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

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle