This is our first fan submitted review it is for The Utimates hardcover. We hope to get more and more of these reviews from other fans soon. Now on to the review by Eli Watts…
The Ultimates
(Hardcover Vol. 1)
by Eli Watts
I was never a big fan of the Avengers. Like the Justice League of America, I always saw the Avengers as a way for Marvel to rake in some quick cash by scrambling together a poorly written collaboration of corny-mouthed super heroes, but then I read the Ultimates.
First off, Mark Millar is an extraordinary storyteller (Wolverine: Enemy of the State, Ultimate X-men, Old Man Logan) . His interpretation of characters greatly differs from the latter’s perspective. One of my favorite instances was the fight scene between Hank Pym and his wife Janet;
“You shouldn’t have made me look small, Jan. You shouldn’t have made me look small.”
Was Pym’s mantra after he beat the shit out of Wasp, sprayed her with bug poison, and finally summoned an army of ants to attack her, leaving her horribly wounded.
Another example would be poor old Bruce Banner. The laughing stock of the Ultimates, whose ex-girlfriend treats him like garbage, who is demoted beneath that Pym dork, and even suggested to be portrayed by the funny looking actor Steve Buschemi. He is a pushover…that is of course until he reintroduces himself with the Hulk serum with just a dab of Caps’ blood. How perfect is that? The very first villain the Ultimates come across is one of their own. How ironic that the government funded super-group would fall victim to scandal. The shoe seems to fit.
I can’t say I’m pleased with Millar’s Nick Fury. Nothing against Mr. Jackson but I feel he doesn’t live up to his frosty side-burned, cigar smoking predecessor (perhaps Ennis’ interpretation spoiled me there). He just doesn’t seem as badass. Now, good ole Steve Rogers is a different story. I can honestly say I was never a huge Cap fan, until now.
He fell asleep a war hero and he wakes up fifty years later to find that the woman he loved is now married to his best friend. I’d say that’s a legitimate excuse to fuck shit up and Cap does precisely that. An epic battle with the Hulk and Giant man…wait what the fuck? Why the hell is Cap fighting his own team? Because the story was that fucking good.
I can’t say I was all that impressed with Millar’s interpretation of Hawk Eye (kind of looks like a gay pirate) and the weird incest insinuated relationship between Quicksilver and his sister the Scarlet Witch is just plain disturbing. Magneto would be proud. Oh and don’t forget Thor, I did think Millar had an interesting take on Thor, portraying him as an arrogant peace-loving hippy.
The final conflict was a bit of a bore if you ask me. I never did care for the alien sub plots that marvel always tries so desperately to squeeze in. The battle was rushed and the purpose of the nemesis was weak and held very little water in my book. However, with great quotes like;
“Surrender??!! You think this letter on my head stands for France?” (A little gem by Cap) I do believe this story ended on a high note that will keep me interested in future Ultimates and other works by Millar. This story was a unique take on the Avengers and one of the best character collaborative stories of all time. A must read.
Rating
Story: 4 / 5
Dialog: 5 / 5
Artwork: 5 / 5
Overall: 4.6 / 5
cool review!