A jump far forward into more modern times, with a friendly neighbourhood take on A Christmas Carol. After stopping the Shocker‘s latest robbery on Christmas Eve, Spider-Man is having a crisis of faith. Is Spidey actually helping anyone, given its come to this? As he ponders whether to give up the superhero mantle, angel and devil versions of Spidey appear to take him through a look back over his career and his effect on the community he is sworn to protect.
Ultimate Spider-Man S03 E22 – Nightmare on Christmas
This episode may be set around Christmas time, but it’s success comes with its homages to past material. There’s the A Christmas Carol setup, the Steve Ditko art style of the Christmas past sequences, and ultimately, a big nod to the classic Spidey No More comic book storyline from Amazing Spider-Man issues #50-52.
I haven’t made my way through all of the Ultimate Spider-Man series, in truth it’s a bit of a slog, but this episode came recommended and doesn’t disappoint. Despite coming at the tail end of the third season, Nightmare on Christmas doesn’t require any prior viewing of the show, although is more suited to those familiar with Peter Parker’s adventures. It is definitely a must for fans of Ditko, and we’re also treated again to the always-excellent Mark Hamill, for his appearance as the titular Nightmare. It’s a nice little standalone superhero Christmas nugget, in amongst a generally disappointing series.