Review: Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 4 - Legacy

When Norman Osborn makes a re-appearance after his apparent death, Peter fears the return of the monstrous Green Goblin will not be far off. Cognizant of the fact that Osborn knows his secret identity, Peter realizes the lives of his loved ones in danger. He must act quickly to stop Osborn before anyone can get hurt.

Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 4: Legacy collects Ultimate Spider-Man #22-27, written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Mark Bagley.

Legacy is a remarkably straightforward story that structures itself around an inevitable rematch between Spider-Man and Green Goblin. Harry Osborn returns to school after a lengthy absence, which also prompts the discovery that his father is alive and well. Peter is understandably strung out because he’s certain that Osborn is Green Goblin and that he knows his secret. Sure enough, this proves to be true and Osborn threatens the lives of Peter’s loved ones should he not retire as Spider-Man. Naturally, Peter doesn’t do as he’s told and so Osborn goes after Mary Jane. A whole lot of nothing happens in between these events, which means that there are extended sequences of exposition and dialogue. There’s barely even a glimpse of a subplot in sight. It’s actually reminiscent of the formula used within the Marvel Cinematic Universe – talk, talk, talk, punch, punch, punch and repeat! As such, it seems like what could merely be a three or four issue arc is stretched into six.

For the most part, Legacy seems to allude largely to “The Night Gwen Stacy Died” (The Amazing Spider-Man #121-122). In this version, the Green Goblin lures Spider-Man out to the bridge using Mary Jane as bait. The events play out similarly from there. That said, Bendis and Bagley do inject fresh material into this arc to further distinguish it from its infamous predecessor. Notably, Gwen Stacy (who has not been treated as a love interest thus far) is developed further and we begin to see her imposing herself more into Peter’s personal life. We get a sense that things aren’t so great at home for her and she’s becoming more attached to Peter, as well as Aunt May. There’s an additional implication that this creates a wrinkle in Peter’s relationship with Mary Jane. Gwen is still an enigma, but she’s endearing to the reader. The characters still want to write her off as a freak even though it’s clear that she’s troubled for a reason. Harry is similarly troubled. He first seems to be free from the trauma that occurred during the series’ opening arc, but we soon learn this is merely due to hypnosis at the behest of his father. While I find most versions of Harry Osborn to be annoying, Bendis and Bagley’s take on the character incites empathy from me. It’s evident that he truly cares for his friends and desires a healthy relationship with his father, but Osborn is quite literally a monster. Harry’s arc is subtle in these six issues, but his role in the final conflict adds an impressive dramatic flair to the overall storyline.

Legacy visits a lot of familiar ground, particularly as it dwells on the theme of the responsibility of powers and the bull about how it’s necessary to lie (by omission) to your loved ones since it will supposedly protect them from harm. This combined with yet another “Green Goblin hurls a Spidey girlfriend off a bridge” incident contributes to the overall sense of déjà vu with this storyline. Bendis and Bagley also seem to be treading water as well, since this collection seems almost singularly focused on tying up the loose end of Osborn’s fate during the opening arc. It’s not the most impressive showing from Bendis and Bagley thus far. By its final page, Legacy leaves the reader with some closure as well as some hints towards the direction Peter’s life may take should he continue on as Spider-Man. Thankfully, it also leaves us with a memorable final clash between Spider-Man and Green Goblin as well as questions regarding Gwen’s home life.

RATING: B-