The new Ultimate Spider-Man series has been full of novel twists on the classic Spider-Man formula. This has ranged from the identity of the new Green Goblin, to Uncle Ben still being alive and J. Jonah Jameson’s business partner. The latest chapter continues the trend, offering a new spin on a classic Marvel Comics villain.
Ultimate Spider-Man #5 by Jonathan Hickman and David Messina focuses upon Harry Osborn. Most of the issue unfolds through a series of flashbacks, detailing the death of Norman Osborn and how Harry came to take control of Stane/Stark Enterprises. The issue also introduces a new character, who has a major role in helping Harry become the Green Goblin.
(Image Source: Marvel / David Messina)
To sort through the holdings of Stane/Stark Enterprises, Harry and Gwen Stacy employ Dr. Otto Octavius, a.k.a. Doctor Octopus. Brilliant, but awkward, Otto is able to hack his way into the safeguards protecting Howard Stark’s Iron Man armor. This includes both the computerized systems, and the unique self-healing titanium composite that covers his armory.
Over the next few months, Otto proves invaluable to Harry’s operations. He reverse engineers the Iron Man armor to make Harry’s Goblin Armor. He also creates the Goblin Glider, using Stark repulsor technology, due to his not trusting the arc-reactor based power system that makes the Iron Man armor fly.
Beyond that, it is Otto who uncovers the blueprint Tony Stark used to start offering powers to those people who never go the chance to be superheroes in the reality of Ultimate Spider-Man. He also uncovered the evidence that Tony Stark was not a terrorist, and had been framed by the people who truly killed Norman Osborn.
It remains to be seen if Otto Octavius will become Doctor Octopus in the reality of Ultimate Spider-Man. Certainly he has the intelligence and the tools to make his trademark arms, with Oscorp’s backing. However, what we see of Otto in this issue suggests he will play a different role in coming events.
Ultimate Spider-Man #5 is now available at comic shops everywhere.