Reading the Ultimate Universe from the beginning!

[Wolverine12]

Ok I forgot to mention how shocked I was reading the first arc of Ult X-Men where Wolverine is just tearing throught the X-Men killing them like flies. The first time I read that I thought it was actually happening and I had no idea how there would still be an Ult X-Men book. Then it was just a danger room session and I laughed when Beast promised Logan the first shot at the Britney and Christina program he was working on.

As for Spidey I liked the second arc and the banter is great. Anyone else notice that Kraven has a Australian accent at the beginning of the book but than loses it the next time he speaks??? It really bothered me for some reason. I still think Bagley is the best artist to ever do Ult Spider-Man and its nice to enjoy his work again.

[Don Yoyo]

I think the best part of the Spider-man/Octopus fights was the dialogue. These issues had the best Spidey banter yet, and Doc Ock had some great replies. In each fight, though, Spider-man clearly held the upper hand almost all along. Though, I think it's safe to say we haven't seen the last of Octavius.

Really? Their first fight in the Dome looks like a clear homage to their first fight written by Stan Lee : fight in a nuclear reactor, Doc Ock's tentacles are the first thing strong enough to break Spider-Man's webs (shown here with a lot more details), and the good doctor completely trashes Spider-Man in the end !

And now his relationship with MJ (I don't like him calling her just "Mary") is getting strained by the triangle being set up with Gwen. Gwen is a really cool character, and Peter has every right to like her. Her sticking up for Peter to Kong, even after being reprimanded, was one of the best moments in the arc.

Gwen became one of my favorite characters right from her introduction (the little speech she gives to Peter, MJ, Kong and Flash) and her next scene just sold it for me. And at the time, I wasn't aware of her place in the Spider-Man mythology as the "girl who died", I thought she was an original character . Cartoons and movies were my only sources of knowledge for Spider-Man at the time, before Wikipedia came in.

Finally, the art. So far, I've not been the biggest Bagley fan, but this is the arc that changes my mind. It took him a dozen issues of hit and miss, but I think he's finally awesome. I'm still not a huge fan of his style, but it works great, and he tells a mean story with his art. From humor to action to emotion, his art nails it all. And his covers have finally gotten better. In fact, I really like some of these covers.

Brrr, I dread the "Gwen claws" that will start appearing from time to time in the next arcs (the first one of the third hardcovers especially).

Then it was just a danger room session and I laughed when Beast promised Logan the first shot at the Britney and Christina program he was working on.

At the time I read that, I was fifteen and going from "I hate english" to "I like english" and I was wondering what "Over 18 version" meant exactly .

[Aziz Abbasi]

Ultimate Spider-man: Learning Curve (#8-13)
Rating: 9/10

I read this arc recently, what made me laugh is seeing Peter using a pseudo name, not using the pseudo name is funny, the name he used is Arthur Simek, that is one of the letterer's who worked with Stan Lee & Steve Ditko, so is the one responding to Mr. Simek; Sam Rosen

[Plawsky]

Ultimate Marvel Team Up #9-16, Super Special

There’s a lot here, so I’m going to break it up by story again. But I figured it would be easiest to just get the rest of this series out of the way in one shot, rather than drawing it out. There’s some continuity timing issues with putting it here, but nothing big is spoiled; it’s just that some of these should be after Ultimates #1, obviously. No big deal, though.

Warning: LONG review!

Issue #9: Fantastic Four
My Rating: 7.5/10

Okay, I know that rating might seem a little high. But in all its wackiness, this really is a fun read. Bendis explores again the goofy side of Team Up and gives us a very entertaining issue. Obviously, this is nowhere near canon for so many reasons, but that’s not really too important. Through the issue, we get tons of Spidey-banter, classic FF dialogue, and an insight into the humor within the Marvel office. Bendis used the FF to basically make fun of what they can be at times, a crazy family using Reed to make unnecessary tech, as well as Reed’s status as a plot device creator.

I think the funniest stuff, though, is in the art, which fit this odd issue perfectly. When the Skrulls go through Marvel Editorial, be sure to look at everything on the desks and walls. My personal favorite on Joe Q’s artist table was “Deadline is Mar of ’98.” There’s a bunch of similar fun stuff here.

What’s strange about this is that I really like the FF’s origin presented here. It’s not as good as the one that’s to come in UFF #1, but I think it could have worked for an Ultimate updated origin. Overall, this was quite entertaining, and I think it is a testament to the diversity that UMTU offered. I’m glad we only got an issue like this once though, it wouldn’t have worked in abundance.

Issue #10: Man Thing
My Rating: 8/10

First off, I don’t understand why only Man Thing is mentioned on the cover and not Lizard; Dr. Connors is the main character of the issue. In fact, this easily could have been an Ultimate Spider-man “Origin of the Lizard” issue, because that’s basically the purpose it serves. Man Thing is barely involved. But, oh well, it doesn’t actually matter, I suppose.

Lizard’s origin is really compelling. I really liked how Curt’s letter to his wife was used to narrate the issue. And it does a lot for Peter, because he realizes how lucky he is to be Spider-man and not a spider man. This really adds to the “Power and Responsibility” idea. I hope we get to see more from the Lizard in Ultimate Spider-man, because his story clearly isn’t over.

Man Thing is an addition I don’t get. He wasn’t necessarily unwelcome here, but he wasn’t necessary. Part of it is because I know nothing about the character, but I just don’t get his purpose. His origin was mentioned in a paragraph on the title page, but I would like to see an origin story for him, or at the very least have his character explored in some way.

Tottleben’s art is really good for this story. His people aren’t perfect, but I liked his Lizard and Man Thing a lot. The panels were also set up in really cool ways during the action scenes.

Issue #11: X-Men
My Rating: 7/10

This is another issue straight out of Ultimate Spider-man. It’s a good story, but there’s just not a whole lot to it. If anything, it’s just a good insight to the daily life of the Ultimate Spider-man supporting cast, which is nice. I really liked seeing Peter out with friends, because he so often seems lonely. Although, the relationships don’t quite match the current characterization in USM, but you could say this takes place later on.

The best part about the issue was the parallel between Peter and friends showing up to the mall and the X-Men arriving. It was a great way to show that the X-Men are normal people too. The interaction between all the characters was great, too, and some nice development for the rising mutant agenda. Plus, it was cool to see the casts from the two ongoing books interact.

My only complaint is the art. I actually didn’t mind it too much, but I wouldn’t want it in an ongoing series. I think that’s the beauty of this book, you get a bunch of different art styles in little doses. It’s great exposure.

Issue #12-13: Dr. Strange
My Rating: 7/10

This story probably didn’t need to be 2 issues. A lot of it was filled with backstory and exposition. I think it was okay enough, I just wasn’t ever fully interested in the story. To be fair, I’m not a huge Dr. Strange or magic fan, so that didn’t help. I did like the new origin for Dr. Strange though, how he’s Steven Strange Jr. That was a pretty cool story.

The art, for what it was, was pretty good. Very energetic, but it was also very hit or miss. I loved the opening segment to issue #13 and the part where Spidey was in the Astral Plane. But a lot of the rest just fell flat.

Issue #14: Black Widow
My Rating: 6.5/10

By this point, the whole concept of UMTU had started to fade. These oen shot stories were just becoming excuses to introduce new characters to the UU. That’s fine and all, but some of them just weren’t as well written as they had been before. Like with Dr. Strange, I’m not particularly interested in Black Widow, but her updated origin, though not much different, was nice. The best part about this issue was that it directly tied into the Ultimates, giving the UU a nice sense of continuity.

Terry Moore’s pencils start off pretty poor, but they get a lot better when it comes time for the action. He’s not bad, but he’s nothing special either.

Issue #15-16: Shang Chi
My Rating: 8/10

Bendis finished the last formal issues of this series with a big sendoff. These two Shang Chi issues really were great. The character, who I knew nothing of before this book, was really intriguing (is his origin Ultimized at all?). The best part, though, was the way Bendis used the Chinese fable to narrate the story – very clever. Additionally, this did a lot of good work on building Spider-man as a character, giving Peter something and someone to look up to. It made the book something that actually mattered in the USM mythos, rather than just a random team-up.

Rick Mays’s art, like most of the UMTU artists, is less than stellar. I can see why he got picked – he’s Bagley-esque at times with a bit of manga thrown in. Like the others, he’s not bad, but nothing to write home about. Though, I loved the Chinese fable art.

Ultimate Spider-man Super Special
Rating: 8/10

This is pretty much the ultimate (pun semi-intended) UMTU. We get a bunch of different characters, some good Spidey development, and over a dozen artists. This book probably has the best plot of any Team-Up issue, since it does so much for Spider-man as a character.

Peter, who’s really effected by the run ins he had with Blade and Elektra, seeks out advice and help from Daredevil and the FF and looks up to the Ultimates for guidance. I love that the Team Ups aren’t at all about action, but about character development. Even with the not-so-canonical appearance of the FF, Spidey has some great interactions.

But the real gem of the issue is the back half of the book, where Peter is giving his report to the class. He sums up what his outlooks on life are – both as Spider-man and as Peter Parker. And if the fact that he sees his father as a hero isn’t touching, then I don’t know what is. It also serves as a summary/closure for, as well as a look back on, Ultimate Marvel Team Up as a whole.

The art in this issue is all over the place. From the great (Maleev, Bagley, Sienkiewicz, Russsell, Burrows, Mack, Weldele, and Wood) to the good (Pearson, Kirk, Gibbons) to the strange (Kochalka) to the meh (everyone else), we get a little bit of everything. It’s kind of cool looking back seeing early Frank Cho work, but I’ve just never enjoyed that man’s art. Bagley absolutely knocked it out of the park, and I think this is his best Ultimate art yet. Several of the 2-page spreads (fantastic way to end the issue) were awesome, especially the Elektra, Ultimates and Iron Man ones. I think that Jacen Burrows would make a fantastic Ultimates artist based on his Iron Man spread.

Overall, this was a great sendoff to a fun series. I wish they had done some more one shots like Super Special here and there, because I think they’re great. But I think they saw that the UU was becoming more serious and it was time to move on from these one-off origin stories. I think UMTU unfortunately is a case study for missed potential. There’s some great stuff and some not so great; but luckily, it ended on a very positive note.

Alright, now that Team Up is out of the way, brace yourselves. We’re getting into the big stuff, Ultimate X-Men is getting going, Spider-man is really picking up, and Ultimates is just around the corner. Hopefully my next review won’t take a week to do, but hey – it’s the holidays!

Up Next: Ultimate X-Men - Return to Weapon X (Issues #7-12)

[alien]

Ultimate Marvel Team Up #9-16, Super Special

Ultimate Spider-man Super Special
Rating: 8/10

This is pretty much the ultimate (pun semi-intended) UMTU. We get a bunch of different characters, some good Spidey development, and over a dozen artists. This book probably has the best plot of any Team-Up issue, since it does so much for Spider-man as a character.

Peter, who’s really effected by the run ins he had with Blade and Elektra, seeks out advice and help from Daredevil and the FF and looks up to the Ultimates for guidance. I love that the Team Ups aren’t at all about action, but about character development. Even with the not-so-canonical appearance of the FF, Spidey has some great interactions.

But the real gem of the issue is the back half of the book, where Peter is giving his report to the class. He sums up what his outlooks on life are – both as Spider-man and as Peter Parker. And if the fact that he sees his father as a hero isn’t touching, then I don’t know what is. It also serves as a summary/closure for, as well as a look back on, Ultimate Marvel Team Up as a whole.

The art in this issue is all over the place. From the great (Maleev, Bagley, Sienkiewicz, Russsell, Burrows, Mack, Weldele, and Wood) to the good (Pearson, Kirk, Gibbons) to the strange (Kochalka) to the meh (everyone else), we get a little bit of everything. It’s kind of cool looking back seeing early Frank Cho work, but I’ve just never enjoyed that man’s art. Bagley absolutely knocked it out of the park, and I think this is his best Ultimate art yet. Several of the 2-page spreads (fantastic way to end the issue) were awesome, especially the Elektra, Ultimates and Iron Man ones. I think that Jacen Burrows would make a fantastic Ultimates artist based on his Iron Man spread.


Up Next: Ultimate Spider-man – Legacy (Issues #22-27)

I thought Craig Thompson from "Blankets" work was beautiful and John Romita Sr work were the Best in the issue, they were unexpected and well done

[Plawsky]

Well, guys...I think it's time I'm going to have to call it. I really do like writing reviews - obviously - but it's tough to be motivated when I'm basically just writing for myself. I guess the thread just didn't turn out to be as popular as I hoped. Not trying to throw a pity party or whatever, because I realize that's what it sounds like; I'm just telling it how it is.

Now, I'll still be reading. In fact, I just finished Ultimate X-Men #7 and it was definitely the best X-Men issue so far. I love how Weapon X is involved with almost everyone, not just Wolverine. And I'll keep coming back and commenting if other people are doing the same. But who knows - if interest actually miraculously picks back up, maybe I'll start doing reviews again. As if anyone actually wants to read 1000 words on why I like Gwen Stacey.

I was really hoping to make it at least to Ultimates, but oh well. I can't wait to get to that, and I'll definitely come back and make a few comments about it. I hope everyone else keeps reading! And feel free, obviously, to throw up your own reviews at whatever pace you want now.

[Virgil]

Told ya man...I tried it a few months ago and it was a no-go. Its all good though!

[Samorai_black]

It was a good try man. Most people only care to talk about ultimate type topics here anyways.

[Wolverine12]

Well, guys...I think it's time I'm going to have to call it. I really do like writing reviews - obviously - but it's tough to be motivated when I'm basically just writing for myself. I guess the thread just didn't turn out to be as popular as I hoped. Not trying to throw a pity party or whatever, because I realize that's what it sounds like; I'm just telling it how it is.

Now, I'll still be reading. In fact, I just finished Ultimate X-Men #7 and it was definitely the best X-Men issue so far. I love how Weapon X is involved with almost everyone, not just Wolverine. And I'll keep coming back and commenting if other people are doing the same. But who knows - if interest actually miraculously picks back up, maybe I'll start doing reviews again. As if anyone actually wants to read 1000 words on why I like Gwen Stacey.

I was really hoping to make it at least to Ultimates, but oh well. I can't wait to get to that, and I'll definitely come back and make a few comments about it. I hope everyone else keeps reading! And feel free, obviously, to throw up your own reviews at whatever pace you want now.

Dude I totally replied to every one of your reviews, you can't give up on me already. Do you want to tag team this or something?? I'm like already on the Return of the King arc for Ult X-Men.

[Samorai_black]

Dude I totally replied to every one of your reviews, you can't give up on me already. Do you want to tag team this or something?? I'm like already on the Return of the King arc for Ult X-Men.

Id say just do one for the x-men if your up for it

[striderhirryu2]

Well, guys...I think it's time I'm going to have to call it. I really do like writing reviews - obviously - but it's tough to be motivated when I'm basically just writing for myself. I guess the thread just didn't turn out to be as popular as I hoped. Not trying to throw a pity party or whatever, because I realize that's what it sounds like; I'm just telling it how it is.

Now, I'll still be reading. In fact, I just finished Ultimate X-Men #7 and it was definitely the best X-Men issue so far. I love how Weapon X is involved with almost everyone, not just Wolverine. And I'll keep coming back and commenting if other people are doing the same. But who knows - if interest actually miraculously picks back up, maybe I'll start doing reviews again. As if anyone actually wants to read 1000 words on why I like Gwen Stacey.

I was really hoping to make it at least to Ultimates, but oh well. I can't wait to get to that, and I'll definitely come back and make a few comments about it. I hope everyone else keeps reading! And feel free, obviously, to throw up your own reviews at whatever pace you want now.

Maybe just forgo Ultimate Marvel Team Up?

[Plawsky]

Dude I totally replied to every one of your reviews, you can't give up on me already. Do you want to tag team this or something?? I'm like already on the Return of the King arc for Ult X-Men.

Well, I guess it's good to know at least SOMEONE cares. But you DIDN'T reply to my latest Team Up review!

But actually, while reading through this X-Men arc I've been getting re-motivated, so I may just do another review tomorrow. It's fantastic stuff.

Maybe just forgo Ultimate Marvel Team Up?

Yeah, I'm glad that series is over. Some pretty good stuff, but not a lot of interest in it, it seems. It also probably would have helped to start right with USM rather than the chronological order of Iron Man and Daredevil/Elektra first. But oh well...live and learn.

[striderhirryu2]

Well, I guess it's good to know at least SOMEONE cares. But you DIDN'T reply to my latest Team Up review!

But actually, while reading through this X-Men arc I've been getting re-motivated, so I may just do another review tomorrow. It's fantastic stuff.



Yeah, I'm glad that series is over. Some pretty good stuff, but not a lot of interest in it, it seems. It also probably would have helped to start right with USM rather than the chronological order of Iron Man and Daredevil/Elektra first. But oh well...live and learn.

No one likes those haha. Why don't you try just going with the core 4? You got decent number of responses with the USM ones

[Plawsky]

No one likes those haha. Why don't you try just going with the core 4? You got decent number of responses with the USM ones

Well I'm all about equal opportunity. Plus, I figured I'd do it all if I did it at all. "Go big or go home," and all that. And down the road, it's really cool to look back on older stuff to see how it's relevant to other books. That becomes especially relevant for Team Up when Origins comes along.

[striderhirryu2]

Well I'm all about equal opportunity. Plus, I figured I'd do it all if I did it at all. "Go big or go home," and all that. And down the road, it's really cool to look back on older stuff to see how it's relevant to other books. That becomes especially relevant for Team Up when Origins comes along.

That tied in? Haha I didn't read either because Origins retconned too many things like old man Nick Fury, Mutants being cooked up in a lab and Wolverine being the first.