There’s a thing on the internet — I don’t know if it’s truly a meme — but there’s a thing where people use a single word to describe some kind of feeling. You know, like “WANT” or “FAIL”. Well, I’ve also seen “THIS” pop up here and there, but I never understood the usage until now.

THIS.

This is why I love comics. While Ultimate Spider-man has always been a good comic, and is quite often a great comic, this issue was pure excellence. By page 5, I’d already decided I was going to read this issue like three more times.

I don’t know for sure, but from what ends up on the page, I’d guess that writing this book is the best part of Bendis’ week. I was so caught up in the dialogue that I actually felt like I wasn’t appreciating the art enough.

And ohhhhh that art.

I refuse to use the phrase “killing it” (and I wish the iFanboys would
tone it down a little), but whatever “it” is, it has been thoroughly slaughtered,
ground, formed into a patty and grilled medium rare over an open flame by Chris Samnee. While Samnee’s art does bring a different flavor to the Ultimate Universe, especially in contrast with David LaFuente and Sara Pichelli, he still generates that feeling of youthful exuberance I expect from Ultimate Spider-man. Peter’s facial expressions are almost worth the $3.99 on their own.

However, I have one nit to pick. It’s a pretty small one though. I don’t care how busy you are hero-ing around Manhattan — no one forgets their own birthday. No one.

And then the last two pages? I actually fist pumped and uttered “Yes!” by myself in my living room as the makings of a tear welled up in my eye.

I’m still not convinced this arc is delivering any sort of literal death, but I don’t care — I’m going wherever this book wants to take me!