The on-again, off-again romance between Peter Parker and Felicia Hardy is a staple of modern Spider-Man comics. Even when he was married to Mary Jane Watson, there was still a hint of something between Black Cat and the man she called “Spider.” A similar spark seems to have been kindled in the reality of Ultimate Spider-Man. However, it is with an entirely different character.
Written by Jonathan Hickman, with art by Marco Checchetto, Ultimate Spider-Man #14 opens on Richard Parker, Peter’s teenage son. Partnered with the AI in Peter’s adaptive picotech suit, Richard is searching for his missing father when he runs into Black Cat. The fighting soon gives way to flirtation, however, as the two reveal their true names and ages to one another.
The first three pages of Ultimate Spider-Man #14 may be viewed below.
Why the Richard Parker and Black Cat romance works
While it is too early to say what may come of Richard and Felicia meeting, a romance seems likely. Peter Parker is already likely to have issues with his son using his super-suit. He would undoubtedly have even stronger feelings about his son getting involved with the daughter of one of the crime bosses trying to kill him. However, that hint of drama would make for an interesting subplot in future issues of Ultimate Spider-Man.
The idea of Richard Parker following in his father’s footsteps as a hero also acts as an ironic mirror. In the main Earth-616 reality, Peter hid his life as a teenage superhero from his loved ones. This caused him no end of grief. It would be equally amusing for Richard to take similar steps to hide his relationship with a bad girl like Felicia, with or without him becoming a second Ultimate Spider-Man.
Ultimate Spider-Man #14 arrives in comic shops everywhere on February 26, 2025.
