Tag Archives: Ultimates

Ultimates²

November 25, 2016 MMDG

In the post-Civil War II era, which, unfortunately, continues to crazily coexist with the Civil War II era, the Marvel universe still has a need for a team of “awesome people working together to do awesome things.” Maybe more so now than ever. When Ewing and Rocafort’s ANAD Ultimates series wrapped with issue #12 last month, we were treated to yet another one of those g-d spoilers caused by ridiculous scheduling delays. Namely, that Civil War II would conclude with Black Panther switching sides, turning on Captain Marvel, and effectively shutting down their proactive problem-solving super-team of super-scientists. Say it ain’t so, T’Challa. This series was so good.

Of course, we were also given notice that the team would be back in Ultimates² #1. Al Ewing is joined by new series artist Travel Foreman and colorist Dan Brown for the highlight of Marvel NOW! Week 8, hitting stands the same day as the rather anti-climactic Civil War II #7 (which isn’t the last issue by the way). Not a moment too soon, either, because now that the Earth’s heroes have (apparently) finished their petty squabble over the merits of predictive justice, the Ultimates can get back to work taking care of the problems that really need solving. Enter Anti-Man, newly knighted by the transformed Galactus as the first Herald of Life. And if nobody was listening before (except Thanos, ironically), it’s time to pay attention. The universe is in chains, and the Cosmic Jailer seems to be a very pressing issue. Continue reading Ultimates² →

Four Color Forum

Ranking the All New All Different Marvel: 20 – 11

April 8, 2016 MMDG

20
Uncanny X-Men

Cullen Bunn & Greg Land
An X-Book that is straight to business from the get-go. This is the classic X-Men premise of mutants protecting the world, and protecting themselves from the world. Except now Magneto is at the center, and he doesn’t seem as peaceful as he’s been in previous conversions. Once you get past the roll call in the first few pages, the real plot picks up, and I’m into the Inhumans/Mutants race war. The “Dark Riders” don’t seem to have a lot of allure outside of being mutant-hating Inhumans, but I’ll look forward to seeing this badass X-team go off on chumps. On a Greg Land note, outside of the cover, it seems he’s stepped back a little from his signature photo-realistic style, and I still think it looks crisp, but now it’s got grit. Also: What happened to Angel? Can we stick a mutant’s brain in there or something? – RF

First collection: Uncanny X-Men, Vol. 1: Survival of the Fittest (July)

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19
Squadron Supreme

James Robinson & Leonard Kirk
Awesome. Both James Robinson books are must-reads for me. Feels like one of the early Millar/Bendis Ultimate U books. Maybe it’s a bit confusing with all the references to the Incursions and the atrocities committed by Namor and The Cabal… but I think the shock value is intact. Plus, I freaking hate Namor. – MMDG

This is easily gonna be one of my favorite capes ‘n’ tights books of this ANADM. I have liked the alternate realities of Squadron Supreme that I’ve read, and seeing them combined permanently in the Marvel U (not just an Ultimates crossover) is exciting. I think Marvel is pretty excited too because they’re letting Ross do the covers. The Squadron I’m familiar with has always been about gritty interpretations of classic hero types (Superman, Batman, Flash Wonder Woman, etc.) and the less sentimental Squadron will easily clash with the moral stances of many classic Marvel heroes. I’m surprised this cover doesn’t advertise the Namor fight; that seems like kind of a huge deal. Next issue they face one of the oldest MU characters ever, as well as their newest, strangest Avengers team, and as long as this book can maintain it’s “MAX-line” quality, I think I’ll keep reading. – RF

First collection: Deadpool, Vol. 1: By Any Means Necessary! (June)

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Continue reading Ranking the All New All Different Marvel: 20 – 11 →

Four Color Forum

All New All Different Marvel – Week 6

November 16, 2015 MMDG

Week six of Marvel’s All-New All-Different relaunch puts that mouthful of a moniker right smack on the cover of at least one flagship title. Waid and Kubert’s Avengers title isn’t New or Uncanny, or even Ultimate (also debuting this week), but it does feel like the focal book of the Avengers line. We got out first tease of this series back in May with a Free Comic Book Day edition, and now, in its full-length glory, Earth’s Mightiest kick-off a galactic romp that hearkens back to the pre-Disassembled Kurt Busiek days.

"Awesome: RTJ shirt. Not awesome: those poses" - RF — “Awesome: RTJ shirt. Not awesome: those poses” – RF

The seven new series hitting shelves this week brings the total up to an even thirty. X-23 takes up the Wolverine mantle. Team Hawkeye picks up from Perez and Lemire’s 5-issue run earlier in the year. A psychopathic super-villain gets top-billing. A cluster of Spider-people are the new Exiles. Heroes for Hire gets worked. And more! Including The Mandarin in a sweet suit.

All New All Different premieres
All-New All-Different Avengers #1
All-New Hawkeye #1
All-New Wolverine #1
Carnage #1
Illuminati #1
Ultimates #1
Web Warriors #1