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.