This book made me wish that Brian Michael Bendis was writing the Ultimate Fantastic Four as well as Spider-Man. Ultimate Power has some great pacing. He knows when to write it quick and when to let the characters have a moment. The exchange between Nick Fury and Spider-Man alone as to how to deal with what happened to Reed was enough by itself to make me like this book.
Unfortunately, as I have no idea who these Powers people are, I would have liked a little more information up front. Maybe a quick introduction before the massive fight scene. The massive fight scene was a bit problematic as it was easy to lose who was who and what was going on. Finally, if this is where Nick Fury has disappeared to in Ultimates 2 then Spider-Man ought to have had a better idea where he was in the later volumes of the Ultimate Spider-Man. Perhaps there'll be more information whenever Ultimates 3 comes out.
I'll give it a 4.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Ultimate Fantastic Four Volume 6 Frightful
I don't like the idea of making superheroes. I do think that the first story in Frightful was a good example of what could happen (though one wonders how Thor becomes president as he's not a natural born US citizen). And I did like the resolution but ultimately this volume is about the conclusion of the Zombie crisis.
It takes a round about way to get there: infecting Johnny with an alien parasite, traveling to Latveria to ask Doctor Doom for help. Huh, it seems that Doctor Doom has mystical powers for some reason. What? Mind switching? And then...? That makes no sense. So really, what was a very promising story line turned into kind of a mess. It's too bad. I guess I'll give it a 2.
It takes a round about way to get there: infecting Johnny with an alien parasite, traveling to Latveria to ask Doctor Doom for help. Huh, it seems that Doctor Doom has mystical powers for some reason. What? Mind switching? And then...? That makes no sense. So really, what was a very promising story line turned into kind of a mess. It's too bad. I guess I'll give it a 2.
Ultimate Fantastic Four Volume 5 Crossover
OK, I get it. Sue's hot. I don't understand why she can't wear a shirt that covers her midriff. It seem impractical that every thing she owns exposes her abs. Actually, with a new artist every member of the team looks great. Except when he tries to show surprise. With surprise they sort of look like a blow up doll.
Once again, Crossover contains two (relatively unrelated) stories. I think these volumes would be a lot better if Miller used more space to tell his tale. The Zombie storyline could certainly have used two more issues to resolve so there didn't seem to be so many leaps in the action and the Namor story could have been jettisoned almost entirely. He's just another guy that'll hit on Sue and end up in a big fight when I'd think the zombies in the basement were a more pressing situation than exploring Atlantis.
The zombies were great and Namor was OK so I'll give this one a 3.
Once again, Crossover contains two (relatively unrelated) stories. I think these volumes would be a lot better if Miller used more space to tell his tale. The Zombie storyline could certainly have used two more issues to resolve so there didn't seem to be so many leaps in the action and the Namor story could have been jettisoned almost entirely. He's just another guy that'll hit on Sue and end up in a big fight when I'd think the zombies in the basement were a more pressing situation than exploring Atlantis.
The zombies were great and Namor was OK so I'll give this one a 3.
Ultimate Fantastic Four Volume 4 Inhuman
What a shame that Inhuman followed N-Zone because this one was just terrible. The Ultimate series was supposed to be a way for new readers (like me) to get involved with long running series without having to know the huge back history of some of these characters. Inhuman takes that concept and completely throws it out the window.
There are two stories in this volume, one about an old acquaintance of Reed's who now wants to kill him and one about Johnny meeting a girl who's essentially a goddess. I guess. If the second story hadn't been so terrible the first might have passed as OK but together they're just a mess.
The Thinker had no set up. None. They just kind of threw her at them. Her motivations made no sense and the story felt like it was missing pages. It seemed like it needed more time to tell the story it was trying to tell.
The Inhuman story was even worse. First, just how old is Johnny supposed to be? Reed, Sue and Ben are all 18-19 and Johnny is Sue's younger brother. So really, 16, maybe 17? How is he getting into bars? Sure, he's one of the beautiful people but it'd be nice to see the bouncer wave him in or for him to try flashing a fake ID, or something to acknowledge that these characters are supposed to be in their youth. Then to want to follow this girl home because he loved her? I was expecting to find out that Crystal's powers involved some kind emotional manipulation because it seemed so out of character.
This one was terrible, it's a 1.
There are two stories in this volume, one about an old acquaintance of Reed's who now wants to kill him and one about Johnny meeting a girl who's essentially a goddess. I guess. If the second story hadn't been so terrible the first might have passed as OK but together they're just a mess.
The Thinker had no set up. None. They just kind of threw her at them. Her motivations made no sense and the story felt like it was missing pages. It seemed like it needed more time to tell the story it was trying to tell.
The Inhuman story was even worse. First, just how old is Johnny supposed to be? Reed, Sue and Ben are all 18-19 and Johnny is Sue's younger brother. So really, 16, maybe 17? How is he getting into bars? Sure, he's one of the beautiful people but it'd be nice to see the bouncer wave him in or for him to try flashing a fake ID, or something to acknowledge that these characters are supposed to be in their youth. Then to want to follow this girl home because he loved her? I was expecting to find out that Crystal's powers involved some kind emotional manipulation because it seemed so out of character.
This one was terrible, it's a 1.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Ultimate Fantastic Four Volume 3 N-Zone
Awesome.
That's all that really needs to be said about N-Zone. Just awesome. This has been my favourite so far (obviously) but the reason is that it's just written so well for super-high science fiction.
I really liked the way Reed was using his powers outside of the box. Being stretchy is about so much more than being able to tie oneself in knots. I didn't like what they did with Johnny in the N-Zone. To me, his exotropic powers seemed to be reacting to the endotropic universe and it made sense. Instead, he was shedding his skin like some kind of snake?
There was great tension built up with the escape and while it ended with the obligatory fight scene I still really liked it. I'm giving it a 5.
That's all that really needs to be said about N-Zone. Just awesome. This has been my favourite so far (obviously) but the reason is that it's just written so well for super-high science fiction.
I really liked the way Reed was using his powers outside of the box. Being stretchy is about so much more than being able to tie oneself in knots. I didn't like what they did with Johnny in the N-Zone. To me, his exotropic powers seemed to be reacting to the endotropic universe and it made sense. Instead, he was shedding his skin like some kind of snake?
There was great tension built up with the escape and while it ended with the obligatory fight scene I still really liked it. I'm giving it a 5.
Ultimate Fantastic Four Volume 2 Doom
Warren Ellis takes over the writing duties in Doom to introduce the Fantastic Four's greatest villain, Doctor Doom. The finale of the The Fantastic had them all wondering what had happened to Victor after the accident that turned them into superheroes but here we find out that he's been teleported to Denmark, grown a skin of metal and is insane. It's the insane part that really sets things up.
I really liked some of the dialogue in this volume. Especially the reveal of the fantasti-car. Ellis got the pater of teens down with just the right touch and the result is really funny and very real. I'm giving it a 4.
I really liked some of the dialogue in this volume. Especially the reveal of the fantasti-car. Ellis got the pater of teens down with just the right touch and the result is really funny and very real. I'm giving it a 4.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Ultimate Fantastic Four Volume 1 The Fantastic
Everything I know about the Fantastic Four I know from the movie so I was intrigued to visit the ultimates version of the team.
The Fantastic is the origin story for the new team. They're younger than the classic tale so Bendis and Miller have to massage things some for them to be where they're supposed to be. Reed and Sue are easy. They're both geniuses so it makes sense that they'd be together at a special school. Johnny (my favourite by the way) is Sue's brother so he'd be with them because he has to stay with his dad who's also at the special school. Ben? Ben's a bit different and I didn't really believe that they'd let him attend the test of Reed's machine but I'll go with it.
I liked seeing Reed grow up and I liked how the authors chose to give their version their powers. I also felt very stupid for never noticing that the team is essentially the four elements. Fire and Air are easy (Johnny and Sue) but I never really thought of Ben as Earth because he never really looked as if he were stone before and Reed elasticity is certainly akin to Water.
I enjoyed the story. I'm looking forward to reading the next volume so I'll give it a 4.
The Fantastic is the origin story for the new team. They're younger than the classic tale so Bendis and Miller have to massage things some for them to be where they're supposed to be. Reed and Sue are easy. They're both geniuses so it makes sense that they'd be together at a special school. Johnny (my favourite by the way) is Sue's brother so he'd be with them because he has to stay with his dad who's also at the special school. Ben? Ben's a bit different and I didn't really believe that they'd let him attend the test of Reed's machine but I'll go with it.
I liked seeing Reed grow up and I liked how the authors chose to give their version their powers. I also felt very stupid for never noticing that the team is essentially the four elements. Fire and Air are easy (Johnny and Sue) but I never really thought of Ben as Earth because he never really looked as if he were stone before and Reed elasticity is certainly akin to Water.
I enjoyed the story. I'm looking forward to reading the next volume so I'll give it a 4.
The Ultimates 2 Volume 2 Grand Theft America
America gets invaded! Don't worry the Ultimates will save the day.
Grand Theft America is over the top. Completely. I was truly surprised with what they did to some characters, not just with but actually to them. Things get very, very, very dark in this one. Unfortunately, it was too much. I lost the sense that it was happening. I was able to figure out who the traitor was before it was revealed because it made the most sense in a fantasy world. I kept expecting to find out that it was all some terrible trick by Loki and that none of this was actually happening. That maybe he was just toying with Thor and his team mates to craft this ludicrous tale.
I understood the story that Miller was trying to tell but I didn't believe it. I can only give it a 2. Though I have to say I've never read a graphic novel that the splash page actually had to be folded out to get the full impact before. The art was much better than the story with this one.
Grand Theft America is over the top. Completely. I was truly surprised with what they did to some characters, not just with but actually to them. Things get very, very, very dark in this one. Unfortunately, it was too much. I lost the sense that it was happening. I was able to figure out who the traitor was before it was revealed because it made the most sense in a fantasy world. I kept expecting to find out that it was all some terrible trick by Loki and that none of this was actually happening. That maybe he was just toying with Thor and his team mates to craft this ludicrous tale.
I understood the story that Miller was trying to tell but I didn't believe it. I can only give it a 2. Though I have to say I've never read a graphic novel that the splash page actually had to be folded out to get the full impact before. The art was much better than the story with this one.
The Ultimates 2 Volume 1 Gods and Monsters
Gods and Monsters sort of says it all. This first volume focuses on Thor and the question of his sanity and on the Hulk and his trial for the death of 800 New Yorkers.
The Ultimates is a dark series. I like the ambiguity of Thor's divinity. Is he a Norse god or is he insane? That was some of my favourite writing in the series. I liked the way Bruce Banner was handling his trial for his actions as the Hulk. While I didn't like the way Nick Fury handled the verdict, I liked that it was how I expected him to handle it. It's good writing when the characters do what you expect them to do even if you don't want them to.
What I didn't like was the creation of more and more super soldiers. I agree that's probably what world governments would do if the technology existed. It's an arms race and if the newest technology is super powers then that's what they'd go for. I just didn't like it. I'm giving this volume a 4.
The Ultimates is a dark series. I like the ambiguity of Thor's divinity. Is he a Norse god or is he insane? That was some of my favourite writing in the series. I liked the way Bruce Banner was handling his trial for his actions as the Hulk. While I didn't like the way Nick Fury handled the verdict, I liked that it was how I expected him to handle it. It's good writing when the characters do what you expect them to do even if you don't want them to.
What I didn't like was the creation of more and more super soldiers. I agree that's probably what world governments would do if the technology existed. It's an arms race and if the newest technology is super powers then that's what they'd go for. I just didn't like it. I'm giving this volume a 4.
Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 20 Ultimate Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends
This is the one that got me started on re-reading the series. I wanted to be fresh so read something that reminded me of my childhood.
I was not disappointed. Ultimate Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends really focuses on what I feel is the strongest part of the series. It's not the action (though that is great) it's the way people react to each other. From the opening monologues where each character reflects on why he or she feels his or her life sucks to the revelation that Kenny is not as stupid as you might think he is to the awesome tale of the Shocker.
While the actual team-up of Ice Man, Spider-Man and "Firestar" that was inspired by the 80s cartoon was short and more about high school students who happen to have super powers the true strength of this volume is the final story. For most of the run the Shocker has been a running gag. He's the villain whose grand plans get foiled with little to no effort from our hero but in this one he's pushed just a bit too far. And that pushing makes for a great tale. I'm giving it a 5.
I was not disappointed. Ultimate Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends really focuses on what I feel is the strongest part of the series. It's not the action (though that is great) it's the way people react to each other. From the opening monologues where each character reflects on why he or she feels his or her life sucks to the revelation that Kenny is not as stupid as you might think he is to the awesome tale of the Shocker.
While the actual team-up of Ice Man, Spider-Man and "Firestar" that was inspired by the 80s cartoon was short and more about high school students who happen to have super powers the true strength of this volume is the final story. For most of the run the Shocker has been a running gag. He's the villain whose grand plans get foiled with little to no effort from our hero but in this one he's pushed just a bit too far. And that pushing makes for a great tale. I'm giving it a 5.
Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 19 Death of a Goblin
Death of a Goblin made me cry. It's not really a hard thing for books to do to me but I wasn't expecting it from this one. The beginning of this is so strong. The interaction between characters just works. People say what you expect them to say in the way you expect them to say it. The only complaint I have is that the death of which goblin was sort of telegraphed.
Still, it's a good story and it's told well so I'll give it a 4.
Still, it's a good story and it's told well so I'll give it a 4.
Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 18 Ultimate Knights
Yet another team-up for Spider-Man in Ultimate Knights. I'm almost wondering if Spidey is capable of taking on the big guys by himself. Nevertheless, I did really enjoy this one because it really showed what kind of person that Peter is. The Kingpin has been causing him no end of trouble over the past year (maybe less, Bendis does move this story slowly) but when it comes right down to it, Peter still knows what makes a man a hero. And can stand up to Daredevil to prove it.
The final chapter of this story is the talk between Aunt May and Peter. I mention it because it's a truly awesome story. It captures everything that needs to be said between these two with the revelation that Spider-Man is also part of their lives. Bendis is very skilled at making heroes people too. The whole volume gets a 5 from me.
The final chapter of this story is the talk between Aunt May and Peter. I mention it because it's a truly awesome story. It captures everything that needs to be said between these two with the revelation that Spider-Man is also part of their lives. Bendis is very skilled at making heroes people too. The whole volume gets a 5 from me.
Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 17 Clone Saga
Apparently the original run of Spider-Man had a whole clone thing. I'm not aware of that. I do know that I enjoyed Clone Saga from the Ultimate Spider-Man , even though it felt like a giant excuse to get Peter and Mary Jane back together after their earlier break up.
By far, the most interesting clone was Spider-Woman. I'd like to see more of her. The Scorpion clone, not so much. The thing I really like about Brian Michael Bendis is his ability to give real emotion to his characters. The scene where Peter finally tells Aunt May his secret is really moving. His reaction to her subsequent heart attack just feels real. I'm giving this one a 5.
By far, the most interesting clone was Spider-Woman. I'd like to see more of her. The Scorpion clone, not so much. The thing I really like about Brian Michael Bendis is his ability to give real emotion to his characters. The scene where Peter finally tells Aunt May his secret is really moving. His reaction to her subsequent heart attack just feels real. I'm giving this one a 5.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 16 Deadpool
What happens when superheroes date? According to Deadpool they get kidnapped and forced to star in reality television.
There's actually a lot of team-ups in Ultimate Spider-Man. This one has him with the X-men, Moebius (the vampire) and Daredevil. Some of them are treading the same ground, especially the Daredevil/Punisher/Moon Knight story but the X-Men arc that starts the volume is fun. I sort of wish Bendis spent more time writing Peter and Kitty dating rather than Spider-Man and Shadowcat fighting bad guys but he gives hints that there is something going on behind the scenes. Because there could have been so much more I'm only giving it a 3.
There's actually a lot of team-ups in Ultimate Spider-Man. This one has him with the X-men, Moebius (the vampire) and Daredevil. Some of them are treading the same ground, especially the Daredevil/Punisher/Moon Knight story but the X-Men arc that starts the volume is fun. I sort of wish Bendis spent more time writing Peter and Kitty dating rather than Spider-Man and Shadowcat fighting bad guys but he gives hints that there is something going on behind the scenes. Because there could have been so much more I'm only giving it a 3.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 15 Silver Sable
I'm not really sure why this is called Silver Sable as she doesn't really take up that much of the story. It actually kind of jumps around a bit with the loose association of the stuff that was made to get Roxxon. It does introduce Kitty Pride of the X-Men as a love interest for Peter (like) and then spends some time introducing various villains for Spider-Man to fight.
The actual Silver Sable story line was interesting. I liked the kidnapping of Flash Thompson and what it turned in to. I'm intrigued by Silver Sable and what she actually does but I was a little let down by the conclusion to the story. Once again, it's Nick Fury and the Ultimates to the rescue (behind the scenes this time).
All in all, I'll give it a 3.
The actual Silver Sable story line was interesting. I liked the kidnapping of Flash Thompson and what it turned in to. I'm intrigued by Silver Sable and what she actually does but I was a little let down by the conclusion to the story. Once again, it's Nick Fury and the Ultimates to the rescue (behind the scenes this time).
All in all, I'll give it a 3.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 14 Warriors
When Spider-Man has to fight something that's a little less obvious I find the story a lot more intriguing. In Warriors the foe isn't some crazed genetic experiment like Carnage or the Green Goblin, or a maniac like Doctor Octopus, it's organised crime. And trying to figure out where the side of good lies.
I liked the introduction of the Moon Knight. There was enough information given to make me want to find out more but not too much to remove the sense of the mysterious. The Black Cat and her various reactions to the situation was fun and Spider-Man just getting tired of trying to figure out which side was the right one and instead deciding to web the whole lot of them was great. I'll give it a 4.
I liked the introduction of the Moon Knight. There was enough information given to make me want to find out more but not too much to remove the sense of the mysterious. The Black Cat and her various reactions to the situation was fun and Spider-Man just getting tired of trying to figure out which side was the right one and instead deciding to web the whole lot of them was great. I'll give it a 4.
Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 13 Hobgoblin
Hobgoblin was another one I didn't really get. It felt like a really convoluted way to get Peter to break up with Mary Jane. Not that I completely disagree with Peter's reasoning. She did get into the middle of trouble with ease but he could have told her a bit more to give her a better idea of why she should stay away. And, oh yeah, Harry used to date her and that's why she was in big danger when he turned into the Hobgoblin. Didn't really capture me. I'm giving it a 3.
Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 12 Superstars
Superstars is another team-up book. It takes place more in the continuity than Ultimate Marvel Team-Up so it's not quite so confusing to read but it still feels slightly apart from the rest of the series.
Still, it has one of the funniest stories in the series. That of Wolverine and Peter switching bodies. I really liked the introduction of the Ultimate Human Torch. It makes him more human and more of a teen. The Ultimates and Doctor Strange are just kind of meh but the beginning of the volume is just so strong that I'll give it a 4.
Still, it has one of the funniest stories in the series. That of Wolverine and Peter switching bodies. I really liked the introduction of the Ultimate Human Torch. It makes him more human and more of a teen. The Ultimates and Doctor Strange are just kind of meh but the beginning of the volume is just so strong that I'll give it a 4.
Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 11 Carnage
I don't know what to think of this one. Carnage just seemed a bit rushed. From the introduction of Carnage and what he was to the death of Gwen Stacy to the ultimate battle between Spider-Man and the genetic experiment gone awry to Peter quitting Spider-Man (yet again). It just seemed like it had to cover too much ground in not enough space. I kind of get the feeling that Brian Michael Bendis was just not that into telling this part of the Spider-Man story. It felt like there were certain points that he felt had to be made, and that they might as well be made here but they weren't really story elements that he was all that interested in. It was OK, I guess. It's a 3.
Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 10 Hollywood
This one's just great. From Peter's disbelief that they can make a movie about Spider-Man without his actual consent to the fight that starts in New York and ends in Brazil. Hollywood is just full of great little moments. It's high action with a heart as Gwen Stacy finds out the truth near the end of this volume. I'm giving it a 5.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 9 Ultimate 6
I can see why it was recommended to read Ultimates before reading Ultimate 6. It reads more like The Ultimates than it does Spider-Man.
The five major villains that Spider-Man has fought so far (Doctor Octopus, the Green Goblin, Sandman, Kraven and Electro) are being held by S.H.I.E.L.D and manage to escape. They take Peter with them because Norman is convinced that he's part of them for some reason that really never made sense to me. I guess it's because he's insane but it never really came across very well.
Even the art takes a shift towards the Ultimates. While it works in that series, it just doesn't seem to fit in this one. I can only give this one a 2.
The five major villains that Spider-Man has fought so far (Doctor Octopus, the Green Goblin, Sandman, Kraven and Electro) are being held by S.H.I.E.L.D and manage to escape. They take Peter with them because Norman is convinced that he's part of them for some reason that really never made sense to me. I guess it's because he's insane but it never really came across very well.
Even the art takes a shift towards the Ultimates. While it works in that series, it just doesn't seem to fit in this one. I can only give this one a 2.
The Ultimate Volume 2 Homeland Security
Alien Invasion! Now with Nazis!
That's pretty much what Homeland Security boils down to. It's one big fight against aliens that have masqueraded as Nazis so that Captain America can get some kind of closure. I do very much like the taunting of Bruce Banner. It makes me giggle every time I read it.
I'm giving this one a 3.
That's pretty much what Homeland Security boils down to. It's one big fight against aliens that have masqueraded as Nazis so that Captain America can get some kind of closure. I do very much like the taunting of Bruce Banner. It makes me giggle every time I read it.
I'm giving this one a 3.
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