''Ultimate Comics: Fallout'' is a
comic book
A comic book, also called comicbook, comic magazine or (in the United Kingdom and Ireland) simply comic, is a publication that consists of comics art in the form of sequential juxtaposed panels that represent individual scenes. Panels are of ...
limited series Limited series may refer to:
*Limited series, individual storylines within an anthology series
*Limited series, a particular run of collectables, usually individually numbered
*Limited series (comics), a comics series with a predetermined number of ...
published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is an American comic book publishing, publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Co ...
that debuted in July 2011 as part of the second re-launch of the
Ultimate Universe
Ultimate Marvel, later known as Ultimate Comics, was an imprint (trade name), imprint of comic books published by Marvel Comics, featuring re-imagined and modernized versions of the company's superhero characters from the Ultimate Marvel Univers ...
. The story itself deals mainly with the aftermath of the "
Death of Spider-Man" storyline, and focuses on the impact of the death of
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appeared in the anthology comic book '' Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in the ...
on many of the Ultimate Marvel characters, specifically
Aunt May
Maybelle "May" Parker-Jameson (née Reilly), commonly known as Aunt May, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Spider-Man. Making her first full appeara ...
, Mary Jane, and
Gwen Stacy
Gwendolyne Maxine Stacy is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, usually as a supporting character in those featuring Spider-Man. A college student and the daughter of George Stacy and Helen Stacy, ...
, as well as the
Ultimates
The Ultimates is a superhero comic book series published by Marvel Comics and created by writer Mark Millar and artist Bryan Hitch, which first started publication from ''The Ultimates'' #1 (March 2002), as part of the company's Ultimate Marvel ...
and
Nick Fury
Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury Sr. is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, he first appeared in ''Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos ...
. It is written by
Brian Michael Bendis,
Jonathan Hickman
Jonathan Hickman (born September 3, 1972) is an American comic book writer and artist, best known for his creator-owned series '' The Nightly News'', ''The Manhattan Projects'' and ''East of West'', as well as his lengthy stints as a writer on M ...
, and
Nick Spencer
Nick Spencer is a comic book writer and former politician best known for his Image series '' Morning Glories'', his collaborations with artist Steve Lieber on the comedic series ''Superior Foes of Spider-Man'' and '' The Fix'', a three-year run o ...
. It also introduced a new art style by Gabriel Hardman that would go on to be featured in the sequel series ''
Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man'' and the crossover ''
Spider-Men
''Spider-Men'' is a five-issue, 2012 superhero comic book miniseries published by Marvel Comics, featuring Peter Parker, the original Spider-Man, and Miles Morales, the second and current Ultimate Marvel version of Spider-Man, who appear together ...
''.
Background
The series takes place in the
Ultimate Universe
Ultimate Marvel, later known as Ultimate Comics, was an imprint (trade name), imprint of comic books published by Marvel Comics, featuring re-imagined and modernized versions of the company's superhero characters from the Ultimate Marvel Univers ...
, following both ''
Ultimate Comics: Avengers'', ''
Ultimate Comics: X'', and specifically the "Death of Spider-Man" in ''
Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man''. At the same time, the series represents the beginning of the second re-launch (or ''Rebirth'') of Ultimate Marvel, which will eventually bring about new ongoing titles such as ''Ultimate Comics: Ultimates'', ''Ultimate Comics: X-Men'', and a re-launched ''Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man'' featuring a new Spider-Man.
Jonathan Hickman
Jonathan Hickman (born September 3, 1972) is an American comic book writer and artist, best known for his creator-owned series '' The Nightly News'', ''The Manhattan Projects'' and ''East of West'', as well as his lengthy stints as a writer on M ...
,
Nick Spencer
Nick Spencer is a comic book writer and former politician best known for his Image series '' Morning Glories'', his collaborations with artist Steve Lieber on the comedic series ''Superior Foes of Spider-Man'' and '' The Fix'', a three-year run o ...
, and
Brian Michael Bendis represent the three writers of these upcoming respective books, as well as the co-writers to ''Fallout'' itself.
Plot summary
Chapter One
* Spider-Man R.I.P.: writer
Brian Michael Bendis, artist
Mark Bagley
Mark Bagley (; born August 7, 1957) is an American comics artist. He has worked for Marvel Comics on such titles as ''The Amazing Spider-Man'', ''Thunderbolts'', ''New Warriors'', ''Venom'' and '' Ultimate Spider-Man'' and for DC Comics on ''Justic ...
In the aftermath with his death match against
Green Goblin
The Green Goblin is the alias of several supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first and best-known incarnation Norman Osborn, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, is generally regarded as one of the a ...
,
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appeared in the anthology comic book '' Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in the ...
has died in the arms of
Aunt May
Maybelle "May" Parker-Jameson (née Reilly), commonly known as Aunt May, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Spider-Man. Making her first full appeara ...
and Mary Jane Watson. The death of Spider-Man has affected everyone.
Gwen Stacy
Gwendolyne Maxine Stacy is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, usually as a supporting character in those featuring Spider-Man. A college student and the daughter of George Stacy and Helen Stacy, ...
considers herself to be a curse.
J. Jonah Jameson knew that Peter Parker was Spider-Man and can't think of a way to print this out for the ''
Daily Bugle
The ''Daily Bugle'' (at one time ''The DB'') is a fictional New York City tabloid newspaper appearing as a plot element in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The ''Daily Bugle'' is a regular fixture in the Marvel Universe, mos ...
''. Both the Human Torch and
Kitty Pryde
Katherine Anne "Kitty" Pryde is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with the X-Men. The character First appearance, first appeared in ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #129 (January 1980) and was ...
are shown to be saddened at the loss of their friend.
Tony Stark
Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby. The charac ...
foots the bill for the largest funeral in New York. When at the funeral, Aunt May is visited by a young girl who Spider-Man once saved from a fire. Aunt May is then approached by a remorseful
Captain America
Captain America is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by cartoonists Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, the character First appearance, first appeared in ''#Golden Age, Captain America Comics'' #1 (cover ...
who states that what happened to Peter was his fault. Mary Jane Watson even blames
Nick Fury
Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury Sr. is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, he first appeared in ''Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos ...
for Peter's death.
Chapter Two
* Captain America: writer Brian Michael Bendis, artist Gabriel Hardman
* Thor: writer
Jonathan Hickman
Jonathan Hickman (born September 3, 1972) is an American comic book writer and artist, best known for his creator-owned series '' The Nightly News'', ''The Manhattan Projects'' and ''East of West'', as well as his lengthy stints as a writer on M ...
, artist
Bryan Hitch
Bryan Hitch (born 22 April 1970) is a British comics artist and writer. Hitch began his career in the United Kingdom for Marvel UK, working on titles such as ''Action Force'' and ''Death's Head'', before gaining prominence on American titles ...
* Rogue: writer
Nick Spencer
Nick Spencer is a comic book writer and former politician best known for his Image series '' Morning Glories'', his collaborations with artist Steve Lieber on the comedic series ''Superior Foes of Spider-Man'' and '' The Fix'', a three-year run o ...
, artist
Lee Garbett
Lee Garbett is a British comic book artist born in the West Midlands. He has worked on British comics. As of February 2011, he is working freelance after a period of exclusivity with DC Comics.
Career
He created the 4-issue mini-series ''Dar ...
When Captain America tells Aunt May that Spider-Man "wasn't ready to be one of the Ultimates" and that the gunshot was meant for him, Aunt May scolds Captain America for making the decision that cost her the life of Peter Parker. Aunt May manages to find condolence from J. Jonah Jameson. The grievances are reached in different ways ranging from
Thor
Thor (; from non, Þórr ) is a prominent god in Germanic paganism. In Norse mythology, he is a hammer-wielding god associated with lightning, thunder, storms, sacred groves and trees, strength, the protection of humankind, hallowing, an ...
and
Rogue. Meanwhile, Mary Jane plans her retribution stating that Nick Fury and his team of superheroes are responsible for Spider-Man's death.
Chapter Three
* Tony Stark: writer Jonathan Hickman, artist Steve Kurth
* Kitty Pryde: writer Nick Spencer, artist
Eric Nguyen
* Karen Grant & The Hulk: writer Jonathan Hickman, artist
Carlo Pagulayan
Carlo Pagulayan (born June 24, 1978) is a Filipino freelance comic book artist.
Early life
He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from the Santo Tomas branch campus of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sa ...
While at Spider-Man's funeral, Tony Stark has a flashback revolving around his brother
Gregory Stark
Arno Stark is the name of two similar fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, appearing as a counterpart of the superhero Iron Man from the multiverse. The first of these characters is best known as Iron ...
's funeral. During that time, he had an encounter with Jonathan Blackhaven of Blackhaven Pharmaceuticals who asked Tony to finish his brother's work. Meanwhile, Kitty Pryde decides to go into hiding with Human Torch and
Iceman whilst Karen Grant (the alias of
Jean Grey
Jean Elaine Grey is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character has been known under the aliases Marvel Girl, Phoenix and Dark Phoenix. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack K ...
) helps
Bruce Banner
The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of '' The Incredible Hulk'' (May 1962). In his comic book a ...
remember the first time he lost control and transformed into the Hulk when he first fought Spider-Man.
Chapter Four
* Spider-Man: writer Brian Michael Bendis, artist Sarah Pichelli
* Reed Richards: writer Jonathan Hickman, artist
Salvador Larroca
Salvador Larroca () is a Spanish comic book artist, primarily known for his American work on various ''X-Men'' titles for Marvel Comics.
Career
After several years of working as a Cartography, cartographer, he began working as a comic artist at ...
* Valerie Cooper: writer Nick Spencer, artist
Clayton Crain
Clayton Crain is an American comic book artist known for his digital painted work on Marvel Comics books such as ''Ghost Rider'', ''X-Force'', and '' Carnage'', and also on the Valiant Comics series ''Rai''. Crain is also known for his work with ...
Following his release from prison,
Kangaroo
Kangaroos are four marsupials from the family Macropodidae (macropods, meaning "large foot"). In common use the term is used to describe the largest species from this family, the red kangaroo, as well as the antilopine kangaroo, eastern ...
assaults a man who owes him money. Just then, someone in a Spider-Man costume ends up fighting Kangaroo. After defeating Kangaroo, some people of New York express disapproval of his actions stating that wearing Peter's costume is disrespectful. Upon heading to the rooftop, this Spider-Man unmasks himself to be an African-American/Latino boy named
Miles Morales
Miles Gonzalo MoralesAhmed, Saladin (w), Garrón, Javier (a). ''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' #1 (2018) Marvel Comics (New York). () is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, and is one o ...
who states that it is in bad taste wearing a Spider-Man costume. Meanwhile,
Mister Fantastic
Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards) is a superhero character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is a founding member, and the leader, of the Fantastic Four. Richards has a mastery of mechanical, aerospace a ...
is revealed to be alive in the N-Zone with a horrible scar covering his right face claiming that the heroes have ruined his chances of making the world a better place. He starts to rebuild his lab out of the remains from his last battle and then activates a machine that transports him to an unknown jungle. Upon building a new lab, he gathers together a small group of people and informs them that he will be sealing them in a dome and they must evolve in order to survive. While these events are occurring, a government official begins to prepare for an announcement that will tell the world the truth about where the mutant gene came from.
Chapter Five
* Quicksilver: writer Nick Spencer, artist Luke Ross
* Nick Fury: writer Jonathan Hickman, artist
Billy Tan
Billy Tan Mung Khoy, commonly known as Billy Tan, is a Malaysian comic book artist.
Early life
Billy Tan was born in Malaysia and moved to the United States when he was 18, in 1989 to study business at the University of Kentucky. He began workin ...
Philip Hanstead meets with
Pietro Lensherr to carry out some business in regards to the mutant race. Meanwhile, Nick Fury is told that the European Union has reconstituted the Super-Soldier Program which will be led by
Jamie Braddock as the new
Captain Britain
Captain Britain is a title used by various superheroes in comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with Excalibur. The moniker was first used in publication by Brian Braddock in ''Captain Britain Weekly'' #1 by writer Ch ...
. There are also reports that the Southeast Asian Republic (SEAR) is attempting to start their own Super-Soldier project, and tensions between Argentina and Uruguay are rising to the point of all out war. To make matters even worse, Fury is told by a
White House
The White House is the official residence and workplace of the president of the United States. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., and has been the residence of every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800. ...
representative that the
President of the United States
The president of the United States (POTUS) is the head of state and head of government of the United States of America. The president directs the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United Stat ...
is planning on cutting
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage, special law enforcement, and counter-terrorism agency appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in ''Strange Tales'' #135 (August 1965), it often dea ...
's budget by thirty percent, leaving Fury to wonder how he can protect the United States against growing threats with dwindling resources.
Chapter Six
* Aunt May, Gwen Stacy & Mary Jane: writer Brian Michael Bendis, artist Mark Bagley
* Kitty, Bobby & Johnny: writer Nick Spencer, artist Eric Nguyen
* Nick Fury: writer Jonathan Hickman, artist Mitch Breitweiser
Aunt May and Gwen Stacy struggle with the attention that came with Peter's death and plan to take up Tony Stark's offer to be relocated to anywhere in the world, deciding to move to one of Stark's villas in France. Meanwhile, Kitty Pryde, Bobby Drake, and Johnny Storm take shelter in the former home of the
Morlocks
Morlocks are a fictional species created by H. G. Wells for his 1895 novel,''The Time Machine'', and are the main antagonists. Since their creation by H. G. Wells, the Morlocks have appeared in many other works such as sequels, films, televis ...
whilst Nick Fury continues to prepare for an upcoming international crisis after Captain America resigns from S.H.I.E.L.D. Mary Jane is seen still writing her article about Spider-Man's death, when Nick Fury suddenly appears in her room. He tells Mary Jane that he loved Peter and was trying to groom him to become a great man like his father. However, he admits that he fears he pushed Peter too hard and blames himself for his death. The final panel shows Nick Fury crying due to his guilt.
Characters
Parker family and friends
*
May Parker
Maybelle "May" Parker-Jameson (née Reilly), commonly known as Aunt May, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Spider-Man. Making her first full appeara ...
: Peter's aunt, who had known and accepted his role as Spider-Man.
*
Mary Jane Watson
Mary Jane "MJ" Watson is a Character (arts), fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by Stan Lee and John Romita Sr., and made her first appearance in ''The Amazing Spider-Man' ...
: Peter's girlfriend and an aspiring journalist, who is one of the first people to learn he was Spider-Man.
*
Gwen Stacy
Gwendolyne Maxine Stacy is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, usually as a supporting character in those featuring Spider-Man. A college student and the daughter of George Stacy and Helen Stacy, ...
: Ex-girlfriend of Peter's, who has been living with the Parkers for a long time now.
* Johnny Storm/Human Torch: Former member of the Fantastic Four and best friend to Peter, he had only fairly recently moved into the Parker household.
*
Kitty Pryde/Shroud: Former member of the X-Men and ex-girlfriend of Peter Parker.
*
Bobby Drake/Iceman: Former member of the X-Men who had only fairly recently moved into the Parker household.
*
J. Jonah Jameson: Former boss to Peter Parker and enemy to Spider-Man, he had discovered the connection just prior to Spider-Man's death and was a staunch ally of Peter after that.
*
Flash Thompson
Eugene "Flash" Thompson is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, the character First appearance, first appeared in ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 196 ...
: Former bully to Peter.
Other characters
*
Bruce Banner/Hulk: Still trying to maintain control over his Hulk persona.
*
Jean Grey/Karen Grant: Trying her best to help control the Hulk.
*
Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic: Former member of the Fantastic Four, recently defeated by the Heroes of Earth after he appeared to have gone mad.
*
Rogue: First appearance since Ultimatum. She believes the end of the world is coming.
*
Miles Morales/Spider-Man II: An African-American/Hispanic teenager who assumes the identity as Spider-Man after Peter's death.
*
Pietro Lensheer/Quicksilver: Current leader of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.
*
Ultimates
The Ultimates is a superhero comic book series published by Marvel Comics and created by writer Mark Millar and artist Bryan Hitch, which first started publication from ''The Ultimates'' #1 (March 2002), as part of the company's Ultimate Marvel ...
**
Steve Rogers/Captain America: Blames himself for Peter's death and quits the Ultimates at the end of "Ultimate Fallout."
**
Tony Stark/Iron Man: Helping the Parker family, but also dealing with the death of his own brother Gregory Stark.
**
Thor
Thor (; from non, Þórr ) is a prominent god in Germanic paganism. In Norse mythology, he is a hammer-wielding god associated with lightning, thunder, storms, sacred groves and trees, strength, the protection of humankind, hallowing, an ...
: Believes Peter died a heroic death and sighted his spirit in Asgard.
**
Nick Fury
Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury Sr. is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, he first appeared in ''Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos ...
: Head of
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage, special law enforcement, and counter-terrorism agency appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in ''Strange Tales'' #135 (August 1965), it often dea ...
and blamed for Peter's death by Mary Jane (and himself).
Reception
* ''Ultimate Comics: Fallout'' #1 received a rating of 8.0 out of 10 from
IGN
''IGN'' (formerly ''Imagine Games Network'') is an American video game and entertainment media website operated by IGN Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, Inc. The company's headquarters is located in San Francisco's SoMa distri ...
, and a rating of 3.5 out of 5 from
Comic Book Resources
''Comic Book Resources'', also known by the initialism CBR, is a website dedicated to the coverage of comic book–related news and discussion.
History
Comic Book Resources was founded by Jonah Weiland in 1995 as a development of the Kingdom Co ...
.
* ''Ultimate Comics: Fallout'' #3 received a rating of 7.0 out of 10 from IGN.
* ''Ultimate Comics: Fallout'' #4 received a rating of 8.0 out of 10 from IGN, and a rating of 4 out of 5 from Comic Book Resources.
* ''Ultimate Comics: Fallout'' #5 received a rating of 7.5 out of 10 from IGN.
* ''Ultimate Comics: Fallout'' #6 received a rating of 7.5 out of 10 from IGN. and a rating of 2 out of 5 from Comic Book Resources.
Reaction and controversy
Response to the introduction of
Miles Morales
Miles Gonzalo MoralesAhmed, Saladin (w), Garrón, Javier (a). ''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' #1 (2018) Marvel Comics (New York). () is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, and is one o ...
as the new Spider-Man has been generally mixed, creating a certain amount of controversy. Some members of the media have come out in support of the decision, which was prompted by author Brian Michael Bendis' discovery that ''
Community
A community is a social unit (a group of living things) with commonality such as place, norms, religion, values, customs, or identity. Communities may share a sense of place situated in a given geographical area (e.g. a country, village, tow ...
'' actor
Donald Glover
Donald McKinley Glover Jr. (; born September 25, 1983), also known by his stage name Childish Gambino (), is an American entertainer, writer, director, and producer. After working in Derrick Comedy while studying at New York University, Glove ...
had campaigned for the role of Spider-Man in ''
The Amazing Spider-Man
''The Amazing Spider-Man'' is an ongoing American comic book series featuring the Marvel Comics superhero Spider-Man as its main protagonist. Being in the Earth 616, mainstream continuity of the franchise, it began publication in 1963 as a bim ...
''.
However, many vicious reactions broke out across the web before the storyline even came to completion, with notable critical views coming from high-profile figures such as
Glenn Beck (who blamed
Michelle Obama). While some have alleged this reaction to be an extension of racism, many simply argued that Spider-Man has always been, and always will be Peter Parker, whilst others have cited the many unsuccessful previous attempts to change Spider-Man's past or his identity. Some fans have also criticized his age, as the content of comic books has increased in adult content over the years, making a 13-year-old hero in the Ultimate universe somewhat inaccessible to many.
Collected editions
See also
*
Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man
*
Ultimate Comics: X-Men
*
Ultimate Comics: Ultimates
References
{{Marvel events
Comics by Brian Michael Bendis
Comics by Jonathan Hickman
Comics set in New York City