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