Ultimate Comics: The Ultimates # 28 Review

By: Joshua Hale Fialkov (Writer), Carmine Di Giandomenico (Penciler), Lorenzo Ruggiero (Inker), Jim Charalampidis (Colorist)

Review: First of all: Yeesh! Try typing out the names of that creative team. Go on, try it. It tests everything you ever knew about the layout of the QWERTY keyboard to its utmost limits. I felt like a monkey tasked with typing out the entire Human Genome with single-stroke key taps while I was entering that…testing stuff.

Second: All such effort was totally worth it because now I can get to the good bit – telling you exactly how awesome Fialkov and co have made The Ultimates. I was pleasantly blown away by the last issue, and this one continues to impress. Humpries’ run seems like a distant memory now (one that I’m keen to forget) and even though some of Fialkov’s moves lay claim to similar structural traits as those laid out by his predecessor, this team actually makes them work – and work brilliantly. It’s full of the kind of grand ideas, great character moments and high stakes that make this book an undeniable keeper.

Actually, the storyline also has shades of Hickman’s time on the title, as well as a touch of the Phoenix Force Five’s A vs X exploits. Reed’s band of villains have set about winning the hearts and minds of Earth by building a better world than the Ultimates were ever able to give them. Quicksilver’s doing what is, I guess, community outreach work, Banner’s bringing about an ecological revolution (and the odd bit of smashing) to Africa, and Reed’s Herbietrons are fixing and securing pretty much everything else.

Ultimate Comics The Ultimates #27 – Review

By: Joshua Hale Fialkov (Writer), Carmine Di Giandomenico (Penciler), Lorenzo Ruggiero (Inker), Jim Charalampidis (Colorist), VC’s Clayton Cowles (Lettering & Production)

Review: I didn’t know quite what to expect from Fialkov’s run on The Ultimates. Previously I was only loosely aware of his work on I, Vampire, and even so he was a pretty unexpected announcement when the time came for DC’s post-Geoff Johns Green Lantern plans. Those were some pretty huge shoes to fill, so maybe things worked out best the way they did. Or maybe not. I mean it’s not like Sam Humphries was a tough act to follow – my thoughts on that are well documented – but even so, what he’s achieved here is remarkable. Under his stewardship The Ultimates has evolved from a book that I’d come to borderline despise with every ounce of my being to one that surprises, thrills and horrifies (in the vey best way). As far as the Ultimate universe goes, it’s a revelation.

In this issue our heroes are either already round beaten, or in the process of being beaten. Following the recent last few issues’ Infinity Gem-fuelled madness – whereby Reed Richards, Hulk, Quicksilver and a funky version of Kang the Conqueror have teamed up to rule/save/destroy the universe – the Ultimates are scattered and lost in a world of hurt. Cap and Hawkeye are Kang’s prisoners, rooted in a jail from which there seems no escape. Ben Grimm (does he even go by ‘The Thing’ in the 1610 anymore?) and Susan Storm are being chipped away piece-by-piece, literally, by Quicksilver. Thor’s facing an unfeasibly over-powered Hulk. And Tony…well, Tony’s predicament is the worst of the bunch.

Really, there’s no concern in spoiling the Reed Richards’ interrogation of Tony Stark in this issue; the cover tells you almost all you need to know. Tony is strung up in a lab, prostate and paralyzed as Reed digs into his brain in the search for an Infinity Gem. Say what!? Yeah…Tony’s brain tumour was actually a magical space gem all along, which kinda explains the whole ‘Little Anthony’ situation. This scene underpins the majority of the issue, and Fialkov revels in the horror. And horrific it is. The most pertinent corollary I can think of is the infamous ‘Brain Dining’ scene in Hannibal, minus the cannibalism. Reed’s also a much more refined tinkerer, and an even more sadistic captor – he keeps Reed conscious and cogent throughout, taunting and mocking Tony’s pleas for compassion and surrender. It’s a brilliant scene, stuffed as it is with dialogue almost as sharp as Reed’s scalpel and a sense of dread that builds up to a truly macabre climax. That bit I won’t spoil.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #24 – Review

By: Brian Michael Bendis (Writer), Dave Marquez (Art), Justin Ponsor (Colors), VC’s Cory Petit (Lettering)

Review: Miles Morales fans beware: there ain’t much of him to be seen this month. As you can tell from the cover (and last month’s last-page reveal), this issue is more an introduction to the Ultimate universe’s Cloak and Dagger, a fan-favourite team whose appearance has been loosely teased in the 1610 for years.

I have to admit, I’ve no great reverence for the characters personally. The last time I remember seeing them star in any comic of note was Civil War and that was in…whoa, 2006!? Color me old. Still, if there’s one thing the Ultimate universe could do with right now it’s new blood, and what better place to introduce it than the line’s flagship title.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #23 – Review

By: Brian Michael Bendis (Writer), Dave Marquez (Art), Justin Ponsor (Colors), VC’s Cory Petit (Lettering)

Review: Ultimate Comics Spider-Man is enjoying some well-deserved attention at the moment. And about time. It’s surely been one of Marvel’s best ongoing titles since…well, since #1 pretty much…and yet it’s hardly been given the same levels of praise and publicity as the company’s other top tier books – your Hawkeye’s and Daredevil’s. This is probably down to a combination of two things: 1) it has ‘Ultimate’ in the title, and 2) this Spider-Man ain’t Peter Parker. A shame, as it’s a consistently beautiful-looking book that draws the best from Bendis each and every month. With the last issue seeing an end to the Venom War storyline and, with it, the death of Miles’ mother, there’s been a surge of interest in the series that’s seen it hesitantly take centre stage. But it’s what it does under the spotlight that matters…and luckily this issue puts on a pretty good show.

Ultimate Comics Wolverine #1 – Review

By: Cullen Bunn (Writer), David Messina (Penciler), Gary Erskine (Inker), Javier Tartaglia (Colorist), VC’s Joe Caramagna (Letterer)

Review: Poor old Jimmy Hudson. As character’s go he’s often gotten the short end of the stick. He was first introduced in Jeph Loeb’s facepalm-worthy Ultimate Comics: X, a series intended to be an ongoing before production delays saw it wound up as an extended mini. Then he shifted over as a regular cast member of Ultimate Comics X-Men though his growth remained stunted, imagined as half romantic foil for Kitty Pryde, half perpetually snarling anger-ball. Now, even when he gets the chance to star in his own mini-series proper, he has to share page count with dear old departed Dad.

Still, Jimmy does kinda suck, so whatcha gonna do? Other than his Daddy Issues I’ve never found him to be that interesting. I mean, compare him to Daken in the 616; that guy had it all. Cool tattoos, an edgy Mohawk, a third claw on the inside of his wrist…and he was into the guys as well as the gals. Plus, he totally hated his Dad and cut the Punisher up into tiny l’il bits. Meanwhile J-Huds is just this angry white kid – he reminds me of Ryan from The O.C. Not that I watched The O.C., you understand, it’s just that I’m hip and culturally aware and have my finger on the pulse of popular entertainment *remembers that The O.C. finished 5 years ago, hides away DVD box set*. Ahem.

Ultimate Comics X-Men #23 – Review

By: Brian Wood (Writer), Carlo Barberi (Penciller), Don Ho (Inker), Jesus Aburtov (Colorist), VC’s Joe Sabino (Letterer)

The Review: This issue really took me by surprise. Much like Brian Wood  often did with great success during his Vertigo series DMZ, this is a stand-alone tale that breaks  away from the title’s continuing narrative to address an otherwise undocumented   chapter in one character’s life. In this case it deals chiefly with Storm and starts directly after she and Colossus participated in the breakout from Camp Angel (around issues #10 and #11) leading all the way up to just about the present day (around about #19). Just as with DMZ, this change in gear offers its readership the chance to catch a breath from the dense plotting of the ongoing title and for Wood to explore one of his individual cast member’s histories in rich detail and with a tighter focus. It is – for me – easily the best issue of Ultimate Comics X-Men in months.

Ultimate Comics X-Men #22 -Review

By: Brian Wood & Nathan Edmondson (Writers), Carlo Barberi (Penciler), Juan Vlasco (Inker), Jesus Aburtov (Colorist), Joe Sabino (Lettering)

Review: I dig that whole line of thought that when you’re tasked with reviewing something you should do so in a kind of bubble. You can only really give your personal honest opinion – otherwise you’re just acting as an aggregate for the communal hum of the internets. As such, I make it a rule to only read other reviewers’ critiques on a comic until I’ve submitted my own for publication. This serves me well. Occasionally though, I have to stick my head above the parapets and make sure that I’m not veering wildly off target, blinded by a cantankerous mood swing or unnerved by a total misreading of the material on my own part.

Ultimate Comics X-Men prompts this second-guessing behaviour more than most. I scratch my head and wonder why most other reviewers seem to be almost floored by Wood’s handling of the material, proclaiming the book to be one of, if not the, best X-titles on the stands (Ultimate or otherwise). Either I’ve been missing something entirely these last few months or these guys are all smoking the same blend of off-brand crack.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #20 – Review

By: Brian Michael Bendis (Writer), Sara Pichelli (Artist), Justin Ponsor (Colors), Cory Petit (Lettering)

Review: When I look at the triumvirate of titles that currently makes up the Ultimate universe I can’t help but give thanks for Ultimate Comics Spider-Man. Brian Wood’s Ultimate Comics X-Men has me somewhat on the fence; on one hand I admire the courage taken in burdening its cast with such a dour outlook, but on the other I find it exasperating waiting for something – anything- truly exciting to happen. As for Sam Humpries’ Ultimate Comics Ultimates…well, the less said about that the better; alas, I’m down with the 1610 ‘til it – or I – suffer an inevitably gore-soaked death, and will plod along by its side loyally until then.

But Ultimate Comics Spider-Man is a different beast altogether. Brilliantly scripted by a revitalised Bendis and illustrated by a small rotating cast of top-flight artists, I’m hard-pressed to remember a time when a comic from The Big Two has consistently delivered the goods for this long.

Ultimate Comics Ultimates #20 – Review

By: Sam Humphries (Writer), Scot Eaton (Artist), Rick Magyar w/Andrew Hennessey & Dave Meikis (Inkers), Matt Milla w/Andy Troy (Colorist), Clayton Cowles (Letterer)

The Review: If Jeph Loeb hadn’t irrevocably depleted my levels of Ultimate-based rage with the debacle that was Ultimates 3/Ultimatum, I’m pretty sure I’d be tearing this comic to bits with my teeth right now. As it stands, I’ve grown used to the Ultimates occasionally being neglected by Marvel’s quality control department like it was a red-headed stepchild and, as such, Sam Humphries’ run has elicited little more than a ‘meh’ from me most months. This month however, something in me snapped; we Ultimate fans deserve better than this.

Okay, so let’s start with possibly the biggest problem: the art. Since the wonderful Esad Ribic hit the ‘Eject’ button, departing Ultimate Comics Ultimates alongside Jonathan Hickman, the title has largely taken on an uneasy Boy’s Own look which felt totally at odds with the mature themes it was seeking to explore. It’s been difficult to take the Civil War-vibe and political posturing seriously with everything looking so bright, puffy and rounded, and that sense of disparity lingers here like a bad smell. For me, this is one of those Marvel titles which requires its art style to have one foot firmly rooted in the grimy, gritty ‘real’ to be truly effective. Bryan Hitch, Carlos Pacheco, Leinil Yu – who I feel have produced some of most definitive treatments of the Ultimates – all had a knack of conveying that sense of widescreen action that is so key to Mark Millar’s original blueprint. Scott Eaton’s work, much like Luke Ross’ before it, just feels too squeaky clean and fails to imbue enough drama into the scenes of volatile Hydra rebellion which lie at the heart of Humphries’ story.

As for Humphries, he’s certainly trying his best to make things interesting. There’s a double-agent plot, Hydra member melodrama, a shadowy organisation bent on unleashing a team of anti-Ultimates and Thor and Susan Storm investigating the secrets and whereabouts of the Infinity Gems/Gauntlet. That’s a hell of a lot of ground to cover in 20 pages and inevitably some of the spinning plates were destined to take a tumble. Frustratingly, what I found the most interesting element of all was the Thor and Susan Storm vignette, but with space at such a premium 2 pages is all Humphries could afford that story this month – the same is true of the “shadowy organisation” bit.

Ultimate Comics X-​Men #20 – Review

By: Brian Wood (Writer), Carlo Barberi (Penciler), Juan Vlasco (Inker), Jesus Aburto (Colorist), Joe Sabino (Letterer)

The Review: In contrast to a lot of other readers and critics of Brian Wood’s time on Ultimate Comics X-Men, I seem to have had a hard time really vibing with the story he’s chosen to tell. I think it’s the slow-burn nature of the telling; Kitty Pryde’s evolved into the leader of the Mutant race, born out of revolution and war, and is now in the process of building her people a new nation. But since the Reservation X storyline has been in place she seems to be more of a pragmatic administrator than charismatic figurehead. It makes perfect sense for things to be this way of course but for me it lacks some pizazz. However, the way some people evidently feel about the title, they think this is the best thing to happen to the Ultimate X-Men in years… what am I missing? Is there something more going on here?

Ultimate Comics Iron Man #2 Review

By: Nathan Edmondson (Writer), Matteo Buffagni (Artist), Andy Troy (Colorist), Joe Caramagna (Letterer)

The Review: I get the impression that the Ultimate Comics editorial team is fairly flexible with their corner of canon, happy to let new creators come on board and add to their characters’ mythologies with a decent degree of autonomy. If they hit Gold the plot can perhaps be worked into the relevant ongoing title and if it’s bad it can always be glossed over – anything in the middle is just a neat story, a satisfying extension of the universe. In the case of Ultimate Comics Iron Man I’ve little doubt that this will turn out to be an enjoyable standalone tale, but I also have modest hopes that it could be something more. Edmondson seems to be aiming high, attempting to expand upon the hero’s more permanent roster of confidants and rogues, and to delve into some of the more divisive moments in the character’s formative years. Not a bad idea at all, especially considering that Tony Stark is perhaps one of the more overlooked characters in the Ultimate line.

After surviving the Mandarin’s tech-orientated attack on his company and armour last month, this issue picks up with Tony taking stock of the fallout and setting out a plan to get to the bottom of who or what exactly the Mandarin is. He’s soon joined by the President’s Chief of Staff, Carol Danvers, who’s keen to do the same, even if she has to dodge some of that famous Stark ‘charm’ to do so – Tony’s all over her like an Extremis cocoon but is swiftly put in his place. A little bit of probing and discussion prompts a quick trip across the Pacific to Hong Kong and the source of the cyber-attack, an investigation that goes awry with the interjection of yet more troublesome attack drones and a further breach of Tony’s now drastically compromised armour.

Ultimate Comics X-Men #19 Review

By: Brian Wood (Writer), Paco Medina (Artist), Juan Vlasco (Inker), Jesus Aburto (Colorist), Joe Sabino (Letterer)

The Review: Now that the Divide We Fall/United We Stand crossover has ended, the individual books of the Ultimate Comics line are free to go their own separate ways. It’s almost back to business as usual for the Ultimates and Spider-Man (though Spidey’s now part of Captain America’s team and Cap himself is, y’know, the President) but the X-Men find themselves in an entirely new situation. After successfully defeating Stryker and his Sentinel army, Kitty Pryde has become the de facto leader of the Mutant race. They’ve been given a safe-zone, a piece of America that’s all their own. Here, in theory, no-one should be able to bother or murderize them. It’s a fresh start for the series, but Wood chooses to play it sparse and dark – no times for smiles, hugs or celebrations just yet.

Ultimate Comics Ultimates #18 Review

By: Sam Humphries (Writer), Luke Ross (Artist), Matt Milla (Colorist), Clayton Cowles (Letterer)

The Review: Sometimes it’s hard being an Ultimate Comics fan. If it isn’t Jeph Loeb sadistically eviscerating all of your favourite characters, it’s encountering an element of snobbishness from the 616-only crowd. “Grubby little pockets universes,” they’ll sneer in a Gollum-like manner, “Is the anti-Precious! Unclean! Unclean!” With a heavy sigh you might have the energy to point such doubters towards Warren Ellis’ run on Ultimate Fantastic Four, Millar’s Ultimates 1 or 2 or pretty much any volume of Ultimate Spider-Man in an attempt to change their minds. More often that not you’ll just tell them to go stick their head in a sandwich toaster. What you should definitely not do is show them a copy of Ultimate Comics Ultimates #18; such an ill-advised course of action would only lead to disaster, mockery, and an evening spent crying into the pillowy rump of your beloved Ultimate Blob plushy.

Ultimate Comics X-Men #18 Review

By: Brian Wood (Writer), Carlo Barberi & Agustin Padilla (Artist), Juan Vlasco (Inker), Marte Gracia (Colorist), Joe Sabino (Letterer)

The Review: A year and a half’s worth of plotting has been building up to this point – a decisive ending that opens up new beginnings. In the short term this is the last part that Ultimate Comics X-Men will play in the Divided We Fall/United We Stand crossover event, but in a wider sense this issue sees the mutant community finally secure some stable ground on which they can begin a process of rebuilding, a peace they’ve longed for since the events of Ultimatum. It’s slightly hurried in its execution, but still manages to produce some thrills amongst all the heavy lifting.

Ultimate Comics: The Ultimates #1

by Jonathan Hickman (writer), Esad Ribic (art), Dean White (colors), and Clayton Cowles (letters)

The Story: Nick Fury finds himself complete overwhelmed by disasters all around.

What’s Good:  It’s not something I’d have expected out him in particular, but Jonathan Hickman fully nails the “blockbuster” feel of the Ultimates, and in doing so, hammers home just what makes it a distinctive read from the 616 Avengers books.  This is a high-octane book with a high budget feel and one that feels bleeding edge slick and modern.

Despite this, however, Hickman still adds the little touches that keep the book smart and remind you just who is writing the book.  We’ve got what looks to be an ultimate version of “the World” that is the sort of ominous, sleek science fiction that Hickman does so well.

That’s not to say that it’s all high-tech realism however, as one of the major storylines takes place in Asgard, as does possibly the book’s best scene.  Hickman’s portrayal of Thor and the Asgardians as friendly partiers who take disrespect very seriously is one that makes them immediately likable.

That said, Nick Fury is the star of the show this month, and Hickman manages to convey his current circumstances very well.  Hickman overwhelms the reader with disasters and narratives from every angle, which is exactly what Fury is going through.  As a result, we get a real appreciation for the global juggling act that is Nick Fury’s high-risk life.  It’s a taut, dynamic read.

Ultimate Spider-Man Requiem #1 – Review

By Brian Bendis (writer), Mark Bagley and Stuart Immonen (pencils) Scott Hanna and Wade von Grawbadger (inks), Pete Pantazis, Justin Ponsor, and Edgar Delgado (colors)

The Story: In the aftermath of Ultimatum, JJ Jameson is full of repentance and remorse for his non-stop attacks against Peter Parker, Ultimate Spider-Man. He digs up a story about Spidey saving the day and rescuing Tony Stark and Mary Jane from hydra agents. As the heroic story hits home and resonates with JJ, he is delivered the terrible news that Spider-Man is dead.

What’s Good: Everything. Seriously. This is a great one-and-done tale of Bendis and Bagley at their best. This is the kind of story that made USM one of the best series ever and why all comic fans should hope that Bendis can resurrect the greatness of this series in Ultimate Spider-Man.

I can’t decide what is better the art or the writing here. I’ve always held that what makes a great artist is not as much the technical know-how, but the decision the artists makes in depicting a scene. Bagley has a rare knack for this talent and I always thought he was born to draw USM. He captures the excitement, actions, and true sentimentality that infuse this comic the magic that only comic books are capable of creating. Immonen book ends this comic, but it is really Bagley’s show here and he totally steals it.

Bendis crafts a natural and interesting dialogue here that may circle around cliche subjects, but end up coming off great between Mary Jane and Iron Man. Spidey has his typical witty lines and as he used to do regularly, Bendis had me laughing out loud with the delivery and content of Spidey’s jokes.

This issue is meant to be a eulogy and in that effort it is a complete success. Just like a eulogy wants to bring out the good in a person and honor them, this comic does just that, showcasing the best of USM. Also, just like a eulogy it makes one realize what you miss.

Listen, I’m not trying to sound too dramatic and corny here but you get my point. USM was one of the best comics and Ultimate Spidey was probably the best incarnation of Peter Parker ever. And whether or not Peter is actually dead, this era has come to an end.

What’s Not So Good: I can see that some readers might be upset that this issue doesn’t shed any light on what happened to Peter at Strange’s manor during Ultimatum. But seriously, who wants to revisit Ultimatum? And really, does it matter if Peter is dead? Or how he died? Ultimatum has cemented the Ultimate Universe as a place where creators get to create interesting takes and perspective on characters. It can never be taken “for real” like the major Marvel U. Just bring back Peter for the next series and pretend that Ultimatum never happened. Why not just start the whole Ultimate Universe completely with no, and I mean no connection to the current Ultimate Universe? Just create a new pocket dimension and call it a day.

Conclusion: Long time fans of USM should buy this issue to relive what made this series so good. Non-readers of USM should buy this issue to get a taste of what you missed– hopefully it’ll motivate you to track down the trades of this series. I for one can’t wait for the second part of USM Requiem.

Grade: A

-Rob G.

Ultimate X-Men/Fantastic Four Annual #1 – Review

By Aron E Coleite and Joe Pokaski (Writers), Dan Panosian and Mark Brook (Pencilers), Danny Miki and Troy Hubbs (Inkers), and John Rauch and Antonio Fabela (Colorists)

While I enjoy the occasional “Ultimate” comic, I’ve never been a huge fan of that universe.  I don’t plan on “converting” any time soon, but this issue sure makes a strong showing that the Ultimate U can offer a traditional Marvel story, while still maintaining its own flavor.

In the future sentiment has turned against all those with powers, and the X-Men have become a group of illegal freedom fighters. Eventually these X-Men decide to travel to the past to destroy the thing that started this hellish future: Reed Richards. As they invade, we see a rather entertaining fight between the FF of today and the X-Men of tomorrow. Twenty years of honing power and skill allow the X-Men to be victorious in capturing Reed, and the remaining FF decide to turn to the one group they believe can help them: the current X-Men. What follows is a typical mystery as the two teams work together to solve exactly what the future X-Men intend to do, and why they’ve only captured Reed, instead of killing him.

As a quick side note, the two things that interested me about the future X-Men were discovering who the new Captain America (yes, he joins the X-Men, and no, he’s not Steve Rogers) and the new Phoenix are (in this case, it is a character who is finally yet introduced in the Ultimate U) And if you think the future X-Men are cool, just wait until the last page reveals the future Fantastic Four!

Overall, this was an extremely entertaining plot, and I can’t wait for part two in two weeks! If you are a fan of the “regular” X-Men or the Fantastic Four these two issues would be a great thing to pick up to give you a taste of their “Ultimate” counterparts. (Grade: B+)

-M. Staples

Ultimate Fantastic Four #55 – Review

By Mike Carey (Writer), Tyler Kirkham (Pencils), and Blond (Colors)

I’ve just recently dipped into the Ultimate Universe, and this is my second issue of Ultimate FF (though the first one I’ve gotten a chance to review). The story, which was mostly a continuation from last time, is fairly interesting – we get to see more of the mysterious Seven and we learn that their heroic actions likely have a sinister plot behind them. I’ll admit that I’m quite intrigued to see how they fit in to what is going on simply because they seem to have links with S.H.I.E.L.D., yet their actions, especially at the end of the issue, suggest that someone else is pulling their strings; unless, of course, S.H.I.E.L.D. is trying to sabotage the Fantastic Four.

Even if the Seven don’t succeed, there seem to be forces in play within the FF trying to drive them apart. Reed and Sue’s relationship problems continue, Johnny is unsatisfied with his role in the FF, and Ben, despite his usual humor, appears to be suffering from depression. This is a Fantastic Four not yet united through years of trials. In the main Marvel Universe, Fantastic Four is about a family who, despite adventures and misadventures, remain united. The Ultimate FF don’t seem to realize they are a family yet (at least that was certainly the vibe that I’ve gotten from the last two issues) and it will be entertaining to see them evolve to that point. Of course, not everyone enjoys a long wait for plot to build up, so luckily there is a rather surprising end page which sees the return of an Ultimate character that is often associated with Fantastic Four lore which should keep the “short-timers” satisfied.

Still, despite these several plot points, the issue felt fairly slow up until the very end. I’m not sure how I would fix this problem, as everything felt rather essential, perhaps this is one of those times where it needs to be slow just to make sure everything fits in. Nonetheless, with the earlier mentioned ending, things surely look to pick up the pace next time.

Touching on the art, it gave me mixed feelings. Much of it was well done, but the lack of an inker made it look sloppy at several points. Likewise, I can’t say I like Tyler Kirkham’s rendition of Sue – she looks way too much like a “glamour girl” for my tastes. I’ve got nothing against her being attractive, but she should look less like a model and more like, well, Sue. (Grade: C+)

-M. Staples