The Ultimates has gotten off to a solid start though compared to its Spider-Man, Black Panther, and X-Men counterparts it has been the weak link in the Ultimate Universe. A major reason for this series not being as hot as its sibling titles is that we hardly see the team together. This series has largely been treated more like a Ultimate Universe Team-Up series rather than a true superhero team series. As we get closer to a full year with this series we’ll see if this team-up direction will continue by Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri. Let’s find out with The Ultimates #6.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Deniz Camp
Artist: Juan Frigeri
Colorist: Federico Blee
Letterer: Travis Lanham
THE ULTIMATES #6 SOLICITATION
“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?” – Marvel Comics
REVIEW
The Ultimates #6 is by far the best issue of this series. For the first time since the second issue, we got to see the Ultimates the entire team together and it made a world of difference. It is a difference that sets this series apart from its Ultimate Universe siblings.
There’s an immediate sense of momentum with the importance of this story when we see the entire team together. That was something the last few issues struggled with when only focusing on a few members. Here, as soon as we get to the second page with the shot of Captain America, Thor, Lady Sif, America Chavez, Giant Man, Wasp, Human Torch, She-Hulk, and Hawkeye there is a sense of importance. Its an importance that should always be a key part of a team series that the reader shouldn’t think about.
Seeing the Ultimates charging in together made Hulk an even more menacing antagonist. This helped put over how calm this version of Hulk is compared to all his other portrayals. In this battle the Ultimates were going in as the ones desperate to get a game changing win against the Maker’s Council. Meanwhile, on the Hulk side of things Bruce Banner just took the team as an annoyance.
This portrayal did drive home that this was the first time we saw this team together was a massive advantage to Hulk and his forces. Because Tony Stark and Reed Richards were so busy with building the team they forgot about the actual team chemistry. This version of the Ultimates proved themselves to be nothing more than a bunch of random heroes assembled because Tony lacked field leadership, game planning, and team chemistry.
We immediately see this prove to be the Ultimates downfall when Hulk reveals he wields Iron Fist powers when knocking out She-Hulk with one punch. The shock on the Ultimates is just the start as Hulk reveals his elite guard: The Immortal Weapons of Hulk. You felt the Ultimates go from shocked expressions to jaws dropped in that splash page of the Immortal Weapons of Hulk reveal.
It lead into a fight that you just knew the outcome of the Ultimates just having to try to survive until Doctor Doom could pull them out of the fight. Unfortunately for team the Immortal Weapons of Hulk proved they are an extension of their leader as a well-oiled elite fighting force. This once again highlighted the planet size gulf in leadership between Hulk and Iron Lad.
Because of this it wasn’t surprising that Doctor Doom wasn’t fast enough to save the team as Hulk was able to seemingly kill Iron Lad before that happened. Juan Frigeri really nailed how Hulk just crushed Iron Lad’s body in the most brutal way. It made the final page of She-Hulk holding Tony Stark’s crushed body in the Iron Lad armor a strong hook ending.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Ultimates #6 is easily the best issue of this series thus far. Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri drove home how big of a threat the Maker’s Council is through the overwhelming might shown by The Immortal Weapons of Hulk. This eye opening experience should be a big wake up call for the Ultimate Universe heroes.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10
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