USM #118 - *Spoilers*

[desanth]

No spoiler/review section up, so this is how it pops:

Peter is sitting in his room trying to read, but he can't get Harry's death out of his head. Next it's a page of Kong in his room doing pushups. He gives a thought monologue about how he wants to be Kitty's guy and doesn't want to end up being BFF like he usually does. Oh, and he knows Peter is Spiderman but respects his boundaries so doesn't want to tell him about it. He wonders if Pete and Kittie had sex yet... Now onto MJ, working at 'Corndog on a Stick' in the mall. Her life sucks, Liz comes over in her Hello Kitty hoodie. Liz is outta it, she gets a free drink from MJ and has a thought monologue about the physical/mental pain she feels recently. Onto Johnny Storm now, who is on a date with some famous person. She uses him to call the media and get exposure. He's grown out of his shallow phase by now and is pissed. Now onto the next main character, Kitty Pryde. Everyone is staring at her in the school cafeteria so she stands up and gives them a show by phasing through the floor into the school gymnasium below.

Now put them all together: After school, Johnny stops by to talk to Liz. He spots Pete with MJ. Pete starts freaking out, since someone might see Johnny and associate Pete with Spiderman. Johnny says no sweat and he could be there to see anyone. He calls Kitty over who was with Kong and they talk a bit. Then in comes Iceman, in ice mode coming to see them(at this point people are taking pictures with their camera phones). He wants to be friends again with Kitty and has a note from Wolverine to her. She reads the note and cries a little. Johnny sees Liz and talks to her. In the end, they all agree to go to the beach; Kong, Kitty, Johnny, Pete, MJ, Iceman, and Liz.

At the beach, lots of people, Johnny, Pete and Bobby are talking shop; where's Fury. Pete says lets not talk about it since they are in public so they stop by the end of the 2 page spread. Night falls and there is a bonfire, MJ and Pete are smoochin. Liz is with Johnny near the bonfire. She moans, leans in towards the fire, then screams. Her hair caught on fire it appears and Johnny says he didn't do it. Then there is a 2 page spread as her whole body ignites and everyone stares.

[CMBMOOL]

And now the fun begins. :p

[desanth]

Nice comic, its kinda a wacky world for Peter Parker. I liked the issue, although there is a lot of jumping around. Anyone know what month it is in USM? People at the beach playing in the water while its still school time?

[megabyte01]

It was a good issue overall. It was interesting to see Bendis use no less than 6 character monologues, then bring all the characters together together for Liz's 'incident'. I'm curious to find out what Liz's response will be in discovering she is a mutant. She has displayed serious mutant fears in the past. I look forward to seeing whether she comes to terms with herself in light of her old prejudices. (and i hate having to wait 2 months to see the conclusion!)

The art is becoming better with every issue. The characters are realistic when the scene calls for it, yet become considerably animated when the scene calls for comedy. The dark shadows reflecting a character's mood were an interesting choice.

[OoNebsoO]

I liked it a lot. And think I would've enjoyed another "no super powers" issue, so too bad Liz didn't ignite in next issue. ;)

Didn't like Fury's mention, but that's no Bendis' fault, it's just that I'd like to forget that awful awful Ultimate Power. I did like Peter's saying that Fury ain't a bad man, a bit of a "screw you" to Loeb?

[Angelus II]

Another great issue. We got a similar event going on like in issue #68. This should be good.

[Ragnorok64]

Are they ever going to fix this whole Kitty being booted vs her actually just leaving after the professor "died" thing? It's kinda annoying.

It was a fun issue anyways.

[Yaw]

Are they ever going to fix this whole Kitty being booted vs her actually just leaving after the professor "died" thing? It's kinda annoying.

It was a fun issue anyways.



When she first showed up in Spider-man didn't she say she left? I don't think her saying she was "booted" later means much. It could be that she just didn't want to explain her reasons for wanting to leave so she just said she got booted.

[ddqfpluskick]

Perhaps she is booted as in no one has invited her back; Scoot nor Bishop.

As for the issue I found the dialogue very enjoyable and quirky all around. This is one of the biggest reason I can enjoy a comic.

[Ragnorok64]

When she first showed up in Spider-man didn't she say she left? I don't think her saying she was "booted" later means much. It could be that she just didn't want to explain her reasons for wanting to leave so she just said she got booted.

I thought when she first reshowed up they said the Professor kicked her out as a result of her like saying she hated him or something when she wanted him to make Aunt May forget Peter's identity.

[Hi-Fi]

Are they ever going to fix this whole Kitty being booted vs her actually just leaving after the professor "died" thing? It's kinda annoying.

It was a fun issue anyways.
I have no problem with Kirkman's entire crappy run being ignored by Bendis.

Anyway, amazing issue. Lots of fun. And the art was pretty great.

[TransformersFan]

Anyone else notice that cover for next issue? Magneto VS Peter?

[Hi-Fi]

Magneto will probably track down Liz to ask her to join him.

[WOXL]

I really enjoyed the issue too. Even in its low points, this book has been at least an entertaining read. And when it shines, it's great!

I have to wonder if Liz has known she was a mutant for some time and her extreme view on mutants was because she was afraid of her powers and afraid of what people would think.

-Bob

[DaeJi]

I love Ultimate Spider-Man. This issues was great. I love Kong going on about how he knows that Peter is Spider-Man. I loved it when he just figured it out in the early issues. And I loved see them all hang out.

[Ragnorok64]

I haven't read this series from the beginning, but this Kevin seems to be a totally nice and well adjusted kid. So seeing as this is comic book land can we expect something utterly tragic to happen to him?

[Toboe]

I loved this issue. It'd be great if this remained as Peter's supporting cast and not just as guest stars. Kong and Liz are getting some growth and the super powered gang had a great interaction together and it would help to give the book a different feel from the revamped Amazing Spider-Man.

I guess it makes sense for Iceman to try to get Kitty's friendship back, but it seemed quite random and rather convienent that he'd show up at the school exactly when Johnny Storm happens to be there and Liz is manifesting her mutant powers. Besides, his personality seems too much like Johnny's. I really couldn't tell them appart at first in the beach scene.

I wonder what Logan's note to Kitty was. Maybe it's to keep the book up with Prof X's death, although it seems rather cold from Logan to inform Kitty that way, so it might be something else.

I'm throughly enjoying this and can not wait for the next issue.

[Sonicjuce]

I enjoyed the issue. Someone mentioned a Buffy Scooby Squid coming into effect. I kinda saw that happening in this issue.

I really enjoyed the monologues. The only thing was Kong using BFF? Do high schoolers still say this? I had a girl in a class at my university use it and the entire class broke out laughing at her. I am surprised Bendis would use it, maybe a little unknowledgeable of actual dialogue....

I did think it was difficult to tell Johnny and Bobby apart. That was a little difficult, although no more difficult then telling some of Bagley's women apart. I guess I can't complain too much.

I also didn't get the guys out weighing the girls. Why didn't Bobby bring someone along? Also where was Kong during the whole Fury conversation?

I loved Peter telling everyone to leave, that was great.

Overall great issue really enjoying it.

Did anyone else find it odd to see MJ and Peter kissing? I can never recall them being drawn kissing before, which struck me...

[Hi-Fi]

I enjoyed the issue. Someone mentioned a Buffy Scooby Squid coming into effect. I kinda saw that happening in this issue.

LOL. It was me! I want a Spidey Scooby gang!

Yeah, Bobby should have brought Rogue. Aren't they a couple now?

[ultimatespyder20]

The issue it great. The writing of everyday teens just connected with me on so many levels, (considering I'm 15). I loved the art and colors, the last 2-page spread is awesome!

I wasn't too excited for the arc when it was first previewed but now after reading #118, I'M PUMPED!

Bendis, you write character driven stories so well.

Can't wait for next issue!

Alec

[ultimatespyder20]

Did anyone else find it odd to see MJ and Peter kissing? I can never recall them being drawn kissing before, which struck me...

Yeah, like way back in the beginning of the series. I think somewhere in the "Venom" story. I was glad to see those two finally get some quiet time and acting like a normal couple.

Alec

[desanth]

I haven't read this series from the beginning, but this Kevin seems to be a totally nice and well adjusted kid. So seeing as this is comic book land can we expect something utterly tragic to happen to him?

Well, maybe in the future, but until he either gets a super power or reveals to Peter that he knows, he's safe. If he either of those above happen, most likely a sentinel will crush Kong when going after Kitty or Liz.

I guess it makes sense for Iceman to try to get Kitty's friendship back, but it seemed quite random and rather convienent that he'd show up at the school exactly when Johnny Storm happens to be there and Liz is manifesting her mutant powers. Besides, his personality seems too much like Johnny's. I really couldn't tell them appart at first in the beach scene.

I wonder what Logan's note to Kitty was. Maybe it's to keep the book up with Prof X's death, although it seems rather cold from Logan to inform Kitty that way, so it might be something else.

Random? No, opposites attract, so Johnny and Liz being fireballs, the iceman was obviously attracted to go see Kitty now of all days. And all those supers induced Liz's manifestation. As for telling Johnny and Bobby apart, I had to go back a page to see Johnny's hair color to be sure. His hair is brighter than Bobby's. Most of the last 3 sentences are just jokes, except for the hair thing, so no one take it too seriously, OK?

I enjoyed the issue. Someone mentioned a Buffy Scooby Squid coming into effect. I kinda saw that happening in this issue.

I really enjoyed the monologues. The only thing was Kong using BFF? Do high schoolers still say this? I had a girl in a class at my university use it and the entire class broke out laughing at her. I am surprised Bendis would use it, maybe a little unknowledgeable of actual dialogue....

I also didn't get the guys out weighing the girls. Why didn't Bobby bring someone along? Also where was Kong during the whole Fury conversation?

I loved Peter telling everyone to leave, that was great.

Overall great issue really enjoying it.

Did anyone else find it odd to see MJ and Peter kissing? I can never recall them being drawn kissing before, which struck me...

BFF is still used I believe, maybe a bit more updated(my sister was talking to her friend and they used something close to all that stuff) stuff is out there. And Kong was an earshot away during the beach talk.

LOL. It was me! I want a Spidey Scooby gang!

Yeah, Bobby should have brought Rogue. Aren't they a couple now?

I could see it now: "Kitty, can you ever forgive me? Oh yea, I brought the girl I messed with that caused us to break up or whatever.. want to have a 3some?"

[Omega Alpha]

Why can't all issues be Pete, MJ, Kitty, Kong, Johnny, Liz & Bobby on the beach? That would be awesome. :)

And Kong's monologue was just priceless.

[Shade 20x6]

Excellent issue. Thank goodness USM is still around since ASM has been ruined.

[megabyte01]

Excellent issue. Thank goodness USM is still around since ASM has been ruined.

hear hear.

[Pyro]

I totally agree with all sentiments about seeing more of these characters hanging out. This was an awesome issue. I loved the characters and the writing. The way all the internal monologues were structured in the same way worked perfectly. It was just fun all around, but it still felt real even with the outlandish superpowers. Ah, I hope the rest of this arc turns out just as good.

[Angelus II]

Why can't all issues be Pete, MJ, Kitty, Kong, Johnny, Liz & Bobby on the beach? That would be awesome. :)

And Kong's monologue was just priceless.

and all the villains will be doing what?

[Ragnorok64]

and all the villains will be doing what?

Also on the beach, playing competitive volley ball. Evilly!

[CmX]

I hate to say it, but I think I'm growing tired of Ult SpiderMan. :(

[IAMFuzzy]

I hate to say it, but I think I'm growing tired of Ult SpiderMan. :(
You're obviously crazy if you're getting tired of USM.

[spiderman_rj]

NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !
i´m droping this book.....cant stand seeing kitty hooking with fat bald bendis-ish character !!! i hope he sacrifice himself trying to save kitty.......from magneto.

or that kenny turns to be working for magneto all the time,and that was him who he was furiously talking on the phone

[Ragnorok64]

NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !
i´m droping this book.....cant stand seeing kitty hooking with fat bald bendis-ish character !!! i hope he sacrifice himself trying to save kitty.......from magneto.

or that kenny turns to be working for magneto all the time,and that was him who he was furiously talking on the phone

Please tell me you're joking :confused:.

[darksaint124]

I hate to say it, but I think I'm growing tired of Ult SpiderMan. :(

Blasphemy!!!!!
But seriously, is that even possible.

[HaroldAllnut]

I just wonder what the note from Logan was about. I bought this issue just to see what was up. I'm not sure I like the idea of Liz Allen as Firestar after all. It seems too sudden, sort of forced. Stuart Immonen's a great artist, though.

[DeadXMan]

I just wonder what the note from Logan was about. I bought this issue just to see what was up. I'm not sure I like the idea of Liz Allen as Firestar after all. It seems too sudden, sort of forced. Stuart Immonen's a great artist, though.

it's probally that he and storm are leaving to join bishop.

[Angelus II]

it's probally that he and storm are leaving to join bishop.

Are you sure? I can't see how that is personal to kitty. Why didn't Logan just tell Iceman to tell Kitty, if that was the case.

[DeadXMan]

was she there when chuck got "killed"?

if not then probably that.

[Jack]

I just wonder what the note from Logan was about. I bought this issue just to see what was up. I'm not sure I like the idea of Liz Allen as Firestar after all. It seems too sudden, sort of forced. Stuart Immonen's a great artist, though.
What if she were Molten Girl instead, eh?

[Hi-Fi]

I just wonder what the note from Logan was about. I bought this issue just to see what was up. I'm not sure I like the idea of Liz Allen as Firestar after all. It seems too sudden, sort of forced. Stuart Immonen's a great artist, though.
Too sudden? It's been teased since Liz first appeared or something.

[Angelus II]

was she there when chuck got "killed"?

if not then probably that.

Yep.

Kitty(UXM#79): The Professor is dead, Bobby. I don't care what he'd want now. It doesn't matter any more.

She was there.

[carabas]

Too sudden? It's been teased since Liz first appeared or something.Yeah, it's a subplot that's been brewing for literally years now.

[Ben Fox]

What an awesome issue. I loved all the monologues at the beginning, especially Kong wondering if Pete and Kitty "did it". :D
It's been pretty obvious for a long time that Liz was a mutant, although I was wondering what her powers were going to be. I wonder if she already knew she had flame powers? Maybe that's why she reacted the way she did when Johnny flamed on during their first date, she might have thought she caused it.
So does this mean her and Johnny will be a regular couple now?

[desanth]

Yep.



She was there.

I thought she was there when Cable attacked and said he wanted Xavier but Kitty left after Cable kidnapped Jean..? So she left before he died, but was there hours before he died.

[ThePhenom]

Seems too long for the note to be about any of that stuff, and Kitty does know Xavier's dead, she moved out when he died, in the 'Aftermath' arc. The note seems like it'll become relevant somewhere down the line.

Anyways, great issue, really convincing me to pick the title up again, great moment with Torch talking about the breakup. Only problem for me was that I couldn't tell which was Iceman and which was Torch at the scenes in the beach at end.

Scratch that last part, it's pretty obvious now, awesome teen male bonding moment there too... :P

[megabyte01]

Seems too long for the note to be about any of that stuff, and Kitty does know Xavier's dead, she moved out when he died, in the 'Aftermath' arc. The note seems like it'll become relevant somewhere down the line.

i hate to make the issue of continuity even more confusing than it already is, but I'm not sure this are takes place after the uxm Aftermath arc. here is a link to the cover of usm 120.

http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?id=8427

[togeteiku42]

Maybe it takes place after the Apocalypse arc, and the team is back to normal. And the note is telling her any casualties from the fight (ie. Angel).

[MaxofSteel]

Liz Allen is an infinitely more interesting character now with this new development. I'm itching to see where this arc goes. :)

[Joe Acro]

I only have a few minor problems. Bobby's hair isn't blonde (despite being depicted as such) and Kitty doesn't quite sound like herself in spots. Other than, though, it was a pretty solid issue. Kong still suspects Peter is Spider-Man and Ultimate Firestar is an interesting twist (although I've seen this coming). Both of those are interesting, indeed.

Once again, the art was spot-on and, overall, the writing was pretty decent. I felt that a little too little happened, but it was mostly a downtime issue. Maybe it'll pick up speed.

[pringlesman]

http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?id=8427

Question, which one of these people sticks out like a sore thumb, is it the mono tone leather people, or the guy in bright read and blue spandex? :D

[Ragnorok64]

i hate to make the issue of continuity even more confusing than it already is, but I'm not sure this are takes place after the uxm Aftermath arc. here is a link to the cover of usm 120.

http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?id=8427

Does he pay attention to X-Men continuity at all? I'm totally confused.

[Pyro]

Maybe it takes place after the Apocalypse arc, and the team is back to normal. And the note is telling her any casualties from the fight (ie. Angel).I don't see why Iceman couldn't have told her that. I can't think of anything ONLY Logan could have told her.

[bbmakdaddycomics]

Does he pay attention to X-Men continuity at all? I'm totally confused.

mybe its a hint that after the apocolypse arc nightcrawler & colosuss are rejoing, in uxm 90 nightcrawler did say he would help the x-men

[Ragnorok64]

The inclusion of Colossus is what threw me the most. The timing just seems all wrong.

[Angelus II]

I just wonder what the note from Logan was about.
I got a theory on that. I'm guessing that the note isn't really for Kitty, it for Peter. Logan doesn't know that Kitty and Peter aren't still together.

I'm guessing that it warning Peter of Venom.


Bobby's hair isn't blonde.

Yes- it- is. It a dirty blonde. Reread "The Tomorrow People", Bobby's hair was blonde in that arc, and that was the first arc.

[Joe Acro]

Yes- it- is. It a dirty blonde. Reread "The Tomorrow People", Bobby's hair was blonde in that arc, and that was the first arc.
Fine. It's blond. But it's not the same blond as Johnny's, which is my point. It's noticeably browner.

[Angelus II]

Fine. It's blond. But it's not the same blond as Johnny's, which is my point. It's noticeably browner.

I still don't know what you are talking about. Bobby's hair isn't the same color as Johnny. Johnny is a darker blonde. Bobby is a pale blonde.

I really don't see why it a problem. The story is the most important thing, not hair color.

[Joe Acro]

I still don't know what you are talking about. Bobby's hair isn't the same color as Johnny. Johnny is a darker blonde. Bobby is a pale blonde.I don't see it. And even it's that true, they still shouldn't have the same color hair here.

I really don't see why it a problem. The story is the most important thing, not hair color.I, for one, think that the art is equally important.

But I said that it was a minor concern and that I still liked the issue.

[carabas]

Does he pay attention to X-Men continuity at all? I'm totally confused.I'm just happy to see the real X-Men again.

[Angelus II]

I, for one, think that the art is equally important.


Now you are changing the topic. How is the colorist the artist? You stated that the problem is the color of the hair.

[Joe Acro]

Now you are changing the topic. How is the colorist the artist? You stated that the problem is the color of the hair.
The color (or lack thereof in some cases) is just as important as the pencils. The colorist is still an artist, just not the penciler.

[Bigmike]

I have really like watching Kenny develop as a character so far, it's fun to watch a well adjusted "regular kid" growing up in the periphery of all the craziness in the ultimate universe.

[spiderman_rj]

The color (or lack thereof in some cases) is just as important as the pencils. The colorist is still an artist, just not the penciler.

believe me, the colorist is even more important,he set the mood,and can even make some ugly art better. just look how awesome romita sr art looks with a new colorist,now think of that special issue of spiderman and daredevil vs kingpin,the color were dull,imagine how much better it would had been with a better colorist.

[spiderman_rj]

"I got a theory on that. I'm guessing that the note isn't really for Kitty, it for Peter. Logan doesn't know that Kitty and Peter aren't still together"





that makes no sense,why would he deliver it to peter trhough her,and why should she cry while reading it,besides,unlike 616, wolverine is not found of the parker kid.

[ThePhenom]

I don't see it. And even it's that true, they still shouldn't have the same color hair here.

In this issue their hair is subtly different, Bobby's is the slightest bit paler, it's noticable but still subtle.

[IAMFuzzy]

In this issue their hair is subtly different, Bobby's is the slightest bit paler, it's noticable but still subtle.
I found it a lot easier to tell them apart since Johnny was the one with glasses. ;)

[Angelus II]

that makes no sense,why would he deliver it to peter trhough her,and why should she cry while reading it,besides,unlike 616, wolverine is not found of the parker kid.

Actually it does. The main reason why Iceman went to see Kitty was to apologize how things went down before she left. Logan maybe just ask Bobby to give the note to Kitty, knowing that she will tell Peter. Kitty maybe was crying since the letter was for her now ex-boyfriend. And Wolverine is fond of Peter. Peter saved his life from weapon X. Logan just crack jokes about Peter. Doesn't mean that he hate Parker.

[TheAmazingSpidey]

http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?id=8427

I don't know about anyone else, but--I'm in love with the way Spidey looks on that cover. Great art by Immonen.

[MaxofSteel]

I don't know about anyone else, but--I'm in love with the way Spidey looks on that cover. Great art by Immonen.

I'm glad Immonen's able to establish the fact that Pete's still just a kid. It bothers me when Ult Spidey's drawn like his adult self.

[Angelus II]

I got another theory about the note. It maybe say that Peter is cheating on Kitty with MJ.

[Starscream]

i hate to make the issue of continuity even more confusing than it already is, but I'm not sure this are takes place after the uxm Aftermath arc. here is a link to the cover of usm 120.

http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?id=8427

hmm the moon in the background looks kind of wierd.
Dunno why but it reminds me of the Moon Knight.

[Angelus II]

hmm the moon in the background looks kind of wierd.
Dunno why but it reminds me of the Moon Knight.

It does remind me of Moon Knight too. But it just the normal moon, I don't know the type but I'm guessing it a quarter moon.

[Starscream]

It does remind me of Moon Knight too. But it just the normal moon, I don't know the type but I'm guessing it a quarter moon.

look at it again.
I dont know if it actualy is a quarter moon, the outer curve is perfect but the inner curve isnt. The inside looks like a big piece of cloth that is folded.

It somehow doesnt look like a moon. ;) this is me hoping that the Ultimate Moon Knight comesback.

[Joe Franklin]

This book has some of the best Spiderman art I have ever seen. Immonen is truely great.:cool:

[CBNERD]

I miss Bagley on the art. Bendis is still great. Spiderman and his Amazing Friends arc has been alot of fun so far. I thought the last arc was really good too until they suddenly killed everyone off. If I have one complaint it is the death of Uncle Ben, Gwen Stacy and now Harry & Norman Osbourn. Bendis could have kept them around a little longer.

[spiderman_rj]

wtf you didnt want uncle ben to die? for god sake he was a hippie HE DESERVED TO DIE !

[MaxofSteel]

for god sake he was a hippie HE DESERVED TO DIE !

Oh hey, Cartman! :p
(South Park reference)

[TheAmazingSpidey]

Oh hey, Cartman! :p
(South Park reference)

I was thinking the same thing. :D

[Angelus II]

look at it again.
I dont know if it actualy is a quarter moon, the outer curve is perfect but the inner curve isnt. The inside looks like a big piece of cloth that is folded.

It somehow doesnt look like a moon. ;) this is me hoping that the Ultimate Moon Knight comesback.

Could be just clouds. I'm not that worry about it.