Ultimate Spider-Man #4

Ultimate Spider-Man #4 was published in 2001 as part of the launch of Marvel Comics' Ultimate line. This initiative was designed to modernize the origin stories of iconic characters for a new generation of readers, effectively removing decades of complex continuity. Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Mark Bagley, this specific issue concludes the 'Power and Responsibility' arc, which details Peter Parker’s early struggle to balance his newfound abilities with his responsibilities to his family and his identity.

The creative team aimed for a grounded, cinematic storytelling style that leaned into the emotional stakes of teenage life. Mark Bagley’s clean, fluid art style became a defining aesthetic for the series, contributing to the title's status as a commercial and critical success. Upon release, the issue was well-received for its accessible, character-focused narrative, helping to establish the Ultimate Universe as a viable and popular alternative to mainstream Marvel continuity.