I was pretty down on the Age of Ultron, Marvel‘s event that resulted in time and space being cracked. Part of my issues was, the series felt like its goal was to just get us from point A to point Z with little concern on what happened between. That was very apparent in the last issue which just advertised future storylines and series, for example this new one, Hunger.

Written by the talented Joshua Hale Fialkov with art by Leonard Kirk and coloring by Jesus Aburtov, the series picks up right after the events of Age of Ultron with Galactus moving into the “Ultimate” universe. The first issue is very much focused on laying the groundwork for what comes next and we’ve been hinted it’ll be major (possibly the end of the “Ultimate” universe).

That introduction is tricky as it involves now a long-standing universe with lots of continuity that not many fans might know about. Fialkov has the unenviable task of introducing the comic to new readers as well as making it interesting for long time Ultimate fans. He pretty much pulls that off, setting up major players so it’s easy to understand who they are and what’s going on.

We’re quickly introduced to Rick Jones who is this universe’s protector and he’s thrown into a battle in space while the 616 Universe’s Galactus decides to make his debut and literally tear the universe a new one. This is at the same time when the Ultimate version, Gah Lak Tus, is on the move doing its thing. What happens when the similar forces meet? Well, I’ll leave that for you to see, but lets say the 616 Galactus is sporting a new look by the end of this issue.

Overall, this is the first issue of an “event.” Something big is likely to happen when it’s all over, it’s just a question of what. Fialkov had a few goals for this issue, get the ball rolling as far as the story and make it accessible for new readers while interesting for long time readers. He pulls all that off with a solid beginning. I can’t quite call this a “buy” since it’s just a sliver of the story, but it’s a great “read” and I think when it’s all over, the complete story will be a “buy.”

Story: Joshua Hale Fialkov Art: Leonard Kirk
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read