REVIEW: ‘Wiccan and Hulkling: Raid of Ultron’ Issue 1

Wiccan and Hulkling Raid of Ultron Issue 1 is a Marvel Voices anthology published by Marvel Comics.

There are four stories within Wiccan and Hulkling Raid of Ultron Issue 1. “Family Matters” is written by Wyatt Kennedy with art by Stephen Byrne. “Mixed Signals” is written by Tegan Quin, with art by Luciano Vecchio and colors by Brittany Peer. “En Garde” is written by Zoe Tunnell with art by Rachael Stott. “Machine Learning” is written by Josh Trujillo, with art by Bradley Clayton and colors by Fabi Marques. Letters are by Ariana Maher. A family get-together to celebrate Billy and Teddy’s anniversary is interrupted by Ultron and a scattered adventure.

It doesn’t take much time for Wiccan and Hulkling Raid of Ultron Issue 1 to kick into action. There is a brief introduction due to the extensive, slightly complicated family tree. But the key to this story is the separation. Ultron now has multiple generations, allowing it to hunt down family members simultaneously. The comic transforms into an anthology the moment the family scatters. Each story features a pairing. They are all connected, but each has its own story within.

The inclusion of Ultron is just an inciting incident, with the conversations between the family members the key element. These can be discussions about the characters’ insecurities, or just catching up. Each chapter is energetic and fast-paced, with the heroes fighting murderous robots while having private conversations. Unfortunately not all of those included in the opening get their own story. 

The fact that Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, who had been so linked to each other for so many years, don’t get a story is a bit of a shame. But complaining about a lack of stories within such a large comic is unfair, because there are plenty of queer representations in the tales that are told, and from the creators telling them.

The focus on the characters is fantastic inside Wiccan and Hulkling Raid of Ultron Issue 1. Through two characters, an extended family tree emerges. Wiccan brings his brother Tommy, his mother Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, Vision, and Viv Vision. Sort of. As said before, it’s complicated. Hulkling brings Phyla-Vell and Moondragon. And many of these figures are placed on the LGBTQ+ spectrum in some capacity. “Family Matters” features the entire family and serves as the opening gambit before the group is scattered.

“Mixed Signals” sees Billy and Tommy appear in a fake grocery store. They talk about Wiccan’s marriage, his contentment, and his plans for the future. Wiccan and Hulkling are among the most content couples in the Marvel Universe, and their love has grown into one of stability.

This chapter of Wiccan and Hulkling Raid of Ultron Issue 1 has a special guest writer in the form of Tegan Quin, from the pop group Tegan and Sara. Quin’s writing of the dialogue is exceptional, and she’s an incredible storyteller. She captures the bickering between the brothers, recognizing the personalities of both Tommy and Billy.

“En Garde” merges the Kree cultures as Phyla-Vell and Hulkling find themselves together. This conversation has concern at its core. It’s an insecurity for Teddy (Hulkling), who worries that the marriage could get stale or boring, whilst sword-fighting with Ultron in the ruins of a castle. And finally, Vision and Viv enter the Sanctum Sanctorum, where Vision quizzes Viv about her reluctance to introduce him to any of the partners she has. All of these topics are relatable and worth discussing.

It’s important to stress that the superhero/sci-fi elements haven’t been waylaid to make way for marital and relationship discussions. Ultron is superbly written by all of the writers involved. It is both menacing and comical, exhibiting much more emotion than you would expect from a robot. It can be envious, annoyed, and even tries to rile up its enemies by poking at those insecurities.

The art is spectacular throughout Wiccan and Hulkling Raid of Ultron Issue 1. Each location is unique, as are the battles within it. The Ultrons also alternate drastically, representing a new generation of murderous robots. The one that Wiccan and Speed encounter is perhaps the most recognizable. Tall, tough, and sturdy, the emotionless face has been terrifying for generations. Vecchio brilliantly captures both the speed of, well, Speed and Wiccan’s magic.

The second Ultron is a much more dynamic incarnation. It has a flowing cape and a blade that makes it strangely fit its surroundings. The castle is beautifully constructed, carrying signs of history within its bricks. Hulkling and Phyla-Vell also bring swords, turning this fight into a swordfight. Stott and Byrne both bring a new design of Phyla, with long hair and shades. She looks amazingly cool.

The Ultron that the Visions fight is the most comical-looking. It is much larger, with a costume resembling a scout leader. There’s a terrific contrast of tech and magic within the Sanctum Sanctorum, whilst maintaining a fantastic feeling of movement.

The colors have a sensational variety across the stories. The lighting and backgrounds change depending on the story, whilst the characters’ signature shades can be found throughout the comic. Maher letters every page brilliantly. There are some custom word balloons, but the text is still easy to read.

Wiccan and Hulkling Raid of Ultron Issue 1 is an exceptional exploration of an enormous extended family. Through marriages, magic, and interstellar romances, a huge collection of in-laws and family members has somehow been created.

The magician and the Kree/Skull hybrid now brings together so many characters, with the degrees of separation down to one. Each story is entertaining and worth investing in whilst containing a wonderful amount of heart and love. The stories are connected yet individual, which reflects so many of the figures included. And at the core of the comic is a celebration of queer love.

Wiccan and Hulkling Raid of Ultron Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.