Ultimate Spider-Man (2024-) #21

Ultimate Spider-Man (2024) (Single Issues) ##21

by Jonathan Hickman, David Messina (Artist), Marco Checchetto (Cover Art)

THE FINAL MEETING OF THE SINISTER SIX? Blood boils over as these warring villains gather to destroy each other once and for all…or will they reunite against their common enemy, Spider-Man?

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Spider Man, Graphic Novels Comics, Comic Book, Superheroes

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2025

About the author

Jonathan Hickman is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for creating the Image Comics series The Nightly News, The Manhattan Projects and East of West, as well as working on Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four, FF, and S.H.I.E.L.D. titles. In 2012, Hickman ended his run on the Fantastic Four titles to write The Avengers and The New Avengers, as part the "Marvel NOW!" relaunch. In 2013, Hickman wrote a six-part miniseries, Infinity, plus Avengers tie-ins for Marvel Comics. In 2015, he wrote the crossover event Secret Wars. - Wikipedia

Reviews

[Machiavelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fact that this run is wrapping up in just three more issues really drags this one down for me. It’s hard to get a handle on what Hickman’s bigger plan is, especially this late in the game. What’s here isn’t bad, but I’m confused — Spidey barely shows up, there’s almost no tie-in to the last issue, and most of the focus is on backstory for what feels like a side character. My gripe with the previous issue was that it felt like filler. This one digs a little deeper, but I still don’t see how we’re building toward the end. I’m invested enough to finish it, but right now I’m scratching my head.

That said, there are some solid bits here, which is why it’s a 3-star for me. Mister Negative’s narration is cool, the backstory adds some depth, and we get a little more clarity on one of Mysterio’s crew. But then it kind of goes awry. The Mysterio angle has been one of the few threads that’s actually felt solid in this book, and to me it feels like it’s basically tossed aside here. Maybe next issue will tie it back together? I really hope so.

The bigger problem is that there’s just too much going on and not enough space to explore any of it. Hickman’s big ideas just don’t have room to land, and at this point I can’t help but think some of it must be setup for whoever takes over next. Otherwise, it’s just muddled.

And once again, Peter and his family barely get any attention — which is crazy, because I figured they’d be the heart of this whole line. Maybe Hickman has something huge planned for the last three issues, but right now I’m not sure what the point of all this has been. That’s not where I expected to be this close to the end. And if still reading it’s obvious to tell I’m just frustrated… I loved this book early on… sure hoping I say that still after the final 3 more issues….

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time I ever liked Mr. Negative this much. Cunning son of a bitch. Good set up to end all things.

[Emiliano · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a solid issue!

Did not expect such a focus on Mr. Negative but I’m not complaining. I wouldn’t say much happened as it was mostly placing the layers for the eventual 3 issues that will go ham in the following months. What will happen?!??

[Myles Gerber · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Objectively better than what I’m rating it. But this run also ends in three more issues and there is no clear sign of where this is going. Also Spidey was in this one for one panel.

[grimbamreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

ultimate spider-man but theres no spider-man. i'd be more interested if this run literally wasn't ending in a few more issues :((

[Oliver · Rating 2 out of 5]

This issue is technically good, but it’s a Spider-Man book and he shows up for one single panel. There are only 3 issues left and I just don’t know anything about Peter. This is hardly a Spider-Man book, this is more like an event series that happens to focus on his supporting cast. Real let down tbh from the first arc that I really liked

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingpin’s right hand man, James Wesley, is kidnapped by Mr. Negative in order to get the lowdown on everything Wesley knows and is involved in including him being one of the five members who make up Mysterio. He is equipped with glasses that Negative can see and hear through as well as explosives that he is forced to set off in a meeting of the Mysterios including members Gwen Stacy and Negative’s own sister, Aihan. Hickman can make a Spider-man book intriguing and potent without the hero even appearing in it.

[RubiGiráldez RubiGiráldez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puede que haya sido jugársela bastante que este número quedase en manos del artista "de apoyo", David Messina. Si bien parecía que solo cumplía como otro número "de respiro", eso sí, revelando todo lo que necesitamos de esta versión de Mr. Negative. Hickman ya dinamita por completo la situación de forma sorpresiva (aunque esto viene con la consabida noticia de que sí, el Universo Ultimate tiene los números contados).

[Jason Holtzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a terrific issue in the sense it gave me a story I didn’t even realize I wanted. For a book with “Spider-Man” in the title, one might be a little concerned to read an entire issue in which he plays no role, but the narration and pacing surrounding Mr. Negative was great! This series also continues to be a good example of art sharing duties done well.

[Raymond Paquette · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was only one small scene of Spider-man, but he has been exposed. This was an excellent setup to the next story. The Negative Man has seized power, destroying all his foes in one night. Kingpin’s next.

[Craig Schorling · Rating 4 out of 5]

For an issue that doesn't really have Spider-man in it this was a tense issue with a great payoff. I'm not quite sure where we are going from here. There are not a lot of issues left. I have faith in Hickman as he tends to deliver.

[Macqueron · Rating 2 out of 5]

C’est plutôt bien dessiné, ça se suit sans déplaisir, mais je ne sais pas quoi faire de ce numéro au milieu de la série, et ce qu’il apporte fondamentalement. Allez, laissons le bénéfice du doute au suivant

[Gab Andrade · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 estrellas.

Es sumamente impactante como todo parece derrumbarse.

No me imaginaba lo de Mr Negative con su hermana.

El panel con Venom, uff, me fascina muchísimo.

El como parece ser que murieron los Mysterio es... brutal.

[Andy Waldron · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting enough issue but come on. where is peter…..

[Ushnav Shroff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid fun, but what is it all leading to?!

[Frodo · Rating 3 out of 5]

unha mágoa

[Richard A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so enjoying this series and storyline. I cannot wait for the climax! I know where they are going I just don't know what the outcome will be.

[josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Truman W · Rating 5 out of 5]

genuinely some of the best comics i’ve ever read. hickman is at the top of his game with this series. no matter the issue it’s got me HOOKED. i’m so sad it’s coming to an end

[Emmanuel Jamir · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh FUCK

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Mikey Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Negative tortures Wesley, who is a member of the Mysterio Cult, and he straps him with explosives to kill them all.

[Stingray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit confused

[vk chompooming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving these Ultimate origin stories. I hope the series finale is worth it n the end.

[Phil Maritato · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOAH Plot twist! It is going to be an epic finale. Lost a star because Why is Spider-Man NOT in an issue of a comic with his name literally in the title?

[Juliano Stefani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping up the pace, this issue focus on the bad guys and define some of their strategy! Still the best storyline in the ultimate universe.