Cataclysm: The Ultimates’ Last Stand #2 (of 5) (Review)

Writer: Brian Bendis

Artist: Mark Bagley

Inker: Andrew Hennessy

Colorist: Jason Keith

Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Artist: Mark Bagley with John Dell and Jesus Aburtov

Assistant Editor: Emily Shaw

Editor: Mark Paniccia

Plot: The original Galactus continues his plan to destroy the Ultimate Universe. The Ultimates’ Tony Stark realises that any traditional attack will be unsuccessful, and that if they’re going to save their world they need help from some more experienced heroes. Spider-Man and Reed Richards volunteer to travel to the main Marvel Universe and discover how to defeat Galactus.

Thoughts: This story really feels like an event. I was not a big fan of the recent Infinity crossover, as it felt like I had to read a lot of other books to fully understand it. However I think if anyone just wanted to read this series, there’s enough to keep your interest. Even though the premise is not new to long time readers, the situation is new to the Ultimates, and the pressure is on.

In the regular Marvel Universe a visit from Galactus is solved in the pages of Fantastic Four, but in this series there is no Fantastic Four, and Reed Richards is at best unreliable, and at worst a criminal. The series feels tense, as the obvious solution is not readily available to these heroes. Fortunately the Ultimates are aware of their counterparts, and still hold Mysterio, who was arrested at the end of Spider-Men. Mysterio explains to Tony Stark, that if you want to stop Galactus, you need Mr. Fantastic. I really like this scene as it shows how much fun contrasting the two universes can be. When Mysterio mentions Reed, Tony’s assumption is that he caused Galactus, and Mysterio has to explain that Reed is a hero on his world, even to him. I was unsure about the two universes meeting when Spider-Men was announced but if they continue to use the conceit sparingly and smartly, it will continue to be entertaining. This reminds me of the episodes of Fringe I really liked, only it’s even more enjoyable because we are already aware of the alternate dimension in detail.

I feel I should probably talk about Spider-Man, I recently reviewed the tie-in issues for this series, check them out, and while I really enjoyed them I’m not sure where they fit in here. At the start of the issue Miles is concerned about his father, and contemplates checking in on him. By the end of the issue, he has volunteered to hop to anther dimension. Did one of the most important events of his life happen between panels here, and if so does that have any impact on his decision to leave this world? I haven’t read the next issue yet, so that could all be explained, but at the moment, I’m a little confused. However if I ignore that for the time being, Miles’ arc in this issue is great. When the issue starts he is concerned he has nothing to contribute, he wants to help but doesn’t know how. When he realises that he is best suited to dimension hop, he doesn’t hesitate. While some Ultimates doubt him, he is able to convince them that he is their best chance. It’s a great moment for Miles, who at first was a little intimidated by the Ultimates after being saved by Thor, but by the end of the issue he’s proven he has a place amongst them.

Mark Bagley belongs in the Ultimate Universe. I’ve seen his work for DC, and his arc of Avengers Assemble, and he just never seems as good as when he’s drawing these characters. I think his style embodies the younger vibe of these books. All his characters look fresh faced, and this really feels like I’m seeming junior versions of well known characters. His Spider-Man especially is very iconic. Ever pose looks deliberate, and memorable, though after a career of drawing Spider-Man, what else should I expect? There are some strange designs throughout this issue, Thor’s armour for example, but I image that’s fallout from the recent Ultimates’ volume.

Grade – B: A fun exploration of the differences between the regular and Ultimate universes, and an interesting set up for next issue. Spider-Man was given a great set of scenes, despite not really being the name on the cover. This book benefits from having two creators who styles complement each other, and who know how to work together. What’s holding me back from grading this any higher is that this is mostly set up, and I’m ready for some pay off.

– Adam