Anika Patel
The iconic phrase, “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility,” is a mantra that has always been associated with Spider-Man and his wise Uncle Ben. However, in the fresh and exciting Ultimate Universe, it’s a completely different character who imparts this wisdom to Peter Parker in Ultimate Spider-Man #4.
Ultimate Spider-Man #4, penned by Jonathan Hickman and beautifully illustrated by David Messina, introduces us to the first friendly encounter between Peter Parker and Harry Osborn. In this alternate universe, the duo are not the best friends and roommates we know from college, but relative strangers. Here, Harry Osborn emerges as a heroic incarnation of the Green Goblin.
This unexpected friendship leads to a dinner date with their wives, Mary Jane and Gwen. Throughout the evening, Gwen drops subtle hints that she knows Peter’s secret identity as Spider-Man. She passionately talks about the need for heroes and criticizes The Daily Bugle, Peter’s employer, for their negative portrayal of masked vigilantes. This conversation reveals that Gwen is aware of her husband’s secret life.
Harry Osborn Delivers the “With Great Power” Speech
Upon realizing that Mary Jane is oblivious to Peter’s secret identity, Harry chastises Peter for keeping secrets from his wife. Peter defends his actions, arguing that he’s trying to protect his family from the fallout of his double-life. Harry labels this attitude as naïve, but concedes that he has no right to dictate how Peter should live his life.
However, Harry leaves Peter with a thought-provoking message. Describing himself as “just a guy in a suit,” Harry suggests that Peter, with his superpowers, should be saving the world rather than fighting petty criminals. “You have great power, Peter,” Harry asserts. “And with great power, comes great responsibility.”
Harry’s words clearly resonate with Peter, who is seen contemplating them at the end of the issue. However, he still doesn’t reveal his secret to Mary Jane. The suspense builds as we anticipate this revelation in a future issue of Ultimate Spider-Man. It’s fascinating to see how this classic story unfolds in a different reality.
Ultimate Spider-Man #4 is now available for purchase online and at comic shops everywhere.
