Welcome one and all to Comics Corner Issue #12 we’re we kick off the second and final installment of Bryan Hitch and Mark Millar’s super-sized Avengers arc. Last time we placed our microscope over the panels, S.H.I.E.L.D.’s dream team had managed to stop an intergalactic invasion from the Skrull. But now the dust has settled and peace has been restored, it appears the Ultimates have even bigger problems on their hands.
The Ultimates 2, Vol 1: Gods and Monsters
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Bryan Hitch
With the Skrull taken care of, the aftermath of earlier events are now beginning to take their toll and the dynamic of inside relationships are really starting to take some interesting turns. After being assaulted by her husband Hank “Giant/Ant Man” Pym Janet Van Dyne (The Wasp) has falling firmly into the arms of Steve Rogers. Billionaire Bachelor Tony Stark has fallen in love with Black Widow and the hammer wielding Thor has distanced himself from the whole group in a major way.
After The Ultimates have begun straying outside the lines of national security and finding themselves planted into foreign countries, the nordic crusader has refused to play ball and has even began forming a rally of protest which has begun to catch the attention of more than just his former allies. The implementation of contemporary political climates is not only a great catalyst to the very existence of The Ultimates, but it also nicely ties the series and it’s characters to a modern world.
But it’s the character development and the fate of Bruce Banner which really propels Hitch and Millar’s universe further forward here. Somebody has leaked classified information to the public, within that information lies the identity of The Hulk who of course was responsible for the death of around 800 civilians in Manhattan. Now the public know the hulk’s true identity and they are aware of the cover up protecting him, they are baying for Banner’s blood. As a result of this Banner is tried and eventually sentenced to death. It’s this event which brings many a true colour out and during it’s process shows a significant shift within the internal structure Avengers. A shift which not only turns the group away from Banner but from Thor as well. But with the norse God’s brother Loki back upon earth’s surface is everything as it seems, is everyone really who they appear to be?
Gods and Monsters not only answers and progresses previous questions put before us, but it also opens itself up to even more mystery and interpretation. For me the writing in this series continues to go from strength to strength and the artwork from Hitch continues to wow me. To the point now we’re I would consider him to be one of my favourite artists of late. With the series getting stronger with each volumised edition, it’s a real shame that their run on this series concludes in the next volume. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, as is the case with this weeks issue. If you’ve been reading along with us at home, feel free to throw in your two cents on the series. If not please feel as equally free to chime in on whatever you have been reading.
Next week we conclude The Ultimates 2 with Grand Theft America and then after that we head into the dark and twisted world of Preacher by Garth Ennis. So if your planning on joining in thats what you’ll need in the next few weeks. But until then comic fans, whatever you are reading, enjoy and I shall see you here next week.
