There's a reason why, even as the mainstream Spider-Man titles flounder for direction, the Ultimate Spider-Man line continues to be fresh, interesting and fun.

It's Brian Michael Bendis, the writer who knows how to write stories that make sense, all the while building characters that pull you into their lives. While grownup Peter over at the House of Ideas is becoming a sadsack figure who's easier to pity than admire, teenage Peter here in the Ultimate universe is a Spider-Man -- and a person -- we can respect.

In Death of a Goblin, Norman Osborn -- the eponymous Green Goblin who has made Peter's life hell since the very beginning -- breaks out of S.H.I.E.L.D. prison facilities, and Peter, after a long battle with a naked Electro (don't ask), finds himself behind those very same bars. Kitty Pryde, late of the X-Men and until recently Peter's girlfriend, gets over her jilted-lover feelings long enough to swoop in to the rescue. But it's never that simple where S.H.I.E.L.D. is concerned, and there are some dramatic face-offs between Peter and Norman before the final page is turned.

But between all the superhero action, Bendis never forgets to give us plenty of face time with Peter's well-developed supporting cast. And tell me, in this situation, don't you think real people would act and react exactly how Mary Jane, Kitty, Aunt May and all the rest do in these pages? That's good writing, Brian. So, too, is the fantastic dialogue between Peter and interim S.H.I.E.L.D. director Carol Danvers.

Also of note, this is the story arc in which artist Stuart Immonen took over the pencils from longtime Bendis partner Mark Bagley. There are some obvious differences in style, and I won't lie -- if I had to choose between them, I'd take Bagley's work over Immonen's. But Immonen didn't miss a beat in assuming this coveted post, and his work here is absolutely top-notch.

I've been strongly considering dropping the mainstream Spider-Man titles from my reading list. But these Ultimate books, my friends, I would not even consider giving them up.

Oh, I would be remiss if I did not mention that this is the book in which Peter suddenly finds himself with child....