The Ultimates, Vol. 1
by Mark Millar
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Book Summary Information
Author: Mark MillarBrand: Marvel Comics
Illustrator: Bryan Hitch
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-05-24
ISBN: 0785110828
Number of pages: 376
Publisher: Marvel
Book Reviews of The Ultimates, Vol. 1
Book Review: Ultimate Comic Experience
Summary: 5 Stars
When Marvel, a few years back, decided to "reboot" the Marvel Universe without being beholden to longtime continuity, I was very much the skeptic. But the Ultimate versions of both the X-Men and Spider-Man were entertaining enough for me to give the Avengers relaunch a shot.
The Ultimates is by far the most successful of the bunch. Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch give readers the Avengers from the beginning, but with a 21st century eye. The result is a dense, faithful reconstruction of the Avengers team, taking the best stuff from the early stories of the Avengers and making it both rich in context and incredibly faithful to Lee & Kirby's creations.
Weaved in this massive 13-chapter volume are retellings of Captain America's awakening in the modern world, as well as a familiar shape-shifting race's incursion on our planet. The reimagining of Iron Man, Thor, and the Pyms are both respectful and realistic, as illustrated by Tony Stark's reliance on alcohol (when asked about donning his armor after a few martinis, he replies "Who'd climb into that thing sober?") and a very satisfying come-uppance regarding domestic violence (it's what should have happened to Henry Pym a l-o-n-g time ago).
And still, mysteries abound, setting up for Ultimates2, specifically the secret behind Thor. It also dovetails nicely into Warren Ellis's "Ultimate Nightmare" and B. M. Bendis's "Ultimate Six". Mark Millar has such an obvious love for these characters, and the dialogue is spot-on. Bryan Hitch's artwork is so deeply rendered and detailed, you can hear the cast speak in their real-world equivalents' voices (Nick Fury is a dead ringer for Samuel L. Jackson, for instance; Henry Pym resembles Val Kilmer, etc.).
This is the kind of quality package Marvel should always strive for. Quality writing, quality art, quality volume. The Hardcover is definitely bookshelf-appropriate, handsome and well-bound, and the story arc definitely warrants this treatment. If you are an Avengers fan, you will not regret shelling out the extra money for this edition.
In short, it's the Ultimate.
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