Review by Frank Plowright

In Family Business Miles Morales became brother to a baby sister. Saladin Ahmed presumably has a long term plot in mind, but in the meantime it complicates Miles’ life still further, as babysitting duties are added to being a student and a superhero. Ultimatum opens with his having to combine two of the three in a screwy encounter with an alligator loose in Brooklyn’s sewers. That, however, isn’t the main event, which comes with Ultimatum himself now certain he’s from another world.

Sadly, previous primary artist Javier Garrón is no longer part of Miles Morales’ world, having jumped ship to draw The Avengers, but Carmen Carnero is a great replacement. Her pages are dynamic, she captures the personalities, and plans the action well. Unfortunately she’s not around for long, but does draw most of The Clone Saga next time. It means Marcelo Ferreira draws more of this volume than any other artist. He’s also good, but not as good as Garrón or Carnero, lacking their way with page design. His are packed, but messy looking.

Ultimatum is set against the background of the authorities once again attempting to register and control all superheroes. Ahmed shows armed agents invading Brooklyn Visions demanding students sign a pledge to report any suspicious activity, just for everyone’s protection of course.

We learn more about Ultimatum and what he wants, but it seems this is going to be far from the final battle, which isn’t the case. It’s enjoyable, moves Miles’ life forward and involves several guest stars. They’re needed as Ultimatum’s primary threat is flooding Brooklyn with Goblinoids, and it all ends in tragedy. With great power comes great responsibility.

Ahmed’s entire run is collected in hardback as Miles Morales: Spider-Man by Saladin Ahmed Omnibus