I'm not sure what to say about Ultimates3. after two "Seasons" (because THAT'S what we need: comics imitating television) of the Mark Millar brand of widescreen superhero action with consistantly breathtaking (and consistantly late) art by Bryan Hitch, the new creative team of Jeph Loeb and Joe Madureira have taken over the Ultimate Marvel Universe's version of the mighty Avengers. but even though they are set firmly in regular Ultiverse continuity, this is an Ultimates team that just seems unfamiliar...Although they are every bit as much a superstar team as the previous duo, and they are employing the sexy, monumental, fast-paced model that made the book a hit, Loeb and Mad have created a vibe that feels very different. and i'm not sure i like it. i mean, there's all the eyebrow-raising plot/bullet points (incest: check, body count:check, superhero voyeur porn: check...), but it's certainly not the same as what i'm used to...
it's almost like the original Ultimates team was making an HBO series, and this team's making one for Cartoon Network. the writing's a little less engaging, or maybe i was just mesmerized by the realistic art of Hitch (not to mention Laura Depuy's sublime colors) into thinking Millar was writing great superhero drama. i mean, in the first issue of Ultimates3, the heroes are standing around in their Mansion base in full superhero costumes watching teevee... what is this 1985? and why are they fighting Venom? ugh...
Despite all that complaining, i have bought both issues so far... i'm trying to see if it gets better. Joe Mad is one of the biggest stars comics have ever seen, and it looks like he is still warming up. anyways, check out the preview pages from issue #3 on CBR... what do YOU think?
yeah, I read the first two issues. They really didn't do anything for me. They look nice, but I just couldn't care less. It's like a pretty pinball machine that's no fun to play.
ReplyDeleteOn the whole, the Millar-driven R+ rated superhero thing has been spotty across the board. It worked well on Authority with unknown characters, but in the Marvel Universe it always ends up feeling like the shock value is the main story element. "You mean Wolverine's really a gay rapist heroin addict!?!?!?!"
Whatever.
When Miller did it in the 80's it was character driven. Now it's like watching Entertainment Tonight. Jeph Loeb is the Michael Bay of comics.
i dunno... the first Ultimates run was brilliant. Millar's take on Wasp and Giant man was extremely compelling... Hulk, Captain America, Tony Stark... he really nailed them all.
ReplyDeletewhat made the book work was the relationship between the story and art, which played into the naturalism.
i'm not crazy about Loeb, or his handling of the Ultimates, but coming from you, that michael bay comment is a bit harsh (i know how you hate michael bay!)... LOL!
my feeling is that the writing and art are not matching up well... and when did hawkeye become a grifter knockoff?
I dare say it man: you grew up and so did your tastes. What was previous catered more to what was important. If you're gonna do superhero camp, do it intelligently, otherwise let Peter Parker make his deal with the devil and go read some Tolkien.
ReplyDeleteLOL!
ReplyDeleteit has to get REAL hot before i try to crack open Tolkien (zzzzzzzz)!