Jumping On

(Great cover by artist turned film director Kaare Andrews.)

When I buy a comic and I stop reading it, and then I pick it up again, it feels like I’ve just entered a party half way. That’s what went through my head when I bought The Ultimates yesterday. I haven’t bought any issues for a long time.

Instead of Mark Millar writing the book or even Jeph Loeb, whose run was panned by critics and fans alike, Fantastic Four writer Jonathon Hickman has jumped on board and replacing the likes of Bryan Hitch and Leinil Francis Yu, is Croatian artist Esad Ribic.

I haven’t been really following events Marvel’s Ultimate universe for a while, so I decided to pick this up. Marvel wrapped up the comic in a polybag which is a sure sign that the 90’s gimmick era is coming back. The main reason why it’s wrapped in plastic is some of the copies are signed by Marvel legend, Stan “The Man” Lee. Unfortunately mine wasn’t.

With Ultimates, I can’t get used to having another writer on the book which is my main gripe. Hickman’s a fan favourite amongst comic fans best known for killing off the Human Torch this year over in Fantastic Four but I’ve found his comics he’s written incomprehensible. The Ultimates for Hickman is a fresh start for him and for new readers.

The writer’s planning to write four issue arcs and single issues as well as larger story arc. We’ll hopefully see characters like Hulk and Black Widow popping up as it progresses. The first arc has no Captain America instead it’s got a new Captain Britain who decides to pick a fight with Thor well... he had to start somewhere. In troubled economic times like these, Nick Fury has to deal with a cash strapped S.H.E.I.L.D and a bunch of super terrorists plotting mayhem, he’s got a lot on his plate.

(Ya gotta love drunken bears!!)

I’ve been a big fan of Esad Ribic since he drew Loki in which the struggle between him and his brother Thor is seen through Loki’s eyes. He painted the entire series; here he’s using a different set of muscles as he’s pencilling the book with colourist Dean White. Pages which contain action sequences really shine, especially when he’s drawing Asgard complete with a drinking bear. He’s an inspired choice on the book to follow on the footsteps of artists like Hitch, Yu and Steve Dillon.

Hickman’s recently said in an interview, the artist’s the “real deal” having said that, I’ll buy the next one...

Images Marvel.

Posted: 25/8/2011
Categories: Initial / Thoughts

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