Ultimate Spider-Man #24

Background

The evil industrialist Norman Osborn is back, and what's more he can control his transformation into the Green Goblin with Oz injections. Inviting young Peter Parker to his Manhattan penthouse, he wants Peter Parker to become his lackey, and threatens violence against our young hero's loved ones should our young hero not comply. Our terrified young protagonist runs out of there, much to the confusion of Norman's son and Peter's best friend Harry, who's in the dark about the alter egos of the people in his life.

Later that night, Peter tries to talk to his girlfriend MJ about it, but is interrupted by a troubled young Gwen Stacy. Aunt May takes charge of the situation and even makes eggs.

The next day, at school, Peter is summoned to another meeting with Dr. Bradley (from issue #11), the alleged school psychiatrist who apparently knows about Peter's double-life as Spider-Man. She calls in her superior, who turns out to be none other than...

Story 'Ultimatum'

...Nick Fury, director of S.H.I.E.L.D! Since it's their job to know basically everything, the directorate is well aware of Peter's costumed career. However, Norman Osborn turns out to be their true concern.

Yeah, S.H.I.E.L.D. contracted Norman's company OSCORP to develop a "Super Soldier" serum, ala the one that gave birth to Captain America and the Ultimate version of the Hulk. But Obsorn had nothing, so they cut the funding, which turned out to be the bread and butter of Oscorp. With the wonder drug "Oz" years from development and his genetic house of cards about to tip, Osborn willfully tested the drug on himself. Oz unfortunately drove him mad, and now he wants to use Peter to kill Nick Fury and thus get revenge.

So I know this. And you know this. And Peter knows this. And S.H.I.E.L.D. knows this. But none of it can be used to apprehend Osborn, since the evidence was gathered through espionage, which cannot be used in court against American citizens. So Fury essentially tells Peter he's on his own until Osborn threatens a civilian life. Peter's none too pleased about any of this.

"Peter, optimism is a revolutionary act." Fury imparts. "Who told you that?" A cynical Peter asks, "The guy who poked out your eye?" Fury gets up, stares Peter right in the eyes, and replies, "Yes."

After the meeting, Peter sees Mary and Harry waiting for him, but instead runs home. He again finds Osborn's limo and secretary waiting for him. He tells Aunt May only that he thinks Osborn's no good and he wants nothing to do with him or Harry. Aunt May declines Osborn's invitation.

Swinging over the city as Spider-Man, Peter resolves to spill EVERYTHING to the feds and the cops, if that's what it takes to get Obsorn out of his life, but finds the Green Goblin waiting for him. The Green Goblin insists that Peter fulfill his "obligations" to him, but Peter flat out refuses.

The Green Goblin spies his son and Mary Jane below. He swoops down and picks up Mary, taking off with her in his arms.

General Comments

It's hardly fair to comment to much in the middle of a cliff-hanger like this. So let me just say that I was left sitting on the edge of my seat, give it a great rating, and let's wait for the wrap-up before getting too detailed. See ya in an issues time!

Overall Rating

Fantastic so far. Four and a half webs!