Ultra - anyone giving it a look?

[SkiSwope]

Image recently announced (http://www.imagecomics.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?main=news&sub1=press&sub2=ultra040512) a new title coming in August entitled Ultra.

The creators describe it as "Sex in the City" meets "Powers". It is an 8-issue miniseries which will explore a world in which superheroes are one part celebrity and one part crime fighter.

Anyone plan to give it a try?

[Brian Cronin]

Looks interesting...anyone ever read anything from these brothers before?

-Brian

[Ballistic27]

I'll be checking it out as well. The story sounds interesting and from what I've seen, the art looks amazing.

[The Adventurer]

I will be spening my money on it.

Image takes all my money, they have such original consepts these days.

[SkiSwope]

Looks interesting...anyone ever read anything from these brothers before? -BrianI don't know if the Luna brothers HAVE produced anything before. Image is advertising this as their first published work.

[Bolo Musashi]

I'll be checking this one out

[Brian Cronin]

I don't know if the Luna brothers HAVE produced anything before. Image is advertising this as their first published work.

Oops. :)

I thought they meant first major work. :)

Cool, then.

-Brian

[J.D.Lombardi]

http://www.imagecomics.com/PREVIEW/ultra1_cov.jpg

I picked this one up on the strength of the art alone! Very much reminded me of Middleton and I just don't get enough of his art so....

Compositionally I thought this was a cool looking book with the magazine style and fake advertisements. A different spin on super heroes and a nicely pased book. Unless I missed it, does anyone know how long of a mini this is?

I thought it was definitely entretaining and I'll be picking up #2.

Also, for those who are going, the creative team will be in Baltimore.

So, who else bought it? What didja think?

[SkiSwope]

I originally intended to pass this one over, but Image's 5-page preview (http://www.imagecomics.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?main=previews&sub1=previews&sub2=Ultra_1&dim=500x770&cover=1) caused me to consider giving it a closer look. I found an online interview with the creators (http://newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13170) and became even more intrigued.

The artwork looks impressive. Very animatic - like it's intended for the screen. I particularly like the tonal coloring style - where one major color dominates each page and scene.

I still haven't gotten down to the shop to pick it up yet. Hope they're not sold out. Actually, I hope they DID sell out and plan to reorder more. I'm always cheered by a smaller press book selling extremely well.

The creators, two brothers, are only 23 and 25. Impressive!

I understand it's supposed to be about the behind-the-scenes life of super-heroines. Can anyone who's read the issue fill in any further details? Can it be compared to any other titles on the shelf?

BTW, interviews seem to indicate it's slated for 8 issues, JD.

[Brian Cronin]

This book can definitely be compared quite easily to Powers.

It is very similar.

The difference, for me, is that it is a lighter book.

And I think I may actually prefer the art in Ultra to that of Oeming (I know, blasphemy ;)).

-Brian

[Dave Cote]

This book can definitely be compared quite easily to Powers.

It is very similar.

The difference, for me, is that it is a lighter book.

And I think I may actually prefer the art in Ultra to that of Oeming (I know, blasphemy ;)).

-Brian
I enjoyed it . I agree the art was better than Oeming.I am enjoying his writing on Thor but don't care much for his art.Anyway thought it was an interesting first issue enjoyed the dialogue between the characters especially with the fortune teller.I also liked how they kept it vague about just who these ladies were.

[heystacy]

Does anybody know if Ultra came out yet? I wanted to know if it was a good read or not. It looked like fun in the promos, and I love to hear of creator success stories of being published.

[Kyuubi]

Issue 1 is already out, issue 2 comes out this week.

[heystacy]

I'll have to check them out. Thanks. :)

[Captain Blitz]

Issue 1 was a nice start and we´ll see how that one works out as we get a long. Good story, good art...not great, but good. :)

[J.D.Lombardi]

Yeah definitely check this book ouf for something good yet different than the "average" superhero book. We're gonna have an interview with the creators, the Luna brothers as well as a review up for the 2nd issue so if you're still leery...check us out by week's end.

This is a GOOD mini.

[heystacy]

I will check it out for sure. Thanks

[The Adventurer]

I'm enjoying the series well enough, but it's really living up to it's Super Hero/Sex In the City lableing which kinda bores me on one level, but interests me on another. I'm not a fan of Corprate heroes, Heroes should be in it for the good they can do, not Media Stardom, but that's just my opinon.

[K'Nort]

I didn't preorder it, but decided to pick up #1 based on the advance reviews. I get to the shop about 5:30 on Weds and it was already sold out. They're still trying to get more but I went ahead and picked up #2 today in the meantime. It was fun.

[K.E. Woolfork]

So what's the verddict?

I thumbed through the book and while it LOOKED nice I didn't see anything that caught my eye. The trappings of being a visual person I guess.

Number two is out now or soon so it would be a good time to grab both copies with some enthusiastic encouragement.

K.

[J.D.Lombardi]

Yes folks tis true! Jonathan & Joshua Luna sat down for an exclusive interview with SimplyJD Online's staffer/reviewer Marc Lombardi about all things ULTRA, their journey into the comic biz, what they are reading and lots more!

Get the low down on a team of fast rising stars in the comic world @

What Makes a Luna Tick? (http://www.simplyjd.com/intvs/lunas.shtml)

[SkiSwope]

Picked up both issues #1 & 2 last night. I liked them. No real spoilers, so don't worry about reading on.

Favorite lines: :D
Issue #1: "...Make sure you dry-clean your uniform, too -- people don't want to see Ultra stained with muck and armpit sweat. It's disgusting." "We're different and people don't really know us yet. The underwear-over-the-pants doesn't help matters either."
"I don't do masks because: A, they mess up my hair and B, they kinda creep me out..."
Issue #2: "...We gotta do something about this outfit... Seriously, any form of insulation around the general nipple-area would be highly appreciated."
"Inquiring minds need to know. Can a normal human dude survive a night in the sack with you?"
The artwork is good. Luna occasionally re-cycles a panel here and there - obviously photo-copying it and changing facial expressions, but that's not too distracting. When one guy is responsible for ALL the image work from pencils to colors to letters, I can cut him some slack. The colors are interesting - muted and emotive. I also like the "special blur effect" conveying rapid movement and focal depth within a panel. It has an animation feel to it.

Each issue is "a day in the life" of one of the superheroines. So far, it focusses primarily on three super-heroine friends in a major US city (New York?): Ultra (Pearl Penalosa, Hispanic, Brunette, destined to find true love in 7 days)
Aphrodite (Olivia "Liv" Arancina, Italian, Blonde, destined to suffer a loss in 7 days)
Cowgirl (Jennifer Janus, heritage unknown, Redhead, destined to receive what she has given in 7 days).
Like supermodels and movie stars, they are represented by different agencies - Olympus & Heroine Inc, respectively. We have a general idea of their powers, but the main focus seems to be on their lives behind the scenes when they aren't in costume.

What amazes me most is that Ultra is the first real comic work for these young guys. They claim to have done a few other minor things, but didn't mention specifics. For a first work, this is outstanding! There are many writers who work for years in the industry and don't measure up.

The Cover Layout mimmicks popular magazines (Time & Maxim) and is a cool touch. It's just one more element that places this all in a world where super heroes are like our hollywood movie stars, professional athletes, and supermodels. And it carries through-out the book with the credits page that reads like a magazine index, fake advertisements (Alzoid mints, Llama cigarettes, Cool cola), and a "celebrity" interview in every issue. Even the bar code is set up to resemble the magazine format.

The cover to issue 2 was especially fun. Arranged like Maxim or Stuff, it includes a bunch of captions and article titles that would be a kick to actually read - "Bedroom Tips - Never be faster than a speeding bullet again" and "Clumsy Caped-Crusaders - See them eat it!".

It's a good value for the price - it includes 23-24 pages of regular comic, a fake ad or two, and a 1-page "interview" with a central character each issue.

The Luna Brothers have put together an interesting package with Ultra. While it is a story about super heroes, it should appeal to the more indy-minded readers of Oni, Top Shelf, D&Q, and the like who prefer more character development, interpersonal relationships, and personal insights. Fans who enjoy Common Grounds, Astro City, Noble Causes and other such "behind-the-mask" comics should give this a look. It is well-done and shows a lot of attention to the small details. I'll be sticking around for awhile.

If this is just the tip of their creative iceberg, I expect the Luna Brothers will have a successful career in comics for as long as they desire one. We'll be hearing more from them.

I'd rate the first two issues 7 out of 10 so far.

PS - My shop sold through all its pre-orders for 1 & 2 on release date. The shop keeper has adjusted his orders on future issues to meet the demand.

[heystacy]

Bought both issues yesterday. I'm impressed with both the art and story. That crack smoking fortune teller was hilarious. It looks like a promising read. I needed to read something fun, since a lot of things are so , well dark and heavy. I will finish out the rest of the series.

[Superfro]

Fantastic post SkiSwope!

I really enjoyed the first issue, but was completely blown away by the writing in the second issue. Amazingly smart and funny. Thus far, each issue has seemed like I'm watching a movie or TV show rather than reading a comic book. I can't believe how well written some of the dialogue is. I've been recommending this book to a lot of people at my store. The brilliance of the covers, and additional mock-up internal pages are worth your money alone. These guys have a lot of talent and I can't wait to see where the story goes.

[M Polo]

I was hesitant at first, but went for it and man what a damn good read. I guess my review isn't that detailed, lol. This book just held my attention and i can't wait for 3. Great break from all of the "Super Universes"...

[heystacy]

Good interview. I bought the 1st and 2nd issues on Friday. Love them. Can't wait for the rest of the series. It's become one of my favorites. I'm glad I asked about the title in the first place.

[SkiSwope]

It definitely is a refreshing change of scenery from the run-of-the-mill hero book.

More than anything else, it's fun. So far, it's been pretty humorous with only a wee bit of drama. I really enjoy the interaction between the 3 girlfriends.

Like Superfro said, the dialogue flows like you are watching a tv show. The banter is witty and serves to flesh out the different personalities.

Earlier, someone compared it to Sex in the City, and I'd say that's a good comparison. It's like an edgy sitcom/drama that's populated by female superheroes.

I hope this doesn't turn anyone off, but I think Ultra would appeal to female readers, even those who normally wouldn't give a comic book a second look, much less one with capes and tights. I'm not saying this is a "chick-flick" comic, I don't want to dissuade any male readers. Rather, I'm saying it is so well done that it has broad appeal across age and gender.

I'm really looking forward to the next issue.

[Brian Cronin]

#2 impressed me a lot more than #1, and I LIKED #1.

Good stuff, all around.

This has the markings of a keeper.

I just wonder how long it will be until Marvel is knocking on their doors...

-Brian

[SkiSwope]

...
I just wonder how long it will be until Marvel is knocking on their doors...

-BrianOr before DC tries to sign them to an exclusive 3-year contract so nobody else can get mits hands on 'em. :p

On another note, I wonder if they'll always work as a team.

[J.D.Lombardi]

Or before DC tries to sign them to an exclusive 3-year contract so nobody else can get mits hands on 'em. :p

On another note, I wonder if they'll always work as a team.

Always? Nah...in our interview they definitely say that they've got different overall interests. One of them don't even do this as a "full time" job! :)

They also don't really have interests in doing characters that aren't their own.


hahahahaha Shame on you for not reading my site's interview. :p

[Go Go]

Oh my god! I love, love, love this comic!!! It's now my favorite comic right now! The issues have the ability to be read again and again because each time there's a new detail to be seen!

This book is fantastic!! Those of you who aren't picking it up need to go to your shops and fight it out for these issues (issues one and two have come out so far). The thing is, this is selling better than anyone expected!!

Can I tell you the only disappointing thing about both issues was the fact that I found out in #2 that it's only a limited series? Soooo disappointing! (and sure, the girls faces all kind of look the same, but for what's it worth and the kind of comic that this is, I'm looking over it).

People who love She Hulk need to check this out! It's so clever and just down right funny. I love the costumes, the whole friendship. The conversation is great amongst the characters. The situations are hilarious.

I love this book! So much better than half the crap put out there today!

The format! I almost forgot the mention the format of the book! The idea of having the covers be homages to current mags out there is great, and that next issue's cover is the back cover of the current issue! Plus, there's the inside "index" which gives more fluid to the world these characters live in, plus cameos of characters we'll soon be meeting! Also, I love the faux ads, and the interviews with the characters. The characters each have their own voice, they're not bendisheads (where it's basically the author speaking as a) tough guy b) a woman c) the smart guy etc. etc.) Each of these girls are unique. They have their own personalities. It's just that well written!

Gods above, read this! I can't wait to see more of Heroine, Inc. and Olympus! It's great! I love this book!

[J.D.Lombardi]

Ok...this thread has too much positivity. I'm forwarding a link to the Lunas. :)

Maybe I can get them to say hi.

[SkiSwope]

hahahahaha Shame on you for not reading my site's interview. :pDoh! [hangs head] :o

I pulled open your interview a few days ago, read the first few questions, and planned to come back to read the whole thing later. But my wife turned the computer off after checking email and I completely forgot about it.

To banish my shame, I just read your entire interview. They seem like really nice, humble guys. The fact that they took their artistic education seriously is something that would've been nice to see in the hot crop of artists from the 90s.

It was a bit disappointing to hear this 8 issue mini is all that's planned for these characters, but I give them credit for their approach - telling a story with a definite end has its merits.

Thanks for the link (http://www.simplyjd.com/intvs/lunas.shtml), JD.

[Brian Cronin]

Add this book to Savage Dragon and Noble Causes as not only GOOD books being released by Image Comics, but books giving you a lot of bang for your buck!

The Luna Brothers continue to knock my socks off. I really am counting the seconds until a big company signs them to do something for them. The art is awesome, and the story is quite fun as well.

The story opens with a bit more of an exploration of the universe that Ultra takes place in, which is one where heroes are represented by agencies. We see a potential hero have an interview, an inappropriate interview. :)

There are some funny gags, but a few of the jokes are a bit lame. Especially the last line about his name.

But Ultra's scenes during the interview are awesome.

The major part of this issue deals with Pearl's date. And the date is handled extremely well. This was some great, realistic dialogue without ever (to me, at least) coming off as too cutesy.

In addition, unlike other "realistic" dialogue writers, there does not seem to be any visabile "tics" in their writing as of yet. The characters are distinct characters.

And the ending....wow....what an ending.

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the ending.

It's a cliffhanger, but it's unlike any cliffhanger that I have seen in a comic since the days of Chuck Dixon's incredible Robin series, where the things that happened during civilian time was considered worthy of cliffhangers as well.

Great, great stuff.

And then we get extra stuff! I wasn't even all that into the faux article, but just the fact that it was THERE made me happy. :)

This is an awesome book.

What did y'all think?

-Brian

[Dave Cote]

It is awesome great art great dialogue and each issue leaves me wanting more. There is a lot of laugh out loud jokes as well. I am a Luna fan for life if the keep up this quality.

[K'Nort]

And the ending....wow....what an ending.

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the ending.

It's a cliffhanger, but it's unlike any cliffhanger that I have seen in a comic since the days of Chuck Dixon's incredible Robin series, where the things that happened during civilian time was considered worthy of cliffhangers as well.

Great, great stuff.

Well now I feel bad because I've already completely forgotten the ending. I remember enjoying the issue, though. Still haven't been able to pick up #1.

[heystacy]

It was a great issue. I keep asking myself if she's gonna spend the night. Good cliffhanger indeed.

I do think Marvel or DC will offer them some kind of deal. Time will tell. I wish them the best.

Personally, I'd like to see the Luna Brothers work on their own creations, since it's their originality that makes this series enjoyable to me.

[SkiSwope]

This series is really very entertaining. The whole gag with "Blackman" really pushed this one over the top for me.

I loved how he was suggesting discrimination and then inked himself after Pearl gave him a wink. Good stuff! :D

And then the coffee shop. That was GREAT! "I guess, at heart, I'll always be a titty man." Doh! :rolleyes:

I really enjoy the fake interviews. They shine a nice light on the unique personalities of each character. And I like the attention to detail the Lunas show in even structuring the interviews in the style common to the magazine they are mimmicking each month.

Nothing in the art really wowed me this issue (like that car crash in #1). And I do wish they could liven up the artwork just a bit, but that's a minor complaint.

One of the best books to come out of Image in awhile. I hope the Lunas don't abandon these characters as they seem to suggest they will.

Oh, and as to the poll, the look on her face indicates she's unsure, but her personality suggests "Enter" not "Leave". I just hope Jason's for real.

[Go Go]

The newest issue of Ultra hit the stands today, and is it great! The first opening pages were just hilarious! I was laughing most of the way through! Midway through the issue we get some unexpected drama, and then something predictable happens midway through and at the end. All in all, though, for comic book predictability, even though it went where it did with the ending of this issue it was still pretty damn good! Seriously folks, for those of you who aren't reading this book, you need to! Ultra is one of the best books out there (along with She-Hulk)! Pick it up! You'll be glad you did!

[blue13]

ultra #4 isn't ABC or wildstorm.

it's image.

[SkiSwope]

I really enjoy this series.

Every issue includes at least two humorous moments. The brain-freeze bit in this one was priceless! :D

This issue began turning a wee bit more serious than the first three and that only serves to make it all more intriguing.

Like GoGo said, more folks outta be reading this book. It deserves an audience. They've crafted a very interesting story that pulls you into the character. The dialogue is clever and witty and the pacing is great.


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Boy, was I bummed at the reveal at the end, though. I kinda feared this was coming last issue and it just bums me out. I'm hoping the Lunas will turn it all around and surprise us with a happy ending.

I also thought the pattern of bruising was a bit odd. He had bruises all over his chest, but I would've expected them more on his shoulders, arms, neck, back, and just different places than the focussed in the center of his chest. She said the reason was because of her super-strength, not because she weighs alot. I guess he must do things a little differently than I do. ;)

Ski

[JustLoveSM]

Ultra really is a great book. It has a beautiful look and the character development is second-to-none. There is basically no action at all, but you really don't miss it. This is a book which deserves to have a lot of people reading it.

I agree with SkiSwope about being kind of bummed about the twist at the end of #4. The characters are so likable and feel so real, that I find myself not wanting anything bad to happen to them. I really hope things don't get too ugly before they get worked out with that storyline.

If you know people who aren't reading Ultra, get them to start. This is a book that I would love to see stick around for a while.

[SkiSwope]

... The characters are so likable and feel so real, that I find myself not wanting anything bad to happen to them. I really hope things don't get too ugly before they get worked out with that storyline...

My concern is that the Lunas have made clear from the beginning that this is a limited series and nothing more. Limited series with no planned follow-up projects often result in "bad things are gonna happen to the main characters".

Lousy characters like Deadpool never seem to die and return again and again, but so many titles (and characters) that deserve a larger following just don't get it.
:(

[Brian Cronin]

My concern is that the Lunas have made clear from the beginning that this is a limited series and nothing more. Limited series with no planned follow-up projects often result in "bad things are gonna happen to the main characters".

Totally agreed.

That part irked me, as well.

The limited nature of the series makes me worried.

In addition, I was not pleased with the timing of the big fight between the two friends.

I didn't mind the argument, in and of itself, but it just seemed a bit rushed.

Perhaps another indication of a limited series (i.e. trying to get stuff in quicker?).

In any event, it was still a good issue, with great art.

-Brian

[heystacy]

Great story. I bout all my comics at the end of the month. better late than never. One of my fave comics. Maybe the Lunas will do another limited series.

[SkiSwope]

... Maybe the Lunas will do another limited series.
We can only hope.

It would be nice if some editors or publishing execs were following this series, because we really do need to see more from The Lunas Bros. I would think their creative covers would be eye-catching on shelves and help sales.

Here is how it's been tracking so far according to ICv2:

Issue / Month / Rank / Sales
Ultra 1 - JUL 04 . #171 . 8,638 copies
Ultra 2 - Sep 04 . #197 . 8,577
Ultra 3 - Oct 04 . #173 . 7,932

More people really ought to be reading this, just as more people should have been reading Common Grounds from Top Cow and Runaways from Marvel.

Ski

[Brian Cronin]

I have no doubt that the Lunas will be very succesful in comics.

That's one of the cool things about comics...while BOOKS are not often treated on a merit basis, artists almost always are.

So if you can draw well, the companies WILL pay notice.

-Brian

[Karl J. Barnes]

Loved issue 4, but I did have a feeling about the love interest. He just came off as being to considerate and perfect that should rang bells for Ultra(GOD! I can't believe that I forgot her 'real' name!). I have feeling that this series is going to be a more romantic tragedy than love story.

[Brian Cronin]

Ultra's name is Pearl. :)

-Brian

[Karl J. Barnes]

Ultra's name is Pearl. :)

-Brian

I knew that!! Really, I did. I just had a brain fart while posting. The silent but forgetful kind.

[slam]

I just picked up issue #4. I've been loving this series, though the one thing I didn't want to see was the nice guy turn out to be an evil mastermind. Hope that's just a red herring. And I agree that the fight seemed rushed. It seemed like it needed one more page of build up. But still, good issue.

[SkiSwope]

It does look like it's shaping up to be a tragedy, doesn't it? But we won't know for sure until the end. Maybe true, lasting love will be forged through the fire of early adversity.

I am curious to see how issue #8 will be structured, as issues #1-7 each cover one full day of a week.

Ski

[slam]

Nah, the tone of the series thus far has been too breezy and fun for this to end truly tragically. It better not end that way. I'd be extremely pissed. It'd be like a sitcom ending a long run with a murder.

[Punchy]

Just poking around the forum to see if anyone was reading this book.

I just picked up issues 3-5 this weekend and I really, really dig it. Now I have to hunt around for the first two.

At times it makes me think I'm reading a chick comic ... but that's okay because I'm alright with my manhood and stuff.

[methanolcereal]

Anyone know where I can pick up the first and third issue?

My shop only has the second, fourth, and fifth issues.

[Headhunter]

Have to confess; knowing it's a limited-run series, I've been waiting for a trade. The "cover spoofing magazines" angle is pretty cool though.

[Karl J. Barnes]

Have to confess; knowing it's a limited-run series, I've been waiting for a trade. The "cover spoofing magazines" angle is pretty cool though.

Not only does the covers spoof magazines like "Us","People" and "Entertainment Weekly", but they have "interviews" at the back of the book, too.

[Predator]

I know the series isn't done yet, but I saw the TPB being solicited for April and wanted opinions on how the story is so far. Recommended, not recommended, mildly recommended?

[The Adventurer]

HIGHLY recomended, it's very unique take on "realistic" female superheroes. Kind Powers-like in alot of ways, but less Monkey Sex.

[TheOnlyXTremeFan]

Okay, sorry I gotta take this really old thread but I don't like making my own threads when there are already threads made.

I read the TPB today.

It was awesome!

It was funny, romantic, interesting, and sweet.

And it had some cool action scenes too.

Does anyone know if they're planning a followup miniseries to this book?

Coolest thing about this book: I finally have a comic I can give to my girl friends to turn them on to the joy of the comic book.

[Headhunter]

Just read Seven Days, really enjoyed it. Highly recommended to people who...highly recommended to everyone. :) Time to order Girls!

Was rating it on Amazon, and noticed that a limited edition hardcover (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582404844/) was also out. Since the page count was the same, was there any difference?

Not only does the covers spoof magazines like "Us","People" and "Entertainment Weekly", but they have "interviews" at the back of the book, too.
Those were nicely done, especially when Pearl sees the tabloid for the first time. I hate seeing an article within a panel that has filler text, you can actually read the article at that moment (which gets reprinted a bit later in full size).