In Marvel’s newly relaunched Ultimate Universe, Spider-Man and Tony Stark aka Iron Man, are two incredibly different but still recognizable characters in a world without superheroes, with Spider-Man’s unique shape-shifting picotech costume being a notable new addition to his superhero legacy. Not the same tried and true set of spandex Spidey is known for, this upgraded picotech suit has left Tony Stark, one of the most brilliant minds in Marvel Comics, scratching his head in a way that puts his own armor to shame!
A costume introduced in the first issue of Ultimate Spider-Man, this upgraded look came about after Tony Stark time-travels a genetically altered spider inside a high-tech orb to an adult Peter Parker, the latter of which transforms into Peter’s superhero threads, marking his alter ego’s Earth-6160 debut.
Now, in Ultimate Spider-Man #8, not only does Spider-Man's picotech suit start exhibiting some questionable behavior while he’s not wearing it, but after Tony Stark examines it, Peter is immediately told it’s “Way beyond anything I know how to make,” officially making Spider-Man’s latest outfit one that Tony couldn’t recreate if he tried.
Tony Stark Admits Spider-Man’s Picotech Costume Is Technologically Beyond Him
Ultimate Spider-Man #8 - 2024 (Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto)
Meeting with Tony and this reality’s version of Doctor Otto Octavius alongside his current partner in crime, Norman Osborn aka Green Goblin, Peter asks why his suit is so noticeably “different” from Tony and Norman’s armor if Howard Stark built them all, no doubt referring to the suit’s incredible shape-shifting abilities, in particular. Calling picotech technology “revolutionary,” Tony then admits that he can’t wrap his head around how the tech works, suggesting that he may not have access to his father’s notes nor any other information to look over to help understand the suit at all.
This is an important admittance from Tony, as his and Norman’s armor are top-of-the-line Iron Man shells that he understands intimately, essentially telling fans that Spider-Man’s picotech costume could have capabilities that surpass these armored suits and then some. Also hinted at in this issue is that the picotech may be the Ultimate Universe’s take on the Venom symbiote, and it’s possible, coupled with Tony’s lack of knowledge about where Peter’s suit is concerned, that this will all lead to some big problems later down the line, especially if the outfit’s more corruptive and sentient side continues to wiggle its way into Peter’s mind.
Spider-Man’s Picotech Suit Gives Him Boosted Abilities and Unique Skills
Considering that this issue reveals Spider-Man's picotech suit was Howard Stark’s last “breakthrough” before he passed, and the idea that Tony admits he can’t replicate his father’s brilliance is an interesting wrinkle for Tony’s genius to handle as well as Spider-Man's now constantly in-flux superhero life, making this development something that will affect both characters in ways yet to be explored. Regardless of where writer Jonathan Hickman brings this story next, fans can rest assured that Spider-Man and Tony Stark will be dealing with this mysterious picotech outfit for some time to come.
Ultimate Spider-Man #8
is available from Marvel Comics.
Spider-Man is the name given to several individuals who have employed a spider-moniker throughout Marvel Comics. Typically gaining their powers through a bite from a radioactive spider, the different Spider-Man heroes employ super-strength, agility, and intellect while utilizing webbing to swing and tangle up their foes. The most notable of these Spider-Men is Peter Parker, who remains one of the most popular superheroes throughout the world.
First Appearance Amazing Fantasy
Alias Peter Parker, Ben Reilly, Otto Octavius, Yu Komori, Kaine Parker, Pavitr Prabhakar, William Braddock, Miles Morales, Kurt Wagner
Alliance Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Secret Defenders, Future Foundation, Heroes for Hire, Mighty Avengers, New Avengers, Web-Warriors
Custom Image by Brian Colucci
:quality(85):upscale()/2024/02/20/759/n/1922794/6ced926565d4dda2135788.24126660_.jpg)
:quality(85):upscale()/2024/10/24/034/n/49352476/77b7cf81671add0adc63a2.54797453_.jpg)
English (US) ·