Friday, June 5, 2009

Ultimatum #4 (of 5)

Kudos to the creative team on Ultimatum for managing the difficult task of creating the most offensive comic on the stands (I started to say "each month," but that would imply the book had come out on time).

Herein writer Jeph Loeb and artist David Finch continue their efforts at shredding what's left of the Ultimate Universe. In that, at least, they are succeeding.

Several heroes die horrible deaths in this comic (one is particularly gruesome - I hope young children don't pick this one up by accident).

Despite that, there's not much story happening here. There's a lot of noise, a tender moment or two - but the plot doesn't move forward at all, and what does happen generally doesn't make sense.

Finch's art is fine, although a bit grisly in places.

But the story is just shameful. Even if the next issue somehow wipes out all the death and destruction, many beloved characters have been exploited and killed horribly for shock value alone.

The Ultimate Universe was a terrific gamble on Marvel's part when it started almost 10 years ago, and it's a gamble that paid off with quite a few outstanding stories (and a few stinkers, it's true). I readily admit that I didn't think it would work - until I read the first issues. Then I was convinced - quality wins every time.

But here they're throwing away that great idea for a sales gimmick.

It's just sad.

Grade: D-

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