With Ultimate Spider-Man #17, writer Jonathan Hickman continues to peel back the layers of his rebooted universe—not through Peter Parker this time, but through two of the most iconic characters in the Spider-Mythos: Gwen Stacy and Harry Osborn. If you came expecting web-slinging spectacle, you may be surprised—or even frustrated—but if you’re here for a slow-burning descent into darkness, this issue delivers in spades.
Following the cliffhanger from issue #16, Ultimate Spider-Man #17 pivots away from Peter and toward the emerging storm brewing in his absence. On a road trip with his family, Peter’s off the board for now. That gives room for Harry Osborn and Gwen Stacy to step into the spotlight—and step way over the line.
The issue opens with Harry confronting Uncle Ben in a tense, loaded exchange. Harry’s alive, and not only that—he’s ready to build his own war machine. Hickman paints Harry as a character moving steadily into villainy—not with rage or madness, but cold calculation. His collaboration with Doctor Octopus, who is both fascinating and unnerving thanks to David Messina’s chilling design (those opaque goggles are pure nightmare fuel), shows just how far Harry’s willing to go. When you align with someone you know is morally bankrupt, that’s a choice—and Harry makes it willingly.
But it’s Gwen Stacy who steals the issue. Fully revealed as “a” Mysterio (yes, there are multiple now), Gwen has gone from reformed icon to something far more dangerous. A key scene between her and Kingpin is dripping with tension. Gwen is confident, commanding, and most terrifying of all—ambiguous in her motivations. Is she trying to infiltrate the enemy? Or is she already too far gone?
The reveal that the Mysterio cult is more expansive than expected opens a compelling new front in the war against The Maker and Kingpin. Hickman’s script is sharp here, teasing just enough mystery without becoming cryptic. The implications are huge: could this cult be the ace up Peter’s sleeve? Or is it a powder keg ready to blow?
Three major sequences drive the narrative: Gwen’s confrontation with Kingpin, Harry’s meeting with Doc Ock, and a surprise assault by the Mysterio cult and Green Goblin. Each scene is expertly paced and loaded with subtext. And while there’s little in the way of traditional superhero action, the psychological stakes are high—perhaps higher than any brawl could offer.
David Messina’s art style complements the slow-burn script beautifully. His character work is expressive, grounded, and detailed, giving emotional weight to every grim stare and sly smirk. Gwen, in particular, is rendered with an eerie intensity—equal parts hero and haunting enigma. The mood shifts are subtle but effective, from the soft shadows of Kingpin’s office to the bombastic glow of Mysterio illusions.
The action is brief but effective. When the Mysterio-Goblin assault erupts, it feels earned. Gwen’s illusions are visually creative, showcasing a different kind of power than brute strength. It’s chaotic, surreal, and theatrical—exactly what you want from a Mysterio moment.
Make no mistake—this is a setup issue. Fans looking for Peter in costume, swinging through New York and cracking wise, won’t find that here. In fact, Peter is completely absent. That decision may disappoint some readers, especially those hungry for more Spidey action after the intense events of issue #16.
But Hickman’s playing the long game, and Ultimate Spider-Man #17 is a calculated move in a much larger strategy. The character development is rich, especially in how both Gwen and Harry toe the line between anti-hero and full-on villain. The Mysterio cult reveal adds another layer of intrigue, suggesting a chaotic new element in a world already teetering.
What makes this issue compelling is that it never shows its hand too early. Gwen and Harry’s choices raise questions we want to see answered: Is redemption still possible? Or are we watching the origin of the Ultimate Universe’s next great threats?
Ultimate Spider-Man #17 might not dazzle with spectacle, but its intrigue, atmosphere, and sinister character turns make it a vital piece of the puzzle. It’s a quiet storm, and the thunder is coming.
