Ultimate Spider-Man (titled Ultimate Spider-Man: Web Warriors for the third season and Ultimate Spider-Man vs. the Sinister 6 for its final season) is an American superhero animated television series broadcast on the cable network Disney XD, based on the Spider-Man comics published by Marvel Comics. The series featured writers such as Brian Michael Bendis (who also created the comic book series of the same name), Paul Dini, and Man of Action (a group consisting of Steven T. Seagle, Joe Kelly, Joe Casey, and Duncan Rouleau).
It was first announced in summer 2011, and debuted alongside the second season of The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes as part of the Marvel Universe programming block on April 1, 2012. In a break from other series, Spider-Man breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to the audience. It also includes fantasy sequences from Peter's mind.
The series concluded its run on January 7, 2017, with the two-part episode "Graduation Day" with four seasons each consisting of 26 episodes. Reruns continued to air on Disney XD until August 30, 2017.
Synopsis Season 1 (2012) During the first season, Spider-Man is recruited to work for S.H.I.E.L.D. alongside Nova, White Tiger, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage, with whom he attends Midtown High School. Corrupt industrialist Norman Osborn targets Spider-Man in hopes of collecting his DNA to create a spider-soldier army. To this end, he uses Doctor Octopus as his pawn, having him send numerous supervillains after Spider-Man and use a sample of Spider-Man's blood to create the Venom symbiote, which bonds with Norman's son Harry Osborn. In the two-part season finale, Doctor Octopus takes revenge on Norman for his treatment of him and transforms him into the Green Goblin. In the ensuing battle, the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier is destroyed.Hidek, Jeff (January 9, 2012). "Nova getting animated on new Ultimate Spider-Man series on Disney XD" . Star-News.
Season 2 (2013) In the second season, the S.H.I.E.L.D. team moves into Peter's house, as they no longer have a home following the Helicarrier's destruction. In the season premiere, after learning that Spider-Man gained his powers from one of Oscorp's genetically altered spiders, Doctor Octopus creates serums with animal DNA in hopes of re-creating the process. S.H.I.E.L.D. scientist Curt Connors, who lost his right arm due to injuries from the Helicarrier's destruction, uses one of the serums to regrow his arm and becomes the Lizard. Later, Doctor Octopus controls the Lizard so that he can join him, Electro, Rhino, Kraven the Hunter, and Beetle as a member of the Sinister Six. While the S.H.I.E.L.D. Team defeat five of the six villains, Connors escapes and Spider-Man swears to find and cure him. Later the Sinister Six reappears with Beetle replaced by Scorpion. During the season, Spider-Man learns more about his teammates' origins: White Tiger became White Tiger after her father Hector was killed by Kraven, Nova is an orphan who was raised by the Guardians of the Galaxy, Danny Rand became Iron Fist after training in K'un-L'un and left it to further his training, and Luke Cage received his powers from a version of the Super-Soldier Formula developed by his parents."Ultimate Spider-Man Season 2 Premieres Jan. 21". Marvel Comics. December 26, 2012."The Sinister Six Unite in Ultimate Spider-Man". Marvel Comics. February 14, 2013. Norman Osborn is cured and becomes Iron Patriot, but Doctor Octopus later transforms him back into the Green Goblin.
Season 3: Web-Warriors (2014–2015) In the third season, Spider-Man joins the Avengers, but eventually leaves to rejoin S.H.I.E.L.D. In the aftermath, Venom bonds with Flash Thompson to become Agent Venom and Nick Fury tasks Spider-Man to recruit other young heroes to form the New Warriors, consisting of Ka-Zar, Zabu, Amadeus Cho / Iron Spider, and Cloak and Dagger. The New Warriors battle the Thunderbolts, during which Green Goblin escapes with the Siege Perilous and travels the multiverse to collect DNA from Spider-Man's counterparts. Chasing after him, Spider-Man meets up with Spider-Man 2099, Spider-Girl, Spider-Man Noir, Spider-Ham, Spyder-Knight, and Miles Morales, and works with them to take down Spider-Goblin and Electro. After both are defeated and the alternate Spider-Men return to their homes, the Green Goblin reverts into Norman Osborn and sustains amnesia, making him forget his time as the Green Goblin. Afterwards, Spider-Man and his team begin their education at the S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy while dealing with Arnim Zola. Not long afterwards, Aunt May, Agent Venom, and Iron Spider learn Spider-Man's identity.
Season 4: vs. the Sinister 6 (2016–2017) In the fourth season, Doctor Octopus allies with Zola and Hydra and forms a new iteration of the Sinister Six consisting of Kraven the Hunter, Ultimate Green Goblin, Rhino, Hydro-Man, and Electro. In response, Spider-Man forms a team consisting of Agent Venom, Iron Spider, Miles Morales, and Scarlet Spider (Ben Reilly). It is later revealed that Ben is a clone of Spider-Man created by Doctor Octopus, but Spider-Man convinces him to reform.
Later, Crossbones and Morbius experiment with Venom, turning New York's citizens into Carnage-like monsters. Carnage possesses Mary Jane Watson, but Spider-Man and Harry Osborn free her. Unbeknownst to Spider-Man, a fragment of the Carnage symbiote remains inside Mary Jane's body.
Madame Web learns that the destruction of the Siege Perilous shattered the barrier between universes. Spider-Man and Miles Morales travel to alternate realities to collect the fragments of the Siege Perilous and battle Wolf Spider, who seeks to reassemble the Siege Perilous to conquer the multiverse. After reassembling the Siege Perilous, Miles moves to the main universe and lets his version of Gwen Stacy replace him.
Spider-Man and Mary Jane later discover a second clone of Spider-Man named Kaine, who tries to feed off them. During this time, Mary Jane learns to control Carnage and becomes Spider-Woman. It is discovered that Doctor Octopus and Arnim Zola created Scarlet Spider as part of Weapon S, a project to create synthezoid Spider-Slayers. Kaine fuses with the synthezoids to become the Ultimate Spider-Slayer, but is defeated by Agent Venom.
In the series finale, the Sinister Six capture Spider-Man and use an antidote to remove his powers. After working with Norman Osborn, Peter regains his powers and defeats the Sinister Six. Spider-Man convinces Doctor Octopus to surrender, after which he and the S.H.I.E.L.D. trainees graduate.
Episodes
Appearances in other series The Ultimate Spider-Man incarnation of Spider-Man makes guest appearances in Avengers Assemble, Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., and the Phineas and Ferb episode "Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel".
Voice cast
Drake Bell – Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Swarm (in "Sandman Returns"), Kaine, Spider-Slayer Synthezoids Dee Bradley BakerSands, Rich (December 20, 2012). "Disney XD's Ultimate Spider-Man Swing Back Into Action in 2013". TV Guide. – Curt Connors/Lizard, Sandman, Carnage, Venom (season 3), Wendigo, Zzzax Ogie Banks – Luke Cage/Power Man, Miles Morales/Kid Arachnid Eric Bauza – Amadeus Cho/Iron Spider, Swarm (in "Swarm"), Arcade, Scorpion Greg Cipes – Danny Rand/Iron Fist Clark Gregg – Phil Coulson Tom Kenny"Tom Kenny". Behind the Voice Actors. Retrieved July 30, 2013. – Doctor Octopus, Wizard, Curt Connors (season 1), Vulture, Whirlwind, Aries Soldier, Octobot, Merlin Matt Lanter – Harry Osborn, Flash Thompson/Agent Venom, Klaw, Venom (main hosts) Misty Lee – Aunt May Parker, Squirrel Girl, Salem's Witch Caitlyn Taylor Love – Ava Ayala/White Tiger Chi McBride"Sneak Peek: 'Ultimate Spider-Man' on Disney XD (Stills, Video)" . Stitch Kingdom. March 6, 2012."Chi McBride ". Behind the Voice Actors. Retrieved July 30, 2013. – Nick Fury, Taurus Soldier, Thunderball Logan Miller – Sam Alexander/Nova, young Flash Thompson Scott Porter – Ben Reilly/Scarlet Spider, Scarlet Spider Synthezoids J. K. Simmons – J. Jonah Jameson Tara Strong – Mary Jane Watson, Thundra, Sandy Milo Ventimiglia - Spider-Man Noir Steven Weber – Norman Osborn, Trapster, Venom (seasons 1–2), Ultimate Green Goblin
Production The series is adapted from the Ultimate Spider-Man comic book, which was created by writer Brian Michael Bendis. Bendis and Paul Dini served as writers and producers on the show. Man of Action (a group consisting of Steven T. Seagle, Joe Kelly, Joe Casey and Duncan Rouleau), the creators of the animated series Ben 10 and Generator Rex, serve as supervising producers on the show."CBR TV: Man of Action's Casey, Rouleau on 'Ultimate Spider-Man,' New Image Projects". Comic Book Resources. Twenty-six episodes were ordered for the first season. According to Paul Dini, the series features a "redefined" Peter Parker, and a combination of frequent guest stars loosely based on Bendis' comics, and original material, such as the origins of some heroes and villains. Actor J. K. Simmons reprises his role as J. Jonah Jameson from Sam Raimi's live-action Spider-Man film trilogy for the series. Notable voice actors include Adrian Pasdar as Iron Man (returning to the role after previously having voiced him in Madhouse's and Marvel's Iron Man anime),Goldman, Eric (April 20, 2012). "Ultimate Spider-Man: Make Way for Iron Man!". IGN. and Kevin Michael Richardson, who voices Robbie Robertson and Bulldozer.
The series depicts Spider-Man becoming the newest member of S.H.I.E.L.D. under the leadership of Nick Fury, on a team with four other teenage superheroes. Villains such as Living Laser, Venom, and Doctor Doom were seen in a trailer shown at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con.Mozzocco, J. Caleb (January 10, 2012). "'Ultimate Spider-Man' Cartoon to Kick Off Disney XD Marvel Programming Block April 1" . ComicsAlliance.
Ultimate Spider-Man premiered on April 1, 2012, on Disney XD in the United States, while the pilot episode was released on Xbox Live and PlayStation Store on April 2, 2012. In the UK and Ireland, the show premiered on Disney UK and Ireland on May 31, 2013. It premiered in Canada on June 22, 2012, on Teletoon.
Disney XD and Marvel officially announced Season 3 on July 20, 2013, at San Diego Comic-Con."SDCC 2013: Ultimate Spider-Man Returns For Season 3". Marvel.com. July 20, 2013. Season 3, retitled Ultimate Spider-Man: Web-Warriors, includes Spider-Man joining the Avengers (consisting of the line-up from Avengers Assemble) and introducing characters such as Cloak and Dagger, Amadeus Cho, Ka-Zar, and Agent Venom.
A fourth season, Ultimate Spider-Man vs. the Sinister 6, began broadcasting on February 21, 2016.
Promotions and tie-ins
Launch parties for the series were held in New York City and Los Angeles on March 31, 2012, the day before the series' broadcast television debut. On hand at the New York City party at Midtown Comics Downtown in Manhattan were Marvel creative officer Joe Quesada, writer/producer Joe Kelly and Chris Eliopoulos, who wrote the first issue of the tie-in comic book, while the Los Angeles party at Meltdown Comics in Hollywood was attended by Marvel Head of Television Jeph Loeb, Duncan Rouleau, Steven T. Seagle, voice actors Clark Gregg and Misty Lee, and creative consultant Paul Dini, who wrote the series pilot.Kilpatrick, Conor (March 30, 2012). "VIDEO: Behind The Scenes of 'Ultimate Spider-Man' PLUS: Launch Parties in NYC & LA!". iFanboy.Zalben, Alex (March 29, 2012). "'Ultimate Spider-Man' Premiere Party This Saturday In NYC!". MTV Geek."Ultimate Spider-Man Kickoff Parties in NY & LA". Marvel Comics. March 26, 2012.