Ultimate Comics Ultimates By Jonathan Hickman Vol. 2

My dear god ... this is pure destruction and chaos on the highest level.I don't want to say too much about this volume since I don't want to spoil anything major that happens. However, I will say this :1) Do you like pure destruction and chaos in your comics? If so, this book will give you a severe overdose of it. That's a great thing.2) This is a VERY unpredictable story arc. I felt like I was reading an extended "What if?" comic (that's a great thing, in case you are wondering)only difference here is that it was really happening in continuity. There were a lot of moments which surprised the hell out of me.As some of you already know, this current Ultimates story arc features a wide range of characters ranging from familiar characters like Iron Man, Thor, Nick Fury, Hulk and SEVERAL others, along with newer characters such as the frightening "Children of Tomorrow". In volume 2 of Ultimate comics: Ultimates, things get chaotically shaken and turned upside down for several of these characters.3) The story is FANTASTIC !!! The story in volume 2 is a direct continuation from volume 1 of Ultimate comics : Ultimates and everything in volume 2 is much better than volume 1 (which was still a good read, but volume 2 takes everything to the next level). In this story arc, the main villain is outright insane. I will refer to this main villain as "The Maker". I will keep "The Maker's" REAL identity a secret in case you haven't read Ultimate comics: Ultimates volume 1. But I will say this: he use to be a well known super hero which even people who don't read comics will recognize when they hear his name. I'll leave it at that. Anyway, in volume 2 of Hickman's Ultimates, you REALLY get to see "The Maker" at 100% scary. And trust me, scary isn't even the word to describe many of "The Maker's" twisted actions. Even if you sympathized with "The Maker" in volume one, you'll want to see "The Maker" pay for his evil, murderous actions.The story in volume 2 of Ultimate comics : Ultimates is INSANE !! Very shocking (especially when a certain OTHER well known hero decides to join forces with "The Maker"). Overall, you won't see what's coming until it's too late. Just when you think the book won't have the guts to "cross the line", it does. This is a VERY unpredictable story. Be prepared for several plot twists.This is a great story. Hickman is a FANTASTIC writer and this story is his best.This easily gets a five star rating from me.4) For those of you who haven't read an Ultimates book in years or are new to the Ultimates, Since this is volume 2 of Ultimate comics : Ultimates, pick up volume 1 first (also written by Hickman). It's NECESSARY since it's the first half of the full story.Also, IF you have the extra money and you are NOT on a strict budget, I suggest reading the following extra books BEFORE buying volumes 1 and 2 of Ultimate comics: Ultimates. HOWEVER, if you are short on cash, you can still understand Hickman's Ultimates volume 1 and 2 WITHOUT buying these extra books. But, if you want, these books set up the events in Ultimate comics: Ultimates volumes 1 and 2 (in order):A) Ultimate comics: DoomsdayB) Ultimate Spider-man: Death of Spider-manC) Ultimate Spider-man: Death of Spider-man FALLOUTD) Ultimate comics: Hawkeye (this one leads directly into Ultimate comics: Ultimates vol.1 and has a VERY important event in it. This is an important book).So try to read those if you can. If not, Ultimate comics: Ultimates vol. 1 and 2 should be good enough if you are on a strict budget. Everything is fully explained in volumes 1 and 2 of Ultimate comics: Ultimates and the story is easy to follow.5) For you OLD fans of the Ultimates who haven't read the Ultimates in a long time and who loved the CLASSIC and great Ultimates 1 ("Super-human" and "Homeland security") and the equally classic and great Ultimates 2 ("Gods and Monsters" and "Grand theft America")and might had also read related books like the fantastically written "Ultimate Origins",I HIGHLY recommend Hickman's Ultimates.6) For NEW fans of the Ultimates who have never read an Ultimates book, Ultimate comics: Ultimates volumes 1 and 2 are great starting points for new readers who can't afford to hunt down the older books and just want to start on the newer stuff!7) If you have been reading ALL the Ultimate series and related appearances since the begining, then volume 2 should be a treat (a shocking as hell treat, but a great treat nonetheless).

Wow, just wow.This volume of Ultimate Comics: Ultimates continues the story started in the previous book. Reed Richards' Children of Tomorrow have taken over Western Europe and are poised to be the dominant life on the planet. However, the People of the city of Tian may be humanity's best hope. Meanwhile, what is going on with Tony Stark? Things are not as they seem!The Ultimate Universe allows writers to create events that could in no way occur in the traditional Marvel books. Jonathon Hickman continues this trend here. The destruction caused by Richards is both horrifying and eerily possible in today's climate. I have yet to read a book by Hickman that I do not like. From his very scientific approach to the normal universe Fantastic Four/FF to his previous work in the Ultimate Universe, each story he tells manages to engage and fascinate me.In the artistry department, Esad Ribic draws the Ultimate Marvel Universe beautifully. From devastating visuals to the sheer determination on Tony Stark's face, there is not a panel that disappointed me.As someone who has been enraptured by the story of Ultimate Reed Richards, the conclusion of this volume does not disappoint. Drawing upon threads from  Ultimate Comics Doomsday , Richards is approached by a familiar face that almost brought a tear to my eye. The symmetry that Hickman writes within the ending of this arc is amazing. One line in particular that was echoed in previous books returns, although from a different source. To say what it is would spoil a great moment, but needless to say, it is powerful. Any fan of the previous Ultimate Fantastic Four series, Ultimate Doomsday, or any book featuring the Ultimate FF will appreciate what is done here.I finished this book with a huge smile on my face, and really, what better praise can there be?

Hickman's run on the Ultimates sadly gets cut short in the middle of this volume, as he and the artist left to work on other books, and the quality dip shows as the new author had to work off his outline. The ending feels too rushed, they litterally finish the fight in 5 pages, but I give it a solid 4 stars for Hickman's work and the artistic talent in the book. Best thing to come out of the Ultimate verse in years regardless.

The Maker is holding the entire world hostage and sets his sights on garnering the respect of the United States. S.H.I.E.L.D. is hunting the Ultimates, and they appeal to the People of Tian to aid them in their fight against the Maker's Children of Tomorrow. The Hulk is called in as well, but things don't go according to plan with him. However, there is still hope in the form of Tony Stark's genius! Can he save the world from the Maker's wrath? Happy reading!

THIS STORYLINE WAS QUITE EXCELLENT. I'M SORRY I WAITED THIS LONG TO FIND OUT THE CONTINUATION OF THE VOL.1!! REED RICHARDS: ULTIMATE VILLIAN!

I liked the story. Especially the bond between iron man and Thor. Worth the read. Worth the read and not a bad story.

A great resolution to the story line, and the ultimate fate of Ultimate Reed Richards in the Ultimates universe -- ultimately..

Really good comic, wish they had the hardcover available. Cannot wait for more volumes to come out in the series!

I've always loved the ultimate and the characters in it! Brilliant book, give it a read!

cheers

Since The Death of Spider-Man the Ultimate universe had a very strong line up of comics for it's relaunch and The Ultimates has stayed consistently strong and keeps getting better the further the story goes. Jonathon Hickman concludes his amazing run on the series in this book and so ends the emotional roller coaster he put us through. With Sam Humphries helping write the last two issues so he can have things set up for his run, both Sam and Jon pull off a very satisfying ending that was so wanted in the last book. Sadly Esad Ribic leaves as well giving his roll as artist to Luke Ross. I am already a huge fan of Esad's comic painting work but his pencil's really were something special. His work is what gave Hickman's writing that feeling of desperation The Ultimates were facing. By the end of this book you will see some superior character development as well as a bit of teasing for some very exciting things to come. I was a bit nervous when the Ultimate universe was relaunched but now all I feel is excitement for whats next so I highly recommend this book if you have already picked up the first one.

Super fun comic to read.