REVIEW: ‘The Ultimates’ Issue #6

The Ultimates #6 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Deniz Camp, art by Juan Frigeri, colors by Federico Blee and letters by Travis Lanham. This issue is part of the new Ultimate Universe. The Ultimates team take the fight to The Hulk, one of The Maker’s Council members.

This issue is a step away from the previous chapters in the series. Where issues #3 and #5 are fascinating world-building issues with powerful political allegories, Ultimates #6 unleashes something entirely different: all-out war. Since the conflict with Captain Britain, there hasn’t been a fight against one of the Maker’s Council in the main comic. This chapter makes up for that absence, unleashing immense action against the most powerful figure so far. The battle takes up most of the issue, with a small intro that shows how the team has grown and their intent. The pacing is relentless, throwing everything at the hero.

The Hulk has more than just strength in this universe, revealing it to the surprise of the characters and readers alike. The comic has a general feeling of dread and helplessness, even with the added numbers. The sheer power of their enemy pulls the rug out from the heroes. And yet the action is still riveting, with so many different elements that make it fascinating. The plot uses recognisable elements of the Marvel Universe in unique ways, blending and toying with them. Just when you think there will be some hope or success for the heroes, there is a crushing blow that could change the future of the entire series.

The Ultimates #6 is the first time that the full lineup of heroes is together. Seeing how much it has grown and what characters have been collected is impressive. Where some have been more faithful to their counterparts, there are also complete reinventions. This world’s versions of She-Hulk and Hawkeye are entirely fresh takes on the characters.

Camp brilliantly controls the size of the cast. Holding back on showcasing the full team makes this reveal more impressive, whilst the previous issue has spent so much time digging deeper into their lives and making the readers care about them. The personalities are diverse and palpable. Most of them are still new to being heroes, and that fear can be seen in the dialogue.

The art captures the remarkable chaos of the comic. The Ultimates gathered together is an excellent spectacle, demonstrating the work that has been done in the series, considering how many there were at the start of the run. The Ultimate Universe has often been used to add a grounded realism to superheroes, yet Frigeri takes a brave leap away. The fight takes place in a magical kingdom, separated from Earth, and there is a mixture of magic and science.

The design of the universe’s Hulk is simple yet terrifying. He is big and imposing, with a calm demeanour. The rest of his army is also filled with wonder and intriguing concepts, adding horrific changes. Speaking of horrific, the violence steps up a notch. The comic bides its time, waiting until the last moments to deliver brutality. These are jarring and jaw-dropping.

The colors are peculiar. There are some interesting decisions, often straying away from vibrancy. Certain characters, such as the Human Torch, Iron Lad, and Captain America, have costumes that welcome the brighter shades. But both She-Hulk and Hulk are not as green as they can be. The locations have some magical tones added to them, with a stunning starry sky that is filled with details. The lettering is the same across the Ultimate universe and is consistently easy to read.

The Ultimates #6 is an alarming wake-up call. In creating a strong team, the momentum of hope had begun to roll out with each new member. But this issue is a devastating realisation of those in power. Multiple gut punches highlight how ruthless The Maker’s army is. It’s an extraordinary fight issue, with stakes and spectacle from the star. Camp has filled nearly every page with action. Every single issue is unexpected and refreshing, always seeking to make the reader feel discomfort and yet a sense of adventure and intrigue. The fight for freedom will take even more heroes.

The Ultimates #6 is available where comics are sold.