These past few weeks the VIZ Manga app has been consistently feeding us with six incredible chapters of Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man. The story has been culminating into a whirlwind of moral questions, exploring the complexities of antagonists’ strategies and intentions more closely than many superhero narratives we’ve seen before.
Doctor Doom is not evil for the sake of evil, he functions on a logic system that does have humanity’s betterment in mind, despite it’s self-centered approach. Doctor Doom channels the stolen power of Ultraman, unleashing great waves of chaotic energy under the belief that he is finally shaping his own destiny.
Doom seems to represent a dark shadow of our heroes, perhaps the physical manifestation of Peter Parker and Shin Hayata’s subconscious struggle with control. Ultraman must balance protection of humanity with his principle of not interfering with mortal affairs. Spider-Man has been grappling with his inability to save everyone and questioning the true point of a hero if destruction is inevitable.
Now, the two are faced with a human granted powers against his will, just as they were, who lost those important to him, just as they have, and who has chosen his role and has no further questions about it. In a sense, he is a confident force determined to do the best for humanity despite the nagging of morality, while our more virtuous heroes allow their self-questioning to preoccupy them. Self-analysis is important for the preservation of goodness and the prevention of dogma and hardened beliefs, but it can also leave us vulnerable.
With Ultraman’s power drained, his form dissipated, Shin is left injured and emotionally drained. In his moment of defeat, Shin admits to Fuji that he has been Ultraman the whole time. Fuji reminds Hayata that his defeat only proves he is a true hero; willing to lose if it means a chance at winning.
Meanwhile, Spider-Man faces off with Doom, he is told that his fear strips him of his heroic valor. Both wisdoms can be motivating in their own ways, but with Shin out of commission, Spider-Man is left to his own devices… Until he gets a special visit.
Zoffy comes to the rescue, ready to separate Ultraman from Shin and return him to the Land of Light, only to find that their souls have become intertwined, and Ultraman’s love for humanity might have been so strong it made him mortal. Of course, his essence lives on, but if he is confined to human bodies, unable to manifest on his own, he is in a sense, part of humanity now.
Does this mean the truest hero gives himself to his people, so much so that he is no longer able to serve his initial purpose? Does deep love mean an omittance of control? And if that’s the case, should heroes love, or should they simply defend?
Though he is unable to do what he usually does in times of crisis, Zoffy reminds Spider-Man that caring for another universe as if it were your own is the most Ultraman-like thing one could do, and Spider-Man has been doing just that. Caring for those in need, whether they are your people or not, is what separates a protector from a possessor.
Doom begins his plot for global control through broadcast, announcing the unification of all nations under him. In a surprising turn of events, he also offers a share of Ultraman’s power to each individual that complies with his plan. Most antagonists would hoard their power, dictating subordinates with wrath, but Doom’s plan begs the question: Was Ultraman the one hoarding power? Could humanity have been enabled to protect ourselves all along? Is having a powerful protector inhibiting our potential evolution?
Doom’s power intimidates all countries into pulling out of their respective wars, and though he has sacrificed a thousand non-compliant soldiers, he has saved hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians, making similar trade-offs to many heroes we’ve seen before.
Upon his return to the Land of Light, Zoffy leaves Spider-Man with the Beta Capsule. Luckily, Ide has been breaking down the science of Ultraman’s powers for a long time now and the Beta Capsule is the last piece needed to finalize the calculations needed for emulating the Spacium beam. With the power of science, Ide attempts to fight magic coercion with logic, exemplifying the beauty of individual pursuit, human exploration and diversification in the face of greed and control.
Though, humanity seems to be moving in the opposite direction, growing increasingly infatuated with Doom’s healing abilities and grandiose promises. Doom promises a future of peace, but also of total unification. He assures humans they will be freed from the temptation of sin and ascend into a protected race. Though peace seems to be on the precipice, he asks for one thing in return… And next week, we’ll find out what that is!
Be sure to get the VIZ Manga app to catch up on Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man, keep your eye out for new chapters posted free on the VIZ website, and stay tuned for more here at Ultraman Connection!
