Warning: MAJOR Spoilers for Ultimate Spider-Man #14
When it comes toSpider-Man’s various spider-like abilities, the best one is often considered to be his Spidey Sense, but a new flaw in this power has permanently redefined its application. As handy as Spider-Man’s special sense can be, it isn’t a foolproof strategy, and he’s been forced to confront its limitations in the most shocking way possible.
Spider-Man’s iconic “Spidey Sense” ability is one of his most useful powers, as it allows him to detect threats and act accordingly. Typically, this power is a valuable asset to his arsenal because it keeps him from getting hit by oncoming attacks that he otherwise wouldn’t see coming. However,Ultimate Spider-Man#14 by Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto has revealed the hidden dark side of the ability.
As it turns out,while Spider-Man can sense attacks that are aimed towards him, he can’t detect projectiles aimed at others. This oversight ends up costing a life, casting doubt upon whether Spidey Sense is all that effective for a superhero.
Spider-Man Learns the Hard Way That Spidey Sense Has A Huge Downside
Spider-Man’s Powers Don’t Always Look Out for Those Around Him
InUltimate Spider-Man#14, Peter Parker and Harry Osborn are getting hunted down by Kraven in the Ultimate Universe’s terrifying new version of theSavage Land. They flee asKraven tries to shoot at them, but Spider-Man quickly realizes that he can dodge his bullets with his Spidey Sense. In his words, he"can sense when [Kraven]’s about to shoot at me before he does". Not only can he evade attacks that are already coming towards him, but he can even start moving before Kraven pulls the trigger. Unfortunately for Spider-Man, this tactical advantage isn’t without a costly caveat.
Marvel Admits One Part of Spider-Man’s Webbing Doesn’t Make Sense and Never Will
Spider-Man has shown off countless applications for his webs over the years, but one glaring flaw that holds them back is finally being addressed.
Just when Spider-Man starts to get cocky from avoiding all of Kraven’s bullets, one of them grazes his side and catches him off guard. He asks why he didn’t sense it heading for him, but Kraven informs him that he hadn’t been aiming at him at all. Instead, his gun had been pointed atHarry Osborn, who takes a bullet to the head and dies. Therein lies the flaw with Spider-Man’s ability:Spidey Sense can detect attacks that are intended to hit him, but indirect attacks don’t trigger his instincts until it’s too late. This limitation costs Harry his life, much to Spider-Man’s horror.
Spider-Man Can’t Rely on Spidey Sense Alone to Save People
Peter Parker’s Most Handy Ability Can Protect Him, But Not Always Others
As a superhero, Spider-Man’s main responsibility is to save as many lives as he can, but his powers prioritize his own well-being over others'.His heightened senses can alert him when he’s in mortal peril, while bystanders can get struck without his knowledge. Failing to consider his surroundings and counting on his Spidey Sense alone has resulted in Harry’s death, teaching Spider-Man a valuable lesson about protecting people in the heat of battle. Although this flaw could potentially be limited to theEarth-6160’s less experienced Peter Parker, everySpider-Manshould rely less on their Spidey Sense when others' lives are at stake.
