Comic fans know that Marvel’s Ultimate Universe is ending in 2026, which will also bring fan-favorite Ultimate titles, such as Spider-Man, to a close. Many expected the conclusion of what is arguably one of the web-slinger’s best eras to arrive in January. However, that ending has now officially been delayed.
Jonathan Hickman’s Ultimate Spider-Man kicked off in January 2024 and was expected to wrap up in January 2026 with Ultimate Spider-Man #24. However, it’s now confirmed that the issue has received a month-long delay and is expected to hit comic shelves on February 18, 2026.
While many may begrudge this delay, there may be a silver lining that goes beyond simply postponing the end of what many consider one of the best modern Spider-Man runs.
Ultimate Spider-Man #24 Delay Sparks Optimism Among Fans
Extra Pages and Extended Release Timeline Suggest a Bigger, Stronger Finale
News of Ultimate Spider-Man #24’s delay has been spreading across social media platforms such as X, yet the reaction has been surprisingly optimistic. Many comments express hope that the delay means Hickman is truly cooking up something fantastic for the finale, with fans speculating that this extra time signals a stronger, more refined conclusion.
According to League of Comic Geeks, the issue is expected to come in at 48 pages, making it longer than previous installments. This added length may factor into the extended timeline needed to get the finale on shelves. If anything, the delay has only heightened anticipation as fans wonder how this beloved series will conclude.
THE END OF THE LINE! This is it, folks — the last you’ll see of Spidey and his Ultimate friends by Jonathan Hickman & Marco Checchetto! That’s all we can tell you!
Ultimate Spider-Man Gave Fans the Version of Peter Parker They’ve Always Wanted
Marvel Finally Let Peter Parker Grow Up, and We Aren’t Ready to Say Goodbye
One reason Ultimate Spider-Man is so popular is because it offered a storyline where Marvel finally allowed Peter Parker to evolve and mature into adulthood. Marvel is notorious for refusing to let Peter grow up despite fan wishes. Thus, the Ultimate Universe gave readers something they’ve long been denied in the main Marvel timeline.
Spidey fans will remember they were robbed of this in 2007 with the One More Day storyline and the erasure of Peter and Mary Jane’s marriage, followed by a soft reboot of the character. Ultimate Spider-Man helped right this wrong by letting fans see Spider-Man as a husband and father, finally moving him beyond his teenage years.
This version of Peter is deeply loved by fans, making February’s finale bittersweet. With the delay, readers have gained an extra month before saying goodbye. Hopefully, this won’t be the last time fans see this more mature version of Spider-Man.
Ultimate Spider-Man #24 is available February 18, 2026, from Marvel Comics!