Marvel Comics The Ultimates has been the strongest there is when it focuses on two aspects of the new Ultimate Universe. The first is when it digs into the underserved populations of the world and uses them to flip the script on the authoritative, winners-first attitude of the original series, the one that inspired the MCU. The second is when it digs into one (or two) characters, in stand-out issues like Ultimates #4, which razor focused on “Doom,” aka this universe’s version of Reed Richards. Ultimates #6 back-burners both of these, while bringing some big action to the forefront. And while it’s still an excellent issue of the series, here’s hoping it can get back to that sharp focus in future issues.
By the way, when I say back-burners… They’re still there. Those aspects are not gone entirely. The focus of the issue is the full Ultimates Network assembled for the first time, to try and rescue some prisoners taken by the Maker’s council. It’s a trick, though, masterminded by the Hulk — along with the Immortal Weapons, who he has corrupted with gamma poisoning. The fight itself is brutal, with the sort of real consequences you can only get away with in an alternate universe setting with a time clock ticking down, like the Ultimate Universe (it seems likely it will end one year from now).
Beneath the surface, though, is the very smart idea of the Hulk being an avatar of cultural appropriation. He professes to be an enlightened proponent of peace, but really he’s invaded the Seven Cities of Heaven and corrupted them for his own elevation. It’s a stark contrast with this universe’s She-Hulk, who was one of the only survivors of Bruce Banner’s initial gamma experiments not left horribly mutilated.
The focus on a singular character is still there, but this issue it’s on the unsavory villainy of the Hulk. Which leaves a sour taste in your mouth, because it’s supposed to.
Look, don’t get me wrong… A large part of the reason we’re drawn to superhero comics is the fights and tights, and this issue doesn’t skimp on them at all. They are, as mentioned, brutal, and dive into the idea that this isn’t a team of seasoned veterans who have trained together… Some of them have never fought battles at all. It’s a bad plan by Iron Lad (their de facto leader) and it’s calamitous as a result.
In the process — and spoilers here — Camp even finds time once again to make a riff on one of the most embarrassing moments in Ultimates history. Previously he threw in a play on the “you think this letter on my head stands for France” line from the original Ultimates. This issue provides a (much better) take on the horrifying “Blob eats Wasp” moment in Ultimatum.
Camp knows what he’s doing, and Frigeri draws dynamic action scenes. This is a great superhero comic that pushes the story forward in a big way and leaves us in a place where that story can go anywhere next. But hopefully next issue we can get back to the narrow focus that has made this one of the best books on the stands.
The Ultimates #6 Rating:
The Ultimates #6 Official Synopsis:
ULTIMATES ASSEMBLE TO TAKE DOWN THE HULK! The entire roster of THE ULTIMATES unites for the first time in this high octane, climactic conclusion of the first arc! Iron Lad has a plan to defeat the Hulk, the most powerful and imposing member of the Maker’s Council – but has he gotten his team in over their heads?
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