Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov
Artists: Mico Suayan, Mirco Pierfederici & Leonard Kirk
I have been a huge fan of the Ultimate Universe since it started, and am slight saddened at the thought of it ending. It is however a thing that I felt was inevitable as Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man has been the only series to remain good, with Ultimate Comics: Ultimates and Ultimate Comics: X-Men both being rather inconsistent. I am however looking forward to seeing how it ends.
Plot
As Vision realises that Galactus is not dead she goes off to face him, but warns Falcon and the other heroes to be prepared in case she fails.
Review
This was a brilliant issue, and a nice prequel to the Cataclysm event, as although not really essential, it was still a fantastic issue. Joshua Hale Fialkov did an outstanding job of giving us a nice emotional set-up for Cataclysm, as although it didn't do a great lot for the events itself, it was still a brilliantly written issue, and to be fair do we really want a prequel that prevents the first issue from being new reader friendly. Fialkov would also do a terrific job of adding a lot of tone to this issue, as bar the amazing drama and suspense there would also be a brilliant atmosphere to the issue. There'd also be a bit of excitement in this issue as well, which was handled perfectly, but overall the issue was more emotionally driven.
The artwork on this issue was also outstanding and Mico Suayan, Mirco Pierfederici and Leonard Kirk all did an amazing job. Now usually I dislike multiple artists on the same issue, but this time not so much, as although the differences in their artwork was noticeable, due to their styles being fairly similar it wasn't quite as noticeable as some of the multiple artists issues you see, flowing very smoothly between each other. I also loved the high level of detail that all the artists produced on this issue, with some amazing layouts that added a lot of depth to the issue. On top of that the artists showed the character emotions perfectly, and especially on Vision which wouldn't have been easy due to her being a robot.
Now I have never read an Ultimate Comic that has featured the Vision, and only know the odd thing that I have read about her. Due to this I was sceptical whether I'd enjoy this issue as much due to this being my introduction to the character, but it would turn out to be the best thing about the comic, as it would be were the emotion and depth was focused. I especially enjoyed seeing her relationship with Falcon, and how throughout the issue she'd question just how humanised she has become. I also felt that Fialkov and the artists did a good job of showing Visions emotions, as showing emotion in a robot isn't an easy task, as it could easily seem a bit fake, whereas this felt very natural, adding a lot of depth to the issue.
We'd also get to see the world eater himself Galactus in this issue. Now I enjoyed seeing Galactus in the Hunger mini-series, and I also enjoyed his addition in this issue, and especially due to the fact that the focus was still mainly on Vision. I say this as with Galactus being the main threat in the event it is better to give a foreboding tone to him, creating more suspense and mystery. I also loved the interaction between Galactus and the Vision in this issue, as well as Vision's reaction to realising that this Galactus is much different than the Gah Lak Tus swarm that she's used to.
The issue would also do a great job of tying the two universes in as the Vision would see the differences between the heroes of the Ultimate Universe and the heroes of the 616 Universe. I personally really enjoyed this addition to the issue, as although overall it wouldn't do a great lot for the future of the story, it was nice to see the issue link both universes, especially considering this is a story that came out of a 616 story (Age of Ultron). I also enjoyed yet again seeing the differences between the characters of the two universes, and the reaction from Vision was once again very interesting.
Final Verdict
Although this wasn't a necessary prequel, it would still be a fantastic issue, having some brilliant emotion, and overall it sets up the main event perfectly. It would also have some amazing interactions, and would see the return of Ultimate Comics favourite Vision. Due to all this I'd highly recommend giving this issue a shot, but if your strapped for cash and want to get the main event it's not essential to get this.
Rating: 8/10
Writer: Paul Cornell
Artist: Mirco Pierfederici
This series hasn't quite been as I hoped it would, but it has been interesting, and although it's had a few poor issues it looks to be getting better again. It has also kept my interest all the way through, and although it's not quite paid off yet, I'm hoping that this new story will do.
Plot
Wolverine has lost his healing factor, and now he has to spend his life as a mortal, getting used with the fact that he can now die or be killed.
Review
This was an amazing issue, and one of my favourites since the first couple of issues. Paul Cornell has really made an impression with this issue, as although it's still nowhere near perfect, the series has been getting better with over the last few issues. The thing I liked the most about this issue was how Cornell added emotion, as although it may have been a little too much, too soon, it was nice to see that Wolverine had feelings, and was scared. Cornell also added other well known characters to this issue, and although there was probably too many, it was cool to see them. There was also no real action in this issue, and although that did take away from the excitement, it didn't really affect the issue as a whole.
Mirco Pierfederici once again did a decent job of the artwork on this issue, and although I will be happy to see Alan Davis return for the next storyline, Pierfederici did a good job on the three issues he worked on. Pierfederici's strong point on this issue was showing the characters emotions, and especially with Wolverine, as you could easily see the fear in his eyes, and although it may have been just a little over the top, it was nice to see. The detail in Pierfederici's art was also good in this issue, as everything looked brilliant. Pierfederici's art wasn't however perfect, as during the first page Wolverine looked unproportional with his torso seeming much bigger than his head, or legs.
The main change that happened last issue, and would be shown throughout this issue was the fact that Wolverine no longer has a healing factor. Now prior to this I had a lot of questions, which others seemed to have shared, with the main one being will Wolverine get Adamantium poisoning? This would be dealt with quickly, as Cornell obviously doesn't want the question to hang over his story. I did however as a whole like how before the big "Killable" story that Cornell took one more set-up issue to show Wolverine dealing with his mortality, as although the others have slowed the series down, this one gave more depth to it, which was nice.
Another question I had prior to this issue was will Wolverine now get drunk whilst drinking? Once again it would be revealed in this issue, as Wolverine would go drinking with Nick Fury Jr., later being joined by Thor. Although I liked this sequence, I wasn't sure if it was necessary to add Thor, as although it's always fun to have him around a bar sequence, it was one cameo appearance that wasn't necessary. I did however still like the sequence, and how it showed that Wolverine has friends.
This issue would also continue the hint of a romance between Wolverine, and fellow X-Man, Storm that was first shown in Wolverine and the X-Men #24. Now this is something that I personally wanted to see continued, and although some people won't be happy about the two getting together, I see it as an interesting development, and I'm glad that it appears to be continuing. I also liked the dialogue between the two characters, and how Storm reminded him of the home he's built with the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning. It's also an appropriate addition to this story, considering what will be happening in next issue.
Final Verdict
This issue is bound to get mixed responses, but I for one really enjoyed it, and loved to see how Wolverine's copping living as a mortal. I also liked the emotion that was added, as although it may have been a little too much, it was nice to see, and showed that Wolverine does know what fear is. It also had a few nice cameo appearances, as well as some interesting development points, and I look forward to seeing how the story progresses in the next issue. I personally would highly recommend this issue, but due to the type of issue would also recommend caution as although I loved it, you may not.
Rating: 4/5
Writer: Paul Cornell
Artist: Mirco Pierfederici
This has been a interesting series, but the last few issues haven't impressed me too much. I do however still have faith that the series will get better again, and hope that that happens soon.
Plot
After almost getting drowned, Wolverine and his small band of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents still have to find a way of regaining control of the Helicarrier, and decide that going through the Microverse may be their best chance.
Review
This was a great issue, and the series is continuing to improve in quality. Paul Cornell did a great job of continuing from the last issue, and although I felt the start was a little rushed, it was still very good, and dramatic. I also loved how Cornell managed to add more action to this issue, as although last issue had some, it didn't have a great lot, though this issue almost made up for that. Cornell also added more mystery to this story, as although it's always been mysterious, he's taken it to another level with this issue, by answering one question, whilst leaving more. The issue also had some brilliant drama, and suspense, though at the same time it still felt like another set-up issue, with not a great lot of change happening.
Mirco Pierfederici once again did a great job of the artwork on this issue, and although it's never going to even be a contender for the best Wolverine artwork in recent history, it's still very good, and a decent filler until Alan Davis returns. I did however much prefer Pierfederici's art this time round, as it was much more crisper, with better detail. I also felt that it was less rough than before, with the remaining roughness giving more tone to the story. I also loved the layout, and especially in the first couple of issue, as it was really dynamic, adding depth, as well as more drama. I also loved how Pierfederici handled the action, as it was exciting, and explosive, as well as slightly suspenseful.
This issue started where the last one left off, with Wolverine drowning. Now although I felt the situation ended rather too quickly, I did like how Cornell handled the narration, and how it mentioned how Wolverine killed his own son, Daken in a similar way, and that this may be karma trying to make things even. I also found it interesting to see a sign of fear in Wolverine's eyes, as although Wolverine's usually strong, showing little to no fear, this is probably the closest he's ever came to dying, which frightens him (which is natural), and I liked how it was shown, showing that he's still human.
There was much more action in this issue than last, as S.H.I.E.L.D. would use their team Namor against Wolverine. Now I'm not sure whether or not I like this new team, as there is a part of me that thinks it's both smart, and cool, being something that S.H.I.E.L.D. should have, yet another part of me feels that it's a bit silly, and that if they were going to introduce such a team, then is this the best place to do that? Somehow I don't think they'll stay around too long anyway, but taking away everything else it did add action, which I was happy about, as with the last issue lacking it, this one needed it even more. I also liked some of the dialogue throughout the fight, and although it won't be a memorable Wolverine fight, it was fun, and entertaining.
Now this issue would make the story much more mysterious, with Wolverine, and the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents that he's working with going through the Microverse. Now I won't go into too much detail over this venture, but I will say that it shook up the story a bit, adding more questions, whilst giving a few answers. It also made some things more clearer, and overall although I'm not entirely sure whether what came out of this will work in the long run, I did find it an interesting concept, and look forward to seeing how/if it's developed.
Final Verdict
This was a much better issue than the last few, and the series certainly seems to be getting back on track, as although it's still not quite at the level of the first two issues, it's not far away. This issue also had some interesting parts about it, with exciting action, also having much more mystery added to it. It also was a good set-up for the next issue, keeping me very intrigued, and interested. Due to this I'd probably recommend this issue, though if you don't have the last issue it's probably worth just getting the series from the next issue.
Rating: 4/5
Writer: Paul Cornell
Artist: Mirco Pierfederici
This has been a series that has really interested me, and although it's had a few hiccups, it has still managed to hold my interest. I do however hope that it picks up soon though, as I've read too many poor Wolverine stories over the last couple of years, and after the promise of the first two issues, it'd be a shame if this one didn't deliver.
Plot
After going onto S.H.I.E.L.D.'s new Helicarrier, the Hercules he realises that something isn't right, and lands up faced against the entire crew.
Review
This issue was an improvement over the last couple of issues, and although the series isn't quite at the level it was during the first two issues, it's slowly getting there. Paul Cornell has done a good job of taking this story to the next level, though it did have a little too much set-up, which dropped the overall quality of the issue. I did however like how Cornell handled the situation that Wolverine was put in, as although this issue didn't have a great deal of excitement, it had some, and was still dramatic. Cornell also handled the possessed Nick Fury Jr. perfectly, as although he seemed a bit weird, that what he should be like, and it was shown brilliantly.
The art from Mirco Pierfederici was good, and although it was nowhere near the same level of quality as Alan Davis, it was still brilliant. I really liked the roughness of Pierfederici's artwork, as although usually wouldn't like this amount of roughness, it works in this issue. The detail in Pierfederici's art was also good, as was the layout, which added depth to the issue, as well as more drama. I also loved how Pierfederici handled the action, as although there wasn't a great deal off it, what there was looked amazing. Pierfederici also did a decent job at showing the characters expressions, as although there were times where they looked a little stiff, and motionless, the rest was very well done.
This issue started with the narration talking about samurai movies, and how they're not like real life. Now although this is an interesting way of starting the issue, especially due to it starting with action, as well as soon flashing back, but at the same time I felt it a bit unnecessary. Now I know that you could also add that Wolverine has had a lot of history with samurai's, and that it's fitting, but it still felt slightly cliché. I did however like the new Helicarrier that was introduced, named after Hercules, which although again not really necessary to the story, still a nice touch, especially due to the reasoning behind the name.
Wolverine against S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't a new concept, and in fact there was a brilliant story out a few years ago called Enemy Of The State which had that as one of it's main concepts. This however is probably the first time where Wolverine's in the right, as usually Wolverine's the one possessed, with S.H.I.E.L.D. having to take him out. I did like this in this issue, though I did feel that it could have been handled better, as although it was good, it could easily have been brilliant. At the same time I also liked how Wolverine was slightly reluctant to fight the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, trying to take them out with as little damage to them as possible.
Wolverine wasn't alone though, as he'd find a group of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents sectioned off from the rest, resulting in them not being possessed, with Wolverine making sure things stay that way. Now it was nice to see Wolverine get some help, as although he could easily go through the entire S.H.I.E.L.D. brigade, it'd be hard to do that in a way where he doesn't kill everyone (even though that's not a bad thing). I was however not entirely sure whether I liked the interaction between Wolverine, and these agents, as although it was interesting at times, it felt a bit awkward other times.
Final Verdict
This was a step up from the last couple of issues, but still far from the level that the series should be at by now. I did however still enjoy the issue, and there was some very interesting parts about it, leaving with a fabulous cliffhanger. It also had some interesting action, all be it not much, as well as adding more mystery, whilst continuing to be dramatic. It also continues the story that has been building from issue 1, whilst also being a great start to a new story, and I look forward to seeing how it's developed. I would recommend caution when thinking about buying this, as unless you're already collecting the series I'd be wary, as although it'll appeal to some, it may not appeal to you.
Rating: 3/5
