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The Ultimates (Collected Editions)
The Ultimates 2, Volume 1: Gods and Monsters
It's been one year since they stopped an alien invasion, and now things get hard. New members, new costumes, and 12 months of gossip to catch up on! Who's getting married? Who's divorced? Who's gone nuts since we last saw them? Why, just in this first story, we see Ultimate Hulk and the secret origin of Ultimate Thor, and get a look at the entire Ultimate Universe as drawn by Bryan Hitch! It's guest-stars galore - featuring the X-Men, Daredevil, Captain Britain, and even the Defenders!
Collecting: The Ultimates 2 1-6
Collecting: The Ultimates 2 1-6
144 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2005
About the author
Mark Millar
1,410 books2,464 followersMark Millar is the New York Times best-selling writer of Wanted, the Kick-Ass series, The Secret Service, Jupiter’s Legacy, Jupiter’s Circle, Nemesis, Superior, Super Crooks, American Jesus, MPH, Starlight, and Chrononauts. Wanted, Kick-Ass, Kick-Ass 2, and The Secret Service (as Kingsman: The Secret Service) have been adapted into feature films, and Nemesis, Superior, Starlight, War Heroes, Jupiter’s Legacy and Chrononauts are in development at major studios.
His DC Comics work includes the seminal Superman: Red Son, and at Marvel Comics he created The Ultimates – selected by Time magazine as the comic book of the decade, Wolverine: Old Man Logan, and Civil War – the industry’s biggest-selling superhero series in almost two decades.
Mark has been an Executive Producer on all his movie adaptations and is currently creative consultant to Fox Studios on their Marvel slate of movies.
His DC Comics work includes the seminal Superman: Red Son, and at Marvel Comics he created The Ultimates – selected by Time magazine as the comic book of the decade, Wolverine: Old Man Logan, and Civil War – the industry’s biggest-selling superhero series in almost two decades.
Mark has been an Executive Producer on all his movie adaptations and is currently creative consultant to Fox Studios on their Marvel slate of movies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 2, 2023
Millar churns out another great volume as Gods and Monsters continues to keep up the breakneck pace and crazy surprises in the Ultimates universe.
Thor breaks with the team because of political differences at the same time that someone on the team leaks that Banner and Hulk are the same person. Fury has no choice but to offer Bruce up as the sacrificial lamb, and the trial of the century plays out for the whole world to see.
Matt Murdock represents Banner, but the end result is pretty much a foregone conclusion.
Loki pops up to fuck with his brother's reality and convinces everyone that Thor really is just an escaped mental patient with a tricked-out belt and hammer. Hell, even I was wondering if the god of Thun-dah had lost his mind.
Cap and Jan are an item but there's trouble in paradise. She wants to go to movie premiers and he wants to go to the bingo hall.
Oh, and it looks like wedding bells for Tony and the Black Widow! Too sweet!
Unless, of course, he realizes he's marrying someone with the code name Black fucking Widow.
Overall, this is great stuff and I'm glad I decided to revisit this world.
Thor breaks with the team because of political differences at the same time that someone on the team leaks that Banner and Hulk are the same person. Fury has no choice but to offer Bruce up as the sacrificial lamb, and the trial of the century plays out for the whole world to see.
Matt Murdock represents Banner, but the end result is pretty much a foregone conclusion.
Loki pops up to fuck with his brother's reality and convinces everyone that Thor really is just an escaped mental patient with a tricked-out belt and hammer. Hell, even I was wondering if the god of Thun-dah had lost his mind.
Cap and Jan are an item but there's trouble in paradise. She wants to go to movie premiers and he wants to go to the bingo hall.
Oh, and it looks like wedding bells for Tony and the Black Widow! Too sweet!
Unless, of course, he realizes he's marrying someone with the code name Black fucking Widow.
Overall, this is great stuff and I'm glad I decided to revisit this world.
December 7, 2014
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This is a year after the first book The Ultimates and Bruce Banner's identity as the Hulk has been leaked to the press and he is headed for trial.
Boo..Hiss. I liked Hulk smashing stuff.
You've got Captain America shacked up with the Wasp after she makes it through Giant man's abuse from the last book.
Then they decide that since Thor isn't controlled that he needs to be and they take down the man. He gives them hell though.
Great illustrations and an interesting story. I just sometimes want to team with the ones that they are taking down. HULK SMASH!
and Ant man?
This is a year after the first book The Ultimates and Bruce Banner's identity as the Hulk has been leaked to the press and he is headed for trial.
Boo..Hiss. I liked Hulk smashing stuff.
You've got Captain America shacked up with the Wasp after she makes it through Giant man's abuse from the last book.
Then they decide that since Thor isn't controlled that he needs to be and they take down the man. He gives them hell though.
Great illustrations and an interesting story. I just sometimes want to team with the ones that they are taking down. HULK SMASH!
and Ant man?
May 16, 2012
A year after stopping the Hulk’s rampage in New York and then beating an army of alien invaders to save the world, The Ultimates are now famous heroes whose popularity has made their government sponsors SHIELD incredibly powerful and influential.
But it isn’t all peaches and gravy. SHIELD covered up that the Hulk is really the nerdy scientist Bruce Banner whose transformation was caused by a super soldier serum he was developing on the government dime so Banner spends his days hidden away and doped up in a cell while wracked with guilt over the hundreds of deaths he caused. Hank Pym (Giant Man) has been kicked off the team in disgrace after abusing his ex-wife and fellow Ultimate Janet (Wasp), and he’s desperate to get back into SHIELD’s good graces. Janet is realizing that having Captain America as her new boyfriend is kind of like dating a senior citizen.
The rest of the world is getting very nervous about America’s advantage in People of Mass Destruction and after Captain America is deployed on a rescue mission to the Mid East, there’s an international outcry against the use of super humans against foreign governments. Thor (Who is kind of a hippie in the Ultimate Marvel universe.) quits the Ultimates in protest while claiming that the US will soon be using them as soldiers for future invasions instead of to defend against super villains.
When the news breaks that Banner is The Hulk, the scandal causes further tension and forces a public trial that everyone knows will probably result in Bruce’s execution. Thor is blamed for the leak, but he denies it and claims there’s got to be a traitor on the team as well as warning that his brother Loki is on Earth and planning something big.
Nobody feels much like listening to Thor when they learn from the European super soldier team that the granola head claiming to be the Norse god of thunder is actually a former mental patient who stole some tech from Norway that gives him super powers and now he has to be stopped. The Ultimates reluctantly go after their former ally, but whether he’s a damn dirty hippie or a god, Thor is one powerful dude.
Millar provides a disturbing and interesting look at what the world would be like if the US really did have super powered people working for them. With politics, fame, money and power at stake, he created a story in which The Ultimates are getting increasingly uneasy about what they’re doing and who they’re doing it for. This is the kind of stuff that made the Ultimate universe a darker and more adult version of its original stories, and its comic’s gold for fan boys and girls.
But it isn’t all peaches and gravy. SHIELD covered up that the Hulk is really the nerdy scientist Bruce Banner whose transformation was caused by a super soldier serum he was developing on the government dime so Banner spends his days hidden away and doped up in a cell while wracked with guilt over the hundreds of deaths he caused. Hank Pym (Giant Man) has been kicked off the team in disgrace after abusing his ex-wife and fellow Ultimate Janet (Wasp), and he’s desperate to get back into SHIELD’s good graces. Janet is realizing that having Captain America as her new boyfriend is kind of like dating a senior citizen.
The rest of the world is getting very nervous about America’s advantage in People of Mass Destruction and after Captain America is deployed on a rescue mission to the Mid East, there’s an international outcry against the use of super humans against foreign governments. Thor (Who is kind of a hippie in the Ultimate Marvel universe.) quits the Ultimates in protest while claiming that the US will soon be using them as soldiers for future invasions instead of to defend against super villains.
When the news breaks that Banner is The Hulk, the scandal causes further tension and forces a public trial that everyone knows will probably result in Bruce’s execution. Thor is blamed for the leak, but he denies it and claims there’s got to be a traitor on the team as well as warning that his brother Loki is on Earth and planning something big.
Nobody feels much like listening to Thor when they learn from the European super soldier team that the granola head claiming to be the Norse god of thunder is actually a former mental patient who stole some tech from Norway that gives him super powers and now he has to be stopped. The Ultimates reluctantly go after their former ally, but whether he’s a damn dirty hippie or a god, Thor is one powerful dude.
Millar provides a disturbing and interesting look at what the world would be like if the US really did have super powered people working for them. With politics, fame, money and power at stake, he created a story in which The Ultimates are getting increasingly uneasy about what they’re doing and who they’re doing it for. This is the kind of stuff that made the Ultimate universe a darker and more adult version of its original stories, and its comic’s gold for fan boys and girls.
April 23, 2011
I've not been the biggest fan of Mark Millar's Ultimates. My boyhood favourite, Captain America, became an unrecognizable bully with questionable ethics; S.H.I.E.L.D. and Nick Fury turned into ultra-violent goon boys for Homeland Security; the Hulk cover-up betrayed most of what I knew about the individuals who made up the group formerly known as the Avengers; the political criticism that I loved as a kid -- the Marvel Universe that helped to shape who I am -- seemed gone, never to return. It was all starting to feel like Glenn Beck had usurped Stan Lee's throne and was writing the Ultimates for Trig Palin in a particularly nationalistic mood.
Three volumes later, though, and I finally see that Mark Millar's just been taking his time, building the story with care and attention and intention. This series doesn't adhere to the usual 4-6 issue story arcs. All three volumes (those I've read so far), encompassing the first nineteen issues, make up one giant story arc.
And there are finally some elements I love.
Thor, my son's new favourite super-hero, is about the coolest cat in the Ultimates. I love his "hippy" politics. I love the way Loki has messed with him so badly that even he doesn't know if he's a god or just some insane Swede. The incestuous flirtations of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch are a nice peripheral dalliance to tear the tone away from the building of an army full of Persons of Mass Destruction. The necessary escape of Bruce Banner/The Hulk made fun use of Hannibal Lecter -- from foreshadowing to dénouement. And the decay of Hank Pym's confidence, his burgeoning hatred, the slow engendering of a super-villain, is a beautiful bit of writing. Now that is more like it!
But I'm still not fully sold. Unless Steve Rogers is the big turncoat, the one leaking all the dirt on the Ultimates to the press and causing all the problems (which I can't see, but don’t tell me if you know. I want to find out for myself), Captain America won't achieve redemption, and I won’t be able to forgive Millar. And I remain, moreover, unclear as to what Millar is trying to say. There is every chance that his message will be in diametric opposition to my beliefs, and that will make me terribly sad.
If things don’t go my way, it doesn’t mean I won't continue to enjoy the series. It does mean, though, that I won't be able to love it, and I may very well like it while hating it. I’ll just have to press on and see.
Three volumes later, though, and I finally see that Mark Millar's just been taking his time, building the story with care and attention and intention. This series doesn't adhere to the usual 4-6 issue story arcs. All three volumes (those I've read so far), encompassing the first nineteen issues, make up one giant story arc.
And there are finally some elements I love.
Thor, my son's new favourite super-hero, is about the coolest cat in the Ultimates. I love his "hippy" politics. I love the way Loki has messed with him so badly that even he doesn't know if he's a god or just some insane Swede. The incestuous flirtations of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch are a nice peripheral dalliance to tear the tone away from the building of an army full of Persons of Mass Destruction. The necessary escape of Bruce Banner/The Hulk made fun use of Hannibal Lecter -- from foreshadowing to dénouement. And the decay of Hank Pym's confidence, his burgeoning hatred, the slow engendering of a super-villain, is a beautiful bit of writing. Now that is more like it!
But I'm still not fully sold. Unless Steve Rogers is the big turncoat, the one leaking all the dirt on the Ultimates to the press and causing all the problems (which I can't see, but don’t tell me if you know. I want to find out for myself), Captain America won't achieve redemption, and I won’t be able to forgive Millar. And I remain, moreover, unclear as to what Millar is trying to say. There is every chance that his message will be in diametric opposition to my beliefs, and that will make me terribly sad.
If things don’t go my way, it doesn’t mean I won't continue to enjoy the series. It does mean, though, that I won't be able to love it, and I may very well like it while hating it. I’ll just have to press on and see.
May 24, 2010
4.0 to 4.5 stars. I am a fan of the "Ultimate" universe and I really enjoy seeing classic characters portrayed in a more modern, more realistic fashion. The character of Thor really shines in this graphic novel as does Captain America. I thought the storyline was well done and interesting and I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Ultimates 2 Volume 2: Grand Theft America.
October 22, 2013
A very solid Volume 2, Ultimates 2 picks up after the defeat of the alien invasion of Earth. Bruce Banner is locked up after word is leaked that he is the Hulk, and Hank Pym is no longer on the team after his run ins with Janet and Cap.
Thor is continuing his role here as the moral objection to the militarization of the team, which leads to a showdown later on.
Millar has turned down the macho bravado and trash TV aspects that kept the first Volume from being a pure classic.
We also see Matt Murdock, Charles Xavier, Scott Summers, and a new Ultimate version of the Defenders, along with the European Super-Soldiers (Capt. Britain and co.).
This volume focuses on those shamed, down, not in sync with the team (Thor, Hank, Bruce), and has some interesting voices from them.
'Gods and Monsters' is an apt title, but who are the Monsters, and who are the Gods? or who THINK they are Gods?
I really enjoyed the characterization, Cap is totally different now, as is Tony, Thor is obviously so, while there's not as much on others (Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch) but we do see a mean streak from Black Widow, and Quicksilver finally does something but only because of his VERY heavily implied incestuous relationship with his sister.
We also have a tease of one of the Avengers greatest foes, as well as one of their longest serving members.
I did enjoy this very much, it was a great follow up to the 1st, and I like how in this version, it's the pessimistic, selfish world, much like our own (or what Millar sees ours as), and our 'heroes' reflect that.
Thor is continuing his role here as the moral objection to the militarization of the team, which leads to a showdown later on.
Millar has turned down the macho bravado and trash TV aspects that kept the first Volume from being a pure classic.
We also see Matt Murdock, Charles Xavier, Scott Summers, and a new Ultimate version of the Defenders, along with the European Super-Soldiers (Capt. Britain and co.).
This volume focuses on those shamed, down, not in sync with the team (Thor, Hank, Bruce), and has some interesting voices from them.
'Gods and Monsters' is an apt title, but who are the Monsters, and who are the Gods? or who THINK they are Gods?
I really enjoyed the characterization, Cap is totally different now, as is Tony, Thor is obviously so, while there's not as much on others (Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch) but we do see a mean streak from Black Widow, and Quicksilver finally does something but only because of his VERY heavily implied incestuous relationship with his sister.
We also have a tease of one of the Avengers greatest foes, as well as one of their longest serving members.
I did enjoy this very much, it was a great follow up to the 1st, and I like how in this version, it's the pessimistic, selfish world, much like our own (or what Millar sees ours as), and our 'heroes' reflect that.
June 26, 2019
I still don’t think I really get the appeal of this universe aside from dudebros being excited to finally read a comic book where the women are pretty much just set dressing. Natasha exists just as a honeypot. Jan has a semi interesting role as PR but in the field, they only use her ability to shrink and go inside the brains of their enemies. Betty’s here to apologize to the guy that went on a horny, homicidal rampage. I just... it’s never been more clear to me that no women were involved in the making of this series.
But I do what all other female comic book fans do - I embrace what actually worked and try to ignore the rest of it.
I enjoyed Thor and Tony’s close relationship. Aside from that last terrible issue, I liked Steve and Jan together. That’s about it? This plot wasn’t all that intriguing to me because I’m really not a fan of the changes made to Bruce Banner’s character. Like Watchmen, this strikes me as one of those series that appeal to people who just want interesting plots and don’t care about if the characters are likable.
Yeah, I still have absolutely no interest in read an issue entirely about Hank Pym. I hope he rots.
But I do what all other female comic book fans do - I embrace what actually worked and try to ignore the rest of it.
I enjoyed Thor and Tony’s close relationship. Aside from that last terrible issue, I liked Steve and Jan together. That’s about it? This plot wasn’t all that intriguing to me because I’m really not a fan of the changes made to Bruce Banner’s character. Like Watchmen, this strikes me as one of those series that appeal to people who just want interesting plots and don’t care about if the characters are likable.
Yeah, I still have absolutely no interest in read an issue entirely about Hank Pym. I hope he rots.
September 30, 2013
Frankly one of the best comics I've read lately. Poor Bruce Banner, though! Geez. Also, I've never read anything with Ant Man in it, and I've always thought he sounded lame. Yep. "I am summoning the ants!" "Hurry!" "Sorry, there's only like . . . forty ants in this warehouse." BWAHAHAHAHA! Terrible!
June 7, 2018
4 Stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Holy Cow!
Ok, so this book picks up a year after the Hulk 'incident' and the shape-shifter alien invasion.
Banner is on trial. Thor is seeing things (Is he really a Norse god or some lunatic). Pym is still a bastard.
I love how they've included characters like Prof. Xavier and Nelson and Murdoch in there! Crossovers!
Oh and now they've got other Captains! Example: Captain Spain and Captain France 🤭😂🤣
Woah woah woah - slow down though. Who dafuq are The Defenders - Hellcat, Son of Satan, Power Man, Nighthawk and Valkyrie?! You're all lame! - Like I said I'm new to comics...but I thought The Defenders were Jessica Jones, Daredevil etc?
And Hank Pym!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't say you didn't deserve to be where you are now but pfft! I don't even have words for him. Just excuses after excuses with you.
But who was he talking to at the end?! How can it end like that?!
Duhn duhn duhn! I guess we'll see in the next volume!
Holy Cow!
Ok, so this book picks up a year after the Hulk 'incident' and the shape-shifter alien invasion.
Banner is on trial. Thor is seeing things (Is he really a Norse god or some lunatic). Pym is still a bastard.
I love how they've included characters like Prof. Xavier and Nelson and Murdoch in there! Crossovers!
Oh and now they've got other Captains! Example: Captain Spain and Captain France 🤭😂🤣
Woah woah woah - slow down though. Who dafuq are The Defenders - Hellcat, Son of Satan, Power Man, Nighthawk and Valkyrie?! You're all lame! - Like I said I'm new to comics...but I thought The Defenders were Jessica Jones, Daredevil etc?
And Hank Pym!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't say you didn't deserve to be where you are now but pfft! I don't even have words for him. Just excuses after excuses with you.
"I'm doing my best. There's just not enough ants."
But who was he talking to at the end?! How can it end like that?!
Duhn duhn duhn! I guess we'll see in the next volume!
February 21, 2024
Damn, how come the one comic where we get Bruce and Hank being friends(ish) and a shot of Hank's ass has to be in the timeline where he sucks?
This one definitely felt more like three shorter stories combined into one comic, which isn't necessarily a bad thing--I really liked the part with Bruce's trial (Matt is his lawyer, of course) and clearly Hank skimped on the drug dosage to give him a fighting shot at surviving the "execution", and Hank joining the Defenders was fun too. The Thor storyline, however, was not as compelling to me since he's probably the Avenger I find least compelling, and his story makes up the brunt of this one.
This one definitely felt more like three shorter stories combined into one comic, which isn't necessarily a bad thing--I really liked the part with Bruce's trial (Matt is his lawyer, of course) and clearly Hank skimped on the drug dosage to give him a fighting shot at surviving the "execution", and Hank joining the Defenders was fun too. The Thor storyline, however, was not as compelling to me since he's probably the Avenger I find least compelling, and his story makes up the brunt of this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2009
I really enjoy this stuff. The Ultimates line is a perfect venue to take classic heroes and make them for mature audiences, realigning their origins, motivations, relationships, etc. It's basically a great big grim "What If" series with its own continuity.
And when it's played right, it's a damn big bulge of fun. Too often, though, it's played for shock value. Let me be clear of one of my philosophies... shock value is THE WORST WRITING TOOL IN THE WORLD. Why? Because shock value demands to be topped. If it's shocking for Goody 2-Shoes to talk back to a lady, and then he does it, then the next time he has to punch the girl. And the time after that is worse, and then time after that is even more horrible, because the "shock" has to keep building, or else it's no longer shocking. This is why some beloved characters are now being actually raped and devoured, because damn, the writer and his audience needs to have their "shock" fix. It's all just an ego ride for a writer. "I'm the guy who did THIS," or "Can you believe that I did THAT?"
Big whoop. A good writer sits back and says, "Can you believe I just pulled off a cohesive story with believable concentration?" or, translated in other words, "Can you believe how my collected trade will continue to sell, long after your own shock value trade is out of print and in the quarter bins?" Take that, shock value.
Oops. Ranted. This volume pretty much stays away from the shock value school of writing. It's dark, there are twists, and some characters go beyond what I would have thought, but they do so for believable reasons within rational human guidelines. And I enjoyed it.
And when it's played right, it's a damn big bulge of fun. Too often, though, it's played for shock value. Let me be clear of one of my philosophies... shock value is THE WORST WRITING TOOL IN THE WORLD. Why? Because shock value demands to be topped. If it's shocking for Goody 2-Shoes to talk back to a lady, and then he does it, then the next time he has to punch the girl. And the time after that is worse, and then time after that is even more horrible, because the "shock" has to keep building, or else it's no longer shocking. This is why some beloved characters are now being actually raped and devoured, because damn, the writer and his audience needs to have their "shock" fix. It's all just an ego ride for a writer. "I'm the guy who did THIS," or "Can you believe that I did THAT?"
Big whoop. A good writer sits back and says, "Can you believe I just pulled off a cohesive story with believable concentration?" or, translated in other words, "Can you believe how my collected trade will continue to sell, long after your own shock value trade is out of print and in the quarter bins?" Take that, shock value.
Oops. Ranted. This volume pretty much stays away from the shock value school of writing. It's dark, there are twists, and some characters go beyond what I would have thought, but they do so for believable reasons within rational human guidelines. And I enjoyed it.
September 5, 2022
THE ULTIMATES 2 takes some familiar characters of the Marvel Universe and alters them a bit to create a more interesting, as well as more surprising, superhero universe. For a Mark Millar-scripted book this is lower on the ratio-of-violence scale, although the storyline is plenty dark and gloomy.
In the early pages I thought I was reading a Brian Michael Bendis work because of the amount of dialogue. However, there are no close-ups of just faces and panels of talking heads that Bendis seems to be so fond of. The scenery and backgrounds by Bryan Hitch on art are marvelous to behold.
There are plenty of differences here to admire and keep readers' attention: Cap is not such a nice guy. Tony Stark is smitten by the Black Widow, designs her an armored suit, and fawns over her. Bruce Banner takes the fall for the collateral damage and death caused by the Hulk in the last iteration of the Ultimates, where they stopped an alien invasion. His comrades seem to turn their back on him, realizing the public needs a fall guy to blame things on.
His imprisonment within the Ultimates HQ and subsequent trial take up the first half of the book. His self-analysis of his plight and acceptance of his eventual fate are very dramatic, and well-done by Millar. Despite Matt Murdock on defense, the jury verdict is not kind. Nor is his ending, which occurs off-panel ands leaves things open in a more optimistic fashion (readers' choice).
The second half of the book deals with uncovering who is the traitor that gave Banner/Hulk up to the media and blamed the Ultimates for hiding/covering up. Thor, who recently left the Ultimates over political and moral differences, is the prime suspect - - and the rest of the volume deals with his chase and take-down. Is he mentally unstable, a true God, another super-soldier with armaments (belt and hammer) that make him seem like Thor? Or is he being set-up by his devious brother Loki?
This is good stuff, and I'm looking forward to the continuation of the story in Volume Two.
In the early pages I thought I was reading a Brian Michael Bendis work because of the amount of dialogue. However, there are no close-ups of just faces and panels of talking heads that Bendis seems to be so fond of. The scenery and backgrounds by Bryan Hitch on art are marvelous to behold.
There are plenty of differences here to admire and keep readers' attention: Cap is not such a nice guy. Tony Stark is smitten by the Black Widow, designs her an armored suit, and fawns over her. Bruce Banner takes the fall for the collateral damage and death caused by the Hulk in the last iteration of the Ultimates, where they stopped an alien invasion. His comrades seem to turn their back on him, realizing the public needs a fall guy to blame things on.
His imprisonment within the Ultimates HQ and subsequent trial take up the first half of the book. His self-analysis of his plight and acceptance of his eventual fate are very dramatic, and well-done by Millar. Despite Matt Murdock on defense, the jury verdict is not kind. Nor is his ending, which occurs off-panel ands leaves things open in a more optimistic fashion (readers' choice).
The second half of the book deals with uncovering who is the traitor that gave Banner/Hulk up to the media and blamed the Ultimates for hiding/covering up. Thor, who recently left the Ultimates over political and moral differences, is the prime suspect - - and the rest of the volume deals with his chase and take-down. Is he mentally unstable, a true God, another super-soldier with armaments (belt and hammer) that make him seem like Thor? Or is he being set-up by his devious brother Loki?
This is good stuff, and I'm looking forward to the continuation of the story in Volume Two.
May 8, 2023
Ultimates 2 continues where the first Ultimates left off with compelling story and stunning visuals. I think this version of Thor needs to work on his communication skills though....or maybe he is just crazy! It's been so long since I read this last that I can't remember! Another sign of good storytelling since I believe the stakes presented (or probably just a sign of my terrible memory)!
April 22, 2024
My Ultimate Year #12
It’s a lot more depressing to read Millar when the basic story is really good, yet still marred by his bad script choices.
The Hulk is on trial, and Thor isn’t toeing the line. Read if you like Millar or at least can cringe thru him.
Don’t read if you’re a fan of either or both Maximoffs. It’s not pretty.
It’s a lot more depressing to read Millar when the basic story is really good, yet still marred by his bad script choices.
The Hulk is on trial, and Thor isn’t toeing the line. Read if you like Millar or at least can cringe thru him.
Don’t read if you’re a fan of either or both Maximoffs. It’s not pretty.
August 14, 2024
(Read in 2006, review from 2024)
As a kid this was my least favorite of the Ultimates collections and looking back The Ultimates were kind of the worst part of Marvel's Ultimate universe. The rewritten Avengers are just so damn unlikable except maybe Thor and especially Captain America. Maybe that does add to the realism of the stories but it is aggravating. Problems with the characters aside, this is pretty good set-up for the next volume with two of the heroes taken out of play, so kudos for putting the heroes on the backfoot (yet again they are too arrogant to know that)
As a kid this was my least favorite of the Ultimates collections and looking back The Ultimates were kind of the worst part of Marvel's Ultimate universe. The rewritten Avengers are just so damn unlikable except maybe Thor and especially Captain America. Maybe that does add to the realism of the stories but it is aggravating. Problems with the characters aside, this is pretty good set-up for the next volume with two of the heroes taken out of play, so kudos for putting the heroes on the backfoot (yet again they are too arrogant to know that)
May 7, 2013
I don't know what to say about the Ultimates anymore. It's so very amazing and utterly ridiculous at the same time. The Ultimates 2 is packed with much more action, Gods and monsters leaves you on such a cliffhanger I can hardly catch my breath. But even that can't erase some god-awful issues. What's up with this Tony-Natasha marriage nonsense? Those few cheesy scenes took away both character's edges. Not to mention Jarvis?! The cocky butler act just isn't working for me. But all this is garnish to the centerpiece, which is a douche-bag Captain America and multiple other captains lacking any use and/or justified purpose. Cap's character is reduced to something so dumb I can't even talk about it anymore. I thought they were into something good with Janet, but I was entirely wrong. Their relationship is so simplified it's outrageous. They double date with the Starks and quarrel about whose friends they should hang out with. I'm not against letting superheroes be humans sometimes, but don't expect me to cheer for some average Joes and plain Janes.
The plot is so good, full of inner and outer battles (the inner ones don't concern every character, unfortunately), but they managed to screw up the essentials. After those above mentioned cliffhangers I'm not concerned about ANY of my favorite heroes. And I don't want to live in a universe where I have my fingers crossed for Hank effin' Pym.
The one good move (apart from the miraculous escape of Banner) was bringing the Defenders into the picture. To turn being a superhero into a corporate thing is a genius idea. But since I'm kind of new in this comic book business I have no clue whether it is an original one.
The plot is so good, full of inner and outer battles (the inner ones don't concern every character, unfortunately), but they managed to screw up the essentials. After those above mentioned cliffhangers I'm not concerned about ANY of my favorite heroes. And I don't want to live in a universe where I have my fingers crossed for Hank effin' Pym.
The one good move (apart from the miraculous escape of Banner) was bringing the Defenders into the picture. To turn being a superhero into a corporate thing is a genius idea. But since I'm kind of new in this comic book business I have no clue whether it is an original one.
October 10, 2014
Continuing to be impressed and entertained. I love the realism--Captain America's 40's ways coupled with Jan's growing disgust for it. How Bruce Banner is dealt with. Poor Thor. There were some bumps, but overall, I can't wait for volume 2.
December 22, 2007
More of the same. Great movie moments.
January 21, 2016
Nice 2nd series story arc of this alternate reality series about Marvel's Avengers. Recommended
December 26, 2021
The Ultimates 2 Vol 1: Gods and Monsters
By Mark Millar (Writer), Bryan Hitch (Penciller)
Published by Marvel, 2005
Synopsis: One year after the invasion of the Chitauri, the Ultimates have recruited new members and allies. But when the secret of the Hulk's identity is revealed to the public, the public wants justice. What is up with Thor, is he what he claims to be?
Review: Honestly, this book was actually good. The mystery behind the leak of the Manhattan incident is intriguing and how Banner deals with practically having a dead sentence on his mind is very realistic with the psychic therapy of Professor X. Thor being questioned about being a lunatic who claims to be a Norse god and the rebellion of Thor against the Ultimates. He deems the Ultimates to not hold the same ideals than before with the whole fight wars overseas dilemma which fits with what we know about this version of Thor. The European contingent of heroes that we get introduced to are typical but a nice addition. Hank Pym's fall from grace and Janet's struggles with her relation with Steve are really interesting and has some good story telling except the whole Steve is a dick. As i said with the previous volumes, Millar writes best when its more personal focused story beats instead of action heavy storytelling. The action in this book is solid but the personal struggles of these characters outshine it.
Star Rating = 3,75 stars out of 5
Much better than Ultimates 1. Millar tones down the action and name dropping of the previous series and writes a damn intriguing story. We have more focus on our characters and what they stand for and they actually transform the problem that i disliked every main character. Of course some of their actions in this universe don't fit with their characters but i do recognize that they are different versions.
By Mark Millar (Writer), Bryan Hitch (Penciller)
Published by Marvel, 2005
Synopsis: One year after the invasion of the Chitauri, the Ultimates have recruited new members and allies. But when the secret of the Hulk's identity is revealed to the public, the public wants justice. What is up with Thor, is he what he claims to be?
Review: Honestly, this book was actually good. The mystery behind the leak of the Manhattan incident is intriguing and how Banner deals with practically having a dead sentence on his mind is very realistic with the psychic therapy of Professor X. Thor being questioned about being a lunatic who claims to be a Norse god and the rebellion of Thor against the Ultimates. He deems the Ultimates to not hold the same ideals than before with the whole fight wars overseas dilemma which fits with what we know about this version of Thor. The European contingent of heroes that we get introduced to are typical but a nice addition. Hank Pym's fall from grace and Janet's struggles with her relation with Steve are really interesting and has some good story telling except the whole Steve is a dick. As i said with the previous volumes, Millar writes best when its more personal focused story beats instead of action heavy storytelling. The action in this book is solid but the personal struggles of these characters outshine it.
Star Rating = 3,75 stars out of 5
Much better than Ultimates 1. Millar tones down the action and name dropping of the previous series and writes a damn intriguing story. We have more focus on our characters and what they stand for and they actually transform the problem that i disliked every main character. Of course some of their actions in this universe don't fit with their characters but i do recognize that they are different versions.
September 7, 2017
The story has a great deal of focus on the intrigues concerning Banner, Thor and Pym to the detriment of fight scenes and superhuman stuff in general. This improves the story a great deal, making it mature and believable.
Thor resigns from the Ultimates after Captain America agrees to a rescue mission in Iraq. The bigger problem is that the media reveal Hulk's real identity. Banner is facing a trial for the deaths of over 800 people
Thor's origin isn't based in mythology, but in advanced technology. His power prevented anyone from getting close to him to remove his hardware, but this is exactly what Fury wants do do with the Ultimates and Captain Britain's team.
Hank Pym joins the Defenders, a new and inexperienced team, as Ant-Man with a device that let's him communicate with ants and shrink to their size.
Thor resigns from the Ultimates after Captain America agrees to a rescue mission in Iraq. The bigger problem is that the media reveal Hulk's real identity. Banner is facing a trial for the deaths of over 800 people
Thor's origin isn't based in mythology, but in advanced technology. His power prevented anyone from getting close to him to remove his hardware, but this is exactly what Fury wants do do with the Ultimates and Captain Britain's team.
Hank Pym joins the Defenders, a new and inexperienced team, as Ant-Man with a device that let's him communicate with ants and shrink to their size.
December 5, 2022
Another issue of Ultimates tales, a bit funnier than the last two.
Hank Pym is off the team and in a new reincarnation: Ant-Man. He is also working on a certain new invention (Ultron). In the meantime, the rest of the Ultimates are dealing with the euphoria and challenges of celebrity status. All of this changes when the public finds out that the Hulk is really Bruce Banner–-information leaked by a traitor or opportunist in the midst of the Ultimates. Much of the story deals with the Ultimates’ public image and how their enemies use it against them. Thor becomes even more nuts, and the pathetic Defenders make a rather hilarious debut, putting their incompetence on display for the world (this was one the funniest parts of the story). The Ultimates are also deployed to foreign territory for the first time, causing serious repercussions later. Loki also shows up, although it is unclear whether he is real or just a figment of Thor’s imagination.
Millar’s writing is pretty good. Hitch’s artwork is nice and consistent. The story is great (if somewhat predictable), the dialogue is snappy, and the subplots are all very well done. A pretty solid entry.
Hank Pym is off the team and in a new reincarnation: Ant-Man. He is also working on a certain new invention (Ultron). In the meantime, the rest of the Ultimates are dealing with the euphoria and challenges of celebrity status. All of this changes when the public finds out that the Hulk is really Bruce Banner–-information leaked by a traitor or opportunist in the midst of the Ultimates. Much of the story deals with the Ultimates’ public image and how their enemies use it against them. Thor becomes even more nuts, and the pathetic Defenders make a rather hilarious debut, putting their incompetence on display for the world (this was one the funniest parts of the story). The Ultimates are also deployed to foreign territory for the first time, causing serious repercussions later. Loki also shows up, although it is unclear whether he is real or just a figment of Thor’s imagination.
Millar’s writing is pretty good. Hitch’s artwork is nice and consistent. The story is great (if somewhat predictable), the dialogue is snappy, and the subplots are all very well done. A pretty solid entry.
April 20, 2021
I still love how this series takes so many different, famous storylines from the Marvel universe and freshens them up in a new and compelling way. Thor is definitely my favorite character in these stories. I still bristle at how much of an asshole Captain America is in this series - just a jackbooted fascist who tells Thor "Sorry chum, you're nuts and you're going down," just moments before hitting him with a flamethrower and burning off all those beautiful blonde locks. I was disappointed at how easily Loki buffaloed the entire Ultimates team - but of course, the point is that Thor was unwilling to be controlled by them and making inconvenient noises about how the Ultimates were about to be misused for imperialist US policies (a prediction that of course came true). Off to the side Hank Pym is quietly building Ultron robots to get back in General Fury's good graces - I'm sure that will turn out great. A very entertaining series.
Read
June 25, 2019Ultimates 2 continues strong with storylines surrounding Hulk and Thor, plus a Hank Pym side story. This volume is more nuanced and less action-heavy that the first series, but it’s very compelling and well-realized. Now that the Ultimates are global celebrities, the threats are more internal and, arguably, more impactful. Who outed Bruce as the Hulk? Should he be held responsible for Hulk killing 800 people? Is Thor an actual Norse god or a former psychiatric patient given powers through an experiment? Should the Ultimates get involved in international crises? Then there’s Hank, who just wants to regain some semblance of credibility.
Once again, this is cinematic, high stakes superheroics grounded in the real world. The events played out here feel like they could happen if superheroes actually existed.
Once again, this is cinematic, high stakes superheroics grounded in the real world. The events played out here feel like they could happen if superheroes actually existed.
August 1, 2023
This has pretty much all the same issues as the first book, but against all reason, I kind of liked it.
This is mostly about the aftermath of the first volume and setup for the next one, so that may be the difference here. Hulk has been outed as Banner by someone, and Thor's brother has revealed that he's just a paranoid schizophrenic with power armour, but worst of all he starts to become a viable threat to American hegemony. The Ultimates being good little thugs, go and beat him up and lock him up, while meanwhile Banner goes on trial.
Again, the same problems as the first volume are here, especially in the treatment of women, but I found it all a lot more interesting and entertaining than the first one. It might help that I've never read this one before.
Hopefully, this one has a decent enough climax and doesn't devolve into alien nazis.
This is mostly about the aftermath of the first volume and setup for the next one, so that may be the difference here. Hulk has been outed as Banner by someone, and Thor's brother has revealed that he's just a paranoid schizophrenic with power armour, but worst of all he starts to become a viable threat to American hegemony. The Ultimates being good little thugs, go and beat him up and lock him up, while meanwhile Banner goes on trial.
Again, the same problems as the first volume are here, especially in the treatment of women, but I found it all a lot more interesting and entertaining than the first one. It might help that I've never read this one before.
Hopefully, this one has a decent enough climax and doesn't devolve into alien nazis.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2021
I'm pleasantly surprised to say this is the best one of the Ultimates run so far (IMHO of course). I know I'm about 20 years too late on this Ultimates business and it's all water under the bridge nowadays but I was a little put off by the ultra-violence and adult themes of this run. I love that stuff in comix but not w/my Marvel heroes of old. But I'm definitely starting to get into it w/this volume, love all the soap-operatic plot twists and different takes on old relationships. Bryan Hitch's art certainly is at a much higher level on these issues/chapters as well. Of course my local library unfortunately doesn't have the 2nd volume so now I'm left twisting in the wind wondering should I get it on kindle for $10 or buy it from HPB for $8?
August 12, 2019
Man, this series is all over the place and ridiculous and I love it for that... The way all of the super heroes and characters are treated like flawed humans or straight-up assholes is truly a way to shake things up and the stuff that's going on keeps being thrilling. Then there's scenes that are unironically heart-breaking or hilarious... And other stuff that's pretty dumb.
If I had to describe this, I would simply call this a very wild ride.
If I had to describe this, I would simply call this a very wild ride.
July 16, 2021
Wow did not See this Coming - Oh the Darkness!
OVERALL RATING: 4 stars
Art: 4.5 stars
Prose: 4.25 stars
Plot: 4.25 stars
Pacing: 3.5 stars
Character Development: 3.5 stars
World Building: 3.5 stars
Solid continuation. Definitely can see how this run inspired the Boys even more here. Enjoyable stuff but felt like this part of the run was a little bit slow. Definitely did not see who the mole was. Good writing.
OVERALL RATING: 4 stars
Art: 4.5 stars
Prose: 4.25 stars
Plot: 4.25 stars
Pacing: 3.5 stars
Character Development: 3.5 stars
World Building: 3.5 stars
Solid continuation. Definitely can see how this run inspired the Boys even more here. Enjoyable stuff but felt like this part of the run was a little bit slow. Definitely did not see who the mole was. Good writing.
July 25, 2019
PART 1, Annual 1: Kind of a setup issue here. Not much to see except for the Defenders and Fury still being competent on his own.
PART 2, 1-5: Yikes, there was so much "team-up" time wasted in two plotlines which could've been wrapped up in individual (or just fewer) issues. I wish that Ultimate Thor and Ultimate Hulk could apparate to suck up these stories and develop them properly.
PART 2, 1-5: Yikes, there was so much "team-up" time wasted in two plotlines which could've been wrapped up in individual (or just fewer) issues. I wish that Ultimate Thor and Ultimate Hulk could apparate to suck up these stories and develop them properly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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