Spider-Man 15 & 150 Issue coverage begins at 21:10
BONUS: Absolute Batman
In our last episode before the 2 month hiatus, we check in on the latest work from the Distinguished Competition. Let's just say it's Batman AF.Absolute Batman #1 & 2Issue coverage begins at 27:26
Episode 92: Tainted Love
Peter (the real one) comes face to face with his captors while Peter (the fake one) uses his great power irresponsibly. Ultimate Spider-Man 13 & 14Issue coverage begins at 19:04
Episode 91: GIANT SIZE Doppelgänger
Peter gets replaced by an impersonator (who would have guessed?!). Zach & John discuss the 2024 US Presidential Election results and defend their title as the #1 political podcast for comic book fans. Ultimate Spider-Man 11 & 12Issue coverage begins at 14:17
Episode 90: Who Run the World?
We look at a couple of standout issues for the girls. Jessica, Kitty, MJ, Gwen, and the Bombshells all shine. Also, Zach reads his Star Wars fanfic. Ultimate Spider-Man #9 & 10 (142 & 143)Issue coverage begins at 11:50
Episode 89: The Chosen One
Rick Jones wakes up from a six month coma. Spider-Man, Iceman, and The Human Torch must help him uncover the origins of his newfound abilities. Ultimate Spider-Man #7 &8 (140 & 141)Issue coverage begins at 15:01
Episode 88: Aunt May's School for Gifted Youngsters
We finally learn the identity of the red-cloaked hero, and the Parker house gets a little bit fuller. Ultimate Spider-Man #5 & 6 (138 & 139)Issue coverage begins at 6:00
Episode 87: The Queen of Crazy Town
Mysterio (and Baby Billy) are causing problems. We laugh through the pain. Ultimate Spider-Man 3 & 4 (136 & 137)Issue coverage begins at 10:00
Episode 86: Six Months Later...
After the dust has settled, Peter has a new job, a new relationship, and new super-villains.Ultimate Spider-Man 1 & 2 (134 & 135)Issue coverage begins at 8:52
Episode 85: Requiem for a Swing
With Spider-Man missing in the aftermath of Ultimatum, a changed J Jonah Jameson begins work on the wall crawler's obituary.Ultimatum: Spider Man Requiem #1 & 2Issue coverage begins at 8:50
Episode 84: End of Ultimatum
Everyone dies. Ultimate Spider-Man 133 & Ultimatum 5Issue coverage begins at 12:24
Episode 83: Ultimatum State of Mind
Peter faces supernatural foes at the ruins of Doctor Strange's house while the surviving members of The Ultimates and the X-Men launch their assault on Magneto. Ultimate Spider-Man #132 & Ultimatum #4Issue coverage begins at 11:00
Episode 82: Where the Hela is Thor?
Ultimatum nonsense continues. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Hank Pym, our fallen friend. May his heroic sacrifice never be forgotten.Ultimate Spider-Man #131 & Ultimatum #3Issue coverage begins at 15:54
Episode 81: It Gets Worse
Ultimatum plunges the world into chaos. You've never seen shock value like this in a Marvel Comic before or since! Ultimate Spider-Man #130 & Ultimatum 2Issue coverage begins at 7:04
Episode 80: The Beginning of the End
Just when everything seems to be going well, Ultimatum kicks off.Ultimate Spider-Man # 129 & Ultimatum # 1Issue coverage begins at 13:21
Episode 79: Who Watches the Watchers?
On the eve of Ultimatum, we explore the origins of Charles Xavier and Magneto as well as a new retcon story about Richard and Mary Parker. Ultimate Origins 3 & 4Issue coverage begins at 15:35
Episode 78: GIANT SIZE Gwenom
So it turns out "The Suit" doesn't actually cure cancer-- but it CAN cure dead. Ultimate Spider-Man 127 & 128Issue coverage begins at 19:00
Episode 77: GIANT SIZE Dr. Venompoolverine
In this double sized episode, Spider-Man fights Venom in more than one way, and we try to make sense of this story's timeline. THEN we spoil the hell out of Deadpool & Wolverine, and share our thoughts on it & other recent MCU items such as Robert Downey Jr returning to the MCU to play Doctor Doom. Ultimate Spider-Man 125 & 126Issue coverage begins at 15:44Deadpool 3 & MCU cove
Episode 76: Thank You for the Venom
Eddie Brock returns- and he's hungryUltimate Spider-Man 123 & 124Issue coverage begins at 8:14
Episode 75: Shock Therapy
We dive into the psychology of our favorite tortured anti-hero: The ShockerUltimate Spider-Man #122 & Ultimate X-Men #96Issue coverage begins at 13:20
Episode 74: Mysterio's Mysterious Mystery Shack
Peter and Mary Jane have a discussion about their relationship.WARNING: The content of this issue & episode is sexual in nature. If that offends you, we have dozens of episodes that are violent in nature which may interest you more.Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #3Issue coverage begins at 10:48
Episode 73: Don't Give Peter a Baby
Liz Allen must choose between joining the X-Men or Magneto, and Peter and Kitty present on their time as pretend parentsUltimate Spider-Man #120 & 121Issue coverage begins at 11:47
Episode 72: Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends
In these change-of-pace issues following Harry's death, the kids get a rare chance to enjoy themselves--- until someone's powers manifest for the first time. Ultimate Spider-Man #117 & 119Issue coverage begins at 12:52
Episode 71: Death of a Goblin
In this episode, a goblin dies. Zach and John also talk Dr. Who, The Boys, and Justin Timberlake. Ultimate Spider-Man #116 & 117Issue coverage begins at 29:27
Episode 70: SHIELD Ruins Everything
No matter who's running it, SHIELD is the reason we can't have nice things. Ultimate Spider-Man #114 & 115Issue coverage begins at 16:40
Episode 69: Nice!
SHIELD hath no Fury... just a woman scorned. Peter & Kitty get paired up together for an awkward class project. Zach explains his latest concert injury. Ultimate Spider-Man #112 & 113Issue coverage begins at 30:47
BONUS: Renew Your Vows (Part II)
We finish up the 2015 5-issue miniseries "Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows"Issue coverage begins at 20:44
BONUS: Renew Your Vows (Part I)
We look at the first two issues of the 2015 Secret Wars tie-in miniseries "Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows". We also read leaked lines straight from the script of the upcoming Ryan Reynolds & Hugh Jackman film "Deadpool & Wolverine". WARNING: INCLUDES SPOILERS!Issue coverage begins at 16:30
Episode 68: Bagley Takes a Bow
We look at Mark Bagley's final issues as the regular penciler for Ultimate Spider-Man. The Ultimate Knights arc concludes, and Peter finally has a much-needed conversation with Aunt May.Ultimate Spider-Man # 110 & 111Issue coverage begins at 8:34
Episode 67: Dark Side of the Moon Knight
Perhaps entrusting an important task to "Mark Steven Little-Girl Moon Grant Spector Ronin Knight" was unwise... Plus, we discuss the Drake & Kendrick Lamar beef and John shares his thoughts on X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014).Ultimate Spider-Man 108 & 109Issue coverage begins at 13:37
Episode 66: "Not to Get Political, BUT..."
Midtown High gets a new student & Peter teams up with Daredevil, Dr Strange, Moon Knight, Iron Fist, and Shang Chi to take down the Kingpin.We probably break the record for Ayn Rand mentions in a Spider-Man podcast episode. We also discuss naming kids after presidents and what the X-Men represent.Ultimate Spider-Man # 106 & 107Issue coverage begins at 13:07
Episode 65: Part2- Electric Kangaroo!
Three cheers for Zach recovering the audio that failed in the last episode! Here's that back half of it we promised you. In the second ever Ultimate Spider-Man Annual Issue, Spidey & friends take down the overconfident mobster The Kangaroo!Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #2Issue coverage begins basically immediately
Episode 65: Clone Saga- No More!
We cover the epilogue of the Clone Saga in this partial episode. Due to technical difficulties, Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #2 will be covered in a separate episode. "We go through episodes too, like Attack of the Clones" -- Talib KweliUltimate Spider-Man # 105Issue coverage begins at 19:10
Episode 64: Doctor Octopolarity
"It wasn't the arms, Peter..."Ultimate Spider-Man 103 & 104Issue coverage begins at 17:20
Episode 63: The Clone Zone
In which the answers to "what is going on?" start to slowly trickle out.Ultimate Spider-Man 101 & 102Issue coverage begins at 17:00
Episode 62: Father of the Year
"Hey Brian, we love your drafts so far for the Clone Saga, but it's still not quite complicated enough. What if you had Peter's dead father show up right as everything else is happening?"Ultimate Spider-Man 99 & 100Issue coverage begins at 12:35
Episode 61: The New Sheriff of Crazy Town
The clone saga kicks off in a big way!Ultimate Spider-Man 97 & 98Issue coverage begins at 9:13
BONUS: Hickman's Ultimate Spider-Man #1
We're back from our brief hiatus- and finally talking about the most popular comic of 2024 so far- Ultimate Spider-Man #1 by Jonathan Hickman & Marco Checchetto. We also discuss Lexington Comic & Toy Convention. Stay in your seats for a post-credits scene you won't see coming!
BONUS: Spider-Man in Film
In our last episode before the two week break, we discuss and rank all 10 Spider-Man films of the 21st century (plus Spider-Man: The Animated Series)!Spider-ManSpider-Man 2Spider-Man 3The Amazing Spider-ManTASM 2HomecomingFar From HomeInto the Spider-VerseNo Way Home Across the Spider-Verse
Episode 60: It's Morbin' Time
Morbius. 'Nuff said.Ultimate Spider-Man 95 & 96Issue coverage begins at 12:54
Episode 59: Deadpool (Part II)
Spidey and the X-Men continue their battle on Krakoa with Deadpool and his reavers. Zach and John discuss Super Bowl LVIII, Usher, Jared Leto, Madame Web, The Deadpool 3 & X-Men '97 trailers, and The Fantastic Four casting announcement. Ultimate Spider-Man 93 & 94Issue coverage begins at 19:15
Episode 58: Deadpool (Part I)
Spider-Man, Kitty Pryde, and the rest of the X-Men are kidnapped and taken to the island of Krakoa to be hunted for sport. Think "The Hunger Games" meets "The Most Dangerous Game". Ultimate Spider-Man 91 & 92Issue coverage begins at 15:56
Episode 57: GIANT SIZE Spider-Man & Doctor Who
In this double-sized episode, we conclude the Silver Sable arc in Ultimate Spider-Man and discuss the recent Doctor Who special episodes that featured the return of David Tennant. Ultimate Spider-Man #90Issue coverage begins at 18:25Doctor Who coverage begins at 55:45
Episode 56: Silver Linings Sable
Silver Sable finally delivers Peter to Mr. Roxxon, but then probably wishes she hadn't. Ultimate Spider-Man 88 & 89Issue coverage begins at 18:56
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