About Heroes

Spider-Ben is back with a new write-up of the Ultimate Spider-Man arc, Warriors!

In issues #79-85 a seven-part arc called "Warriors" was chronicled. In this arc, Peter Parker is still upset about having to dump his longtime girlfriend, Mary Jane Watson. Peter still loves MJ, but realizes that her being Spider-Man's girlfriend is too big of a risk. Because of his love for her, he wants her to avoid him to ensure her safety. He knows this is the noble thing to do, but he is heartbroken on the inside.

As if that weren't bad enough, crime runs rampant throughout the city. A new crime fighter known as the Moon Knight has arrived on the streets. Moon Knight is Marc Spector, a schizophrenic man trying to take the law into his own hands. Due to his mental instabilities, his methods are random and dangerous. Meanwhile, the Kingpin of crime is back, attempting to regain control of the city. He is having difficulties with another mob boss, Hammerhead. Hammerhead is at war with the Kingpin, wanting to assume control of the city, as it's premiere crime lord. Kingpin isn't about to take this sitting down and has once again employed the deadly assassin Elektra to eliminate Hammerhead and his followers, the Enforcers. The Enforcers previously worked for Kingpin, so the tension is running high on both sides.

Peter decides to clear his head and goes out patrolling the streets as Spider-Man. Spidey meets up with Moon Knight, thinking Moon Knight is responsible for starting a fire. The two heroes fight, but have to leave when the police show up. Elektra watches the two fighting while talking to the Kingpin on her phone. Spider-Man thinks Kingpin is responsible for the Moon Knight, and is surprised to see Elektra on a nearby roof. Elektra tells Spider-Man that Kingpin needs his help. The two go to see the Kingpin. After Spider-Man is caught staring at Elektra's chest, the two arrive at the Kingpin's office. There the Kingpin tells Spider-Man that Hammerhead is the city's newest threat. He offers Spider-Man information to take down Hammerhead. Spidey doesn't like helping Kingpin, but realizes that people are in danger as long as Hammerhead runs free.

Elsewhere, in a jail, Danny Rand is about to be set free. Danny is another costumed crime fighter called the Iron Fist. Danny leaves jail and is happy to be far away from the police captain, Jean Dewolfe. Danny goes off to Chinatown and runs into his old friend, Shang-Chi, the master of Kung-Fu. A battle erupts in Chinatown due to Hammerhead arriving, and Spider-Man swings into action. Things go bad for our hero, but all of the sudden the Black Cat arrives, demanding that Hammerhead leave her boyfriend alone. This stuns Hammerhead, but really surprises Spidey, since the two have never actually been a couple.

The police arrive and send everyone running. Spider-Man and Black Cat run to a nearby roof and Black Cat quickly kisses our hero. Now keep in mind that the Cat is an adult woman, and Peter is only sixteen. This comes into play later on in the storyline. Peter is smitten that this gorgeous woman is into him, and the two realize that they must end all this gang war nonsense. But the Cat, Felecia Hardy, isn't interested in taking down Hammerhead. She still wants revenge on the Kingpin for what happened to her father. Spidey realizes things are only going to get worse before they get better.

Elektra reports back to the Kingpin about all the drama going on with Hammerhead. He orders her to finish Hammerhead once and for all. Back at school, Peter is still feeling incredible knowing that the Black Cat has the hots for him. He must also keep in mind that all the excessive web-swinging has forced him to be absent from school a lot, much to Aunt May's anger and disappointment. He can't tell his Aunt the truth about him being Spider-Man.

Elsewhere, Marc Spector returns to his lair. He is totally switching personalities, much to his wife's anger and dismay. Marc realizes the time is almost right for him to finish Hammerhead and those who follow him. His wife looks on in sadness, realizing his mental disability is getting worse and worse by the minute.

In another part of town, Hammerhead and his forces meet. Suddenly, Elektra breaks through the window threatening Hammerhead. While this is going on, Iron Fist and Shang-Chi fight some mobsters and learn of Hammerheads whereabouts. Peter goes back out as Spider-Man and arrives at Hammerheads headquarters. The Black Cat spots Spider-Man on a rooftop and agrees to help him out, but Spider-Man tells her they have to play it cool and not kill anyone.

This is where the fun starts. Black Cat, Spider-Man, Moon Knight, Iron Fist, Shang-Chi, The Enforcers, Hammerhead, and Elektra all stand off in the same room. Hammerhead offers Elektra more money to work for him, and she accepts. Black Cat also agrees to help Hammerhead bring down the Kingpin. Now a huge, huge battle ensues between everyone. Elektra stabs Moon Knight and unmasks him, taking a picture of his real identity. Elektra also attacks Spider-Man and throws him out a window as the police arrive on the streets.

Spidey gets back on his feet and goes back inside to the battle. Meanwhile, Elektra realizes that Hammerhead was lying to her about her money and she attacks him, throwing him out the window as well. Black Cat and Elektra battle, while Spider-Man leaps back inside. He gets really angry and webs up everyone who is in the fight. Black Cat pleas with him that she is good, but Spidey has had enough. Elektra breaks free but is stopped by the injured Moon Knight who throws a weapon at her head. Black Cat frees Iron Fist and Shang-Chi who get away, and Hammerhead, Elektra, and Moon Knight are all captured.

Spider-Man and Black Cat go to the roof. She apologizes to Spider-Man and wants to kiss him. He agrees and takes off his full mask. Black Cat is shocked to see he is just a teenager and throws up, running away. Peter is stunned, but realizes that Hammerhead and his gang are captured. The city is safe, for now.

Thoughts/Comments:

I really enjoyed this arc. There was plenty of action, lots of humor, and a smorgasbord of emotion. Bendis really nailed the dialogue between all the characters and gave us great depth into what made all the mobsters and heroes tick. The moments between Spidey and the Black Cat were great and full of sexual innuendo, but her reaction to finding out Peter was a teenager was classic. Bagley really did a phenomenal job on the huge fight scenes, and the entire story seemed to flow together nicely. Overall I give the "Warriors" arc an A +!! Highly recommended reading for any Spider-Man fan or Ultimate Marvel fan.