They have been branded as terrorists by the Maker’s Council, Iron Lad, Captain America, Doom, Sif, and Thor aim to liberate Earth 6160 from its tyrannical clutches by kicking off a superhero revolution. Locating the lost heroes, the Ultimates give them the choice of reclaiming their stolen destiny and bringing freedom. With only 18 months to save the earth and prepare for the Maker’s return, heroes need to rise and inspire hope. Acclaimed writer Deniz Camp and Marvel superstar artist Juan Frigeri showcase a brand new team of passionate heroes willing to fight for a better and brighter future in The Ultimates #1.

Considering how much Camp has to set up in the first issue, it makes perfect sense to have Iron Lad, aka Tony Stark, as the point of view character. Expanding the world building of Earth 6160 and introducing the readers to this world’s version of iconic Marvel characters such as Captain America, the Wasp, Ant-Man, and others while telling a complete story is complex but impressive work. And I applaud Camp for crafting newer interpretations of such beloved characters while not abandoning their essential core aspects. Especially for characters like Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, who have a complicated and complex history and relationship, Camp highlights what makes them fascinating and why they have made such a lasting impact. Instead of making the Ultimates a carbon copy of the Avengers on Earth 616, The Ultimates #1 stands as its entity with a distinct identity and voice in how the Maker’s Council frames them as terrorists.

Much like the previous The Ultimates from the 2000s, Camp tackles subject matter and emotions affecting us currently. The notion of the world not being as we thought it was and having something stolen from us strikes a strong chord with me based on my similar thoughts and feelings at the moment. How Tony blames his dad for the current state of the heroless Earth 6160 calls to mind how my generation is dealing with the sins and waste caused by the previous generation and leaving us to sort through its mess that we did not ask for. Camp understands that desire to be no longer powerless and that direct action delivers much-needed salvation. Best put by Steve Rogers: “You can’t start a revolution from your living room. Revolutions start on the ground.”

Frigeri’s art truly sings by giving The Ultimates #1 sleek and clean visuals in its action, paneling, and costume designs. The new designs fit well with the aesthetic and nature of Earth 6160 and share DNA with the more classic costumes from 616. Frigeri nails the blockbuster action and the quieter emotional character beats in Deniz’s writing. Along with colorist Frederico Blee and VC’s Travis Lanham’s lettering, the art on The Ultimates #1 makes it a bombastic debut issue paired with Camp’s poignant dialogue and plot.

As the new Ultimate Universe puts out hit after hit, The Ultimates #1 shows no signs of stopping, especially since the issue is its strongest first impression yet. Camp and Frigeri are proving to be a fruitful collaboration, and I cannot wait to see what characters will be introduced in future stories. The Ultimates #1 is an incredible first issue with a robust, complete narrative that exceeds expectations.

Story: Deniz Camp: Art: Juan Frigeri
Color: Frederico Blee Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Six months ago, Tony Stark sent Peter Parker a radioactive spider to set him back on the course to become Spider-Man. Since then, Iron Lad (Stark), Captain America, Doom, Thor and Sif have begun to do the same for other lost heroes, building a network of super-powered heroes hungry for change… Now they must band together to destroy the Maker’s Council and restore freedom and free will to a world ruled from the shadows! The Ultimates #1 is the latest addition to Marvel’s relaunched “Ultimate” line and stands out as a unique series.

Marvel’s new Ultimate line of comics has been interesting so far in that each series has a unique voice and fills a role. Ultimate Spider-Man gives us Peter as a dad who becomes a hero and fills the everyman space. Ultimate Black Panther is packed with conspiracies and takes things to the nation level. Ultimate X-Men is a horror tinged mystery. Written by Deniz Camp, The Ultimates #1 kicks off the “group” book that’s more traditional superhero comic than any of the other three.

The Ultimates #1 is a solid start. Out of the now four released series, this one has the most to do with the meta story. It directly focuses on righting the wrongs of the Maker and toppling the ruling class that controls and manipulates the world. This is a group that’s more revolutionaries than superheroes and it knows that’s what it is. The group is ragtag in a way, attempting to figure out the best route to achieve their goals.

What truly works in The Ultimates #1 is the small details. Camp focuses on the character interactions, giving us an intriguing Captain America who’s inspiration meets “I told you so,” and leaders in Iron Lad and Doom who don’t have the answers. They make mistakes. Big ones. That deliver small humorous details. For those that read the comic, you most likely will know what I’m talking about. The issue also lays out why certain plans won’t work to help rid of those “but why don’t you just” from the readers.

The comic is helped by Juan Frigeri who handles the quieter moments and action scenes perfectly. Along with Federico Blee on color and Travis Lanham on lettering, the comic has a summer action movie vibe about it with grand sequences and tight character focused moments. It delivers the action and drama well but also does so in a fun way that feels like popcorn shenanigans.

The Ultimates #1 is a solid start. It fills a role that’s much needed and gives us an idea of the bigger world and answers some questions readers might have had. It most importantly entertains, delivering a debut that’s perfect to sit back with and enjoy as the temperatures heat up.

Story: Deniz Camp Art: Juan Frigeri
Color: Federico Blee Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle