OZ (Ultimate Marvel)


OZ is a fictitious artificial mutagen responsible for the creation of the Ultimate Marvel Universe's Spider-Man, and several of its other characters. The writer, Brian Michael Bendis decided that a genetically mutated spider would be the source of Peter's power, rather than a radiated one, to update Spider-Man for the 21st century.

Origins

The OZ formula is created by Osborn Industries as part of their research into super soldiers for S.H.I.E.L.D.. Despite being imperfect, Norman Osborn garners much interest in the OZ formula, while not revealing what it actually is. Osborn subsequently begins to fail, as it is unable to deliver on Norman's promises. The drug is developed prior to Ultimate Spider-Man #1 and has begun animal testing. As of in Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #6, it's revealed that the OZ formula has power of immortality, such as reviving Peter Parker and Norman Osborn from death. It is unknown if the immortality effects extends to other users presumed dead.

Peter Parker (Spider-Man)

While on a science field trip to Osborn Industries, Peter Parker is bitten by an escaped spider mutated with OZ. The OZ mutates Parker's blood.
The effects of the OZ treated spider venom manifest as:
Osborn realises Peter was infected by the spider, and attempts to give himself powers using OZ.

The OZ Explosion

In the experiment Norman Osborn performs in an attempt to give himself powers, there is an explosion which exposes several people to OZ.

Norman Osborn">Alternative versions of the Green Goblin#Ultimate Marvel">Norman Osborn (The Green Goblin)

The only person who was intentionally affected by the OZ, Norman Osborn had it injected into his mainline as a solution of his blood. He may have caused the explosion with his new abilities.
The effects of the OZ treated blood manifest as:
His Green Goblin persona appears as a green, slightly draconic goblin. He is originally only green in the face, but later "evolves" and gains full green coloration. He also appears to continue his mutation, becoming more in control as time passes, as well as increasingly lethal.

Otto Octavius">Doctor Octopus#Ultimate Doctor Octopus">Otto Octavius (Doctor Octopus)

Norman Osborn's head scientist who uses a set of mechanical arms for multi-tasking and handling hazardous substances. In the initial explosion these arms are fused to his body. It is first thought that he controls only the arms, but this is later disproven. The OZ explosion grants Doc Ock ferrokinesis.

Harry Osborn">Harry Osborn#Ultimate Harry Osborn">Harry Osborn (The Hobgoblin)

Harry Osborn was caught in the explosion while visiting his father at work. There has not been confirmation of the OZ mutation being caused by the explosion, or during the Hobgoblin arc when he is led to a bunker containing OZ, or both.
The effects of the OZ exposure manifest as:
The appearance of his Hobgoblin persona is somewhat similar to his father's Goblin persona, but is orange in coloration and far more demonic. If exposed to OZ further, his mutation will most likely continue, like his father's.

Mary Jane Watson

After the exposure to an unspecified quantity of the OZ formula courtesy of a clone of Peter Parker, Mary Jane becomes a similar being to the Osborns, except for long red hair all over her body. She is known as the Demogoblin The process left her with post-traumatic stress.
The Effects of the OZ infusion manifest as:
Mary Jane appears to be cured a short time after infection by Dr Franklin Storm. This cure is later seen wearing off, when her fingers turn to claws watching Peter talk to Kitty Pride.