Ultimate Spider-Man

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Created by Brian Michael Bendis

First issue: October 2000

Cover to Ultimate Spider-Man 78. Art by Mark Bagley

Ultimate Spider-Man follows the life of 15 year-old Peter Parker after he is bitten by a genetically altered spider. The bite causes a genetic enhancement of his DNA giving him what he describes to be "spider powers". He initially attempts to use the powers to benefit himself and his family, but after inadvertently causing the death of his Uncle Ben, Peter takes a new route of using his powers to better the world and himself. He lives by statement of wisdom that was relayed to him by his uncle, "With great power comes great responsibility".

The genetic experiment that causes Peter's change was a product of the OZ experiments of Oscorp. OZ is an experimental genetic enhancer that Oscorp was developing in order to compete for S.H.I.E.L.D.s super soldier contract. Peter spider-bite is known to the researchers at Oscorp and causes them to proceed with further research based on his results. Norman Osborn, founder of Oscorp, tries an experiment on himself in an attempt to replicate the results of Peter's transformation. The results are disastrous and transform Norman into the maniacal Green Goblin. Side effects of the experiment also create several other genetic mutations that later proceed to become other super-powered villians in conflict with Spider-Man.

Much of the pages of Ultimate Spider-Man is dedicated to following the personal life of Peter Parker. He struggles with juggling his super-hero life with his personal life. This includes trying to maintain his secret identity from his aunt and friends, and struggling to make his relationship work with Mary Jane (both his girlfriend and best friend).

Peter Parker is an illegal genetic modification and thus is being monitored by Nick Fury. He has been contacted by Fury and has been informed that once he reaches the age of 18, he will be forced to join The Ultimates.

Ultimate Spider-Man crosses over with the other titles in the Ultimate Marvel Universe quite frequently. Most significant is Peter Parker's eventual relationship with Kitty Pryde (Shadowcat) of the X-Men. They are shown to be dating in the pages of Ultimate Spider-Man and Ultimate X-Men. Peter also confers with members of the Fantastic Four and has several run-ins with The Ultimates. Further adventures of Spider-Man are shown in the pages of Ultimate Marvel Team-Up where he is paired with other heroes of the Ultimate Marvel universe.