Wow, that one flew by, didn’t it? Brevity isn’t something that writer Brain Michael Bendis is usual known for, but the biweekly shipping on this title (up until this final issue) made this series seem to move along at a break neck pace. This is almost to the series’ determent as it didn’t have that big event feel, and it’s not clear what impact, if any, it’ll have on the heroes’ monthly titles. Also adding to the seemingly low impact of the series is that Ultimate Spider-Man never shows up in the 616 in any real way.

I’m also left with a number of questions. Was Ultimate Mysterio ever in this series or was it just 616 Mysterio’s avatar? Is the implication supposed to be that 616 Mysterio was Ultimate Mysterio the whole time? Where we supposed to know what Peter’s last words to Miles were going to be? Is this something saved for the inevitable sequel or a throwaway gag? The mystery of the issue’s last panel leaves me a bit frustrated and bit intrigued simultaneously. The thing I’m most frustrated by as there is no telling when, if ever, that one big question will be answered.

As critical as all that sounds I really did like this issue and the series on the whole. Bendis nails the interactions between all the characters, and the script features real emotion and humor. Sara Pichelli continues to prove she’s more than ready for primetime, and I can’t wait to see what her next project is. Hopefully on a high profile Marvel NOW relaunch.