Misplaced Pages

Ultimates: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from[REDACTED] with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editNext edit →Content deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 03:36, 7 July 2008 edit66.111.165.51 (talk) Undid revision 223469616 by Asgardian (talk)- Undid removal of reception← Previous edit Revision as of 10:18, 7 July 2008 edit undoAsgardian (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users11,108 edits That IS vandalism because you didn't even look - information take from Reception in PH and then repeated in rv, and added spelling mistakes and didn't see note on Film. Sloppy.Next edit →
Line 2: Line 2:
|image=The Ultimates2 issue1.jpg|250px]] |image=The Ultimates2 issue1.jpg|250px]]
|imagesize= |imagesize=
|caption=Cover to ''Ultimates 2'' #1. Art by ]. |caption=Cover to ''Ultimates 2'' #1 (Dec. 2004) Art by ].
|team_name=The Ultimates |team_name=The Ultimates
|publisher=]<br>(]) |publisher=]<br>(])
Line 15: Line 15:
|sortkey={{PAGENAME}} |sortkey={{PAGENAME}}
|}} |}}

The '''''Ultimates''''' is a ] ] series published by ]. The series is a modernized re-imagining of Marvel's long-running '']'' comic book franchise as part of its ] imprint. The Ultimates team exists alongside other revamped Marvel characters in Ultimate Marvel titles including ], ], and ].
The '''''Ultimates''''' are a ] group of ] that appear in ] published by ]. The team first appear in ''Ultimates'' #1 (March 2002) and were created by ] and ]. The team are a modern re-imagining of the team the '']''.


== Publication history == == Publication history ==
Line 28: Line 29:
This was followed by the ''Ultimates Saga,'' which was published in 2007 and was a compilation of the events of ''Ultimates'' and ''Ultimates 2''. A third series titled '']'', written by ] and illustrated by ], premiered in December ]. This was followed by the ''Ultimates Saga,'' which was published in 2007 and was a compilation of the events of ''Ultimates'' and ''Ultimates 2''. A third series titled '']'', written by ] and illustrated by ], premiered in December ].


==Plot Summary== ==Plot==

===''Ultimates''=== ===''Ultimates''===
] of ] establishes a strike force of government-sponsored metahumans which includes ]; scientist couple Henry and Janet Pym (] and the ]); Bruce Banner (the ]) and Tony Stark (]). Together they are based at the S.H.I.E.L.D facility the Triskelion. When Banner injects himself with the super-soldier serum goes on a bloody rampage as the Hulk, he is eventually stopped by the other metahumans with the aid of ]. The team then join forces with the mutants ] and ] and agents ] and ] against the alien shape-shifters the ]. After a final climatic battle the alien Chitauri are defeated. ] of ] establishes a strike force of government-sponsored metahumans which includes ]; scientist couple Henry and Janet Pym (] and the ]); Bruce Banner (the ]) and Tony Stark (]). Together they are based at the S.H.I.E.L.D facility the Triskelion. When Banner injects himself with the super-soldier serum goes on a bloody rampage as the Hulk, he is eventually stopped by the other metahumans with the aid of ]. The team then join forces with the mutants ] and ] and agents ] and ] against the alien shape-shifters the ]. After a final climatic battle the alien Chitauri are defeated.
Line 38: Line 40:
] ]
The Ultimates, now disassociated from S.H.I.E.L.D, operate from Tony Stark's mansion, are dealing with the ramifications of a sex tape depicting Stark and the Black Widow that has been leaked to the media. The Wasp assumes leadership of the team when Stark succumbs to ] due to the scandal. Thor begins a relationship with the adventuress ], while the Scarlet Witch is assassinated by a sniper when out on a date with her brother Quicksilver. After being advised by the mutant ] that the villain ] has taken the Scarlet Witch's corpse to the ], some of the Ultimates begin pursuit. The Ultimates, now disassociated from S.H.I.E.L.D, operate from Tony Stark's mansion, are dealing with the ramifications of a sex tape depicting Stark and the Black Widow that has been leaked to the media. The Wasp assumes leadership of the team when Stark succumbs to ] due to the scandal. Thor begins a relationship with the adventuress ], while the Scarlet Witch is assassinated by a sniper when out on a date with her brother Quicksilver. After being advised by the mutant ] that the villain ] has taken the Scarlet Witch's corpse to the ], some of the Ultimates begin pursuit.

== Reception ==
Popmatters.com praised ]'s writing in the opening eight issues of volume one, stating the writer "is able to walk a very fine line of keeping the story measured yet entertaining".<ref>{{cite web| last = Konczal| first = Michael | url=http://www.popmatters.com/comics/ultimates-1-8.shtml | title=THE ULTIMATES #1-8 | publisher=popmatters.com | accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref> Comicsbulletin.com in the review of the "Homeland Security" story arc states the artwork is "visual magnificence" however is concerned about the dark writing of the characters stripped of their "super-heroic nobility" and was "disheartened by the book’s tone and cynicism".<ref>{{cite web| last = Dallas| first = Keith| url=http://www.comicsbulletin.com/reviews/108445861133829.htm| title=The Ultimates Vol. 2: Homeland Security TPB| publisher=comicsbulletin.com| accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref> Shakingthrough.net gave "Homeland Security" a 4.2 out of 5.0 stating it is an "engaging read, filled with intriguing and amusing modern takes on classic Marvel characters" whilst praising Bryan Hitch's artwork by saying it is "amazing, gorgeous artwork, which continues to set the standard for cinematic photo-realism."<ref>{{cite web| last = Moreau| first = Kevin Forest| url=http://www.shakingthrough.net/comics/reviews/2004/ultimates_volume_2_2004.html| title=The Ultimates Vol. 2: Homeland Security TPB| publisher=comisbulletin.com| accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref> ''Ultimates'' #1 ranked 4th in the top 300 comics in January 2002 period with sales of 149,289.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/indepth/987.html| title=Top 300 Comics--January 2002| publisher=icv2.com| accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref> The ''Ultimates'' Vol 1 hardcover ranked 11 in the Top 100 graphic novels for October 2004 with pre-order sales of 4,728.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/6009.html| title=Top 100 Graphic Novels Actual--October 2004| publisher=icv2.com| accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref>

Ultimates 2 #1 was ranked second in comic sales for December 2004 period with pre-order sales of 146,271. New Avengers #1 with pre-order sales of 240,724 came first for that period.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/6291.html| title=Top 300 Comics Actual--December 2004| publisher=icv2.com| accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref> Curledup.com praises Millar's writing of the classic heroes and the "inclusion of current-day politics" improves the storyline.<ref>{{cite web| last = Eaton| first = Lance| url=http://www.curledup.com/ulti2vo1.htm| title=Ultimates 2, Volume 1: Gods & Monsters| publisher=curledup.com| accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref> The final issue of the series #13 was ranked 13 in the Top 300 comics for May 2007 with pre-order sales of 105,745.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/10766.html| title=Top 300 Comics Actual--May 2007| publisher=icv2.com| accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref> Comicsbulletin.com reviewed the final issue #13 but found it anti-climatic with the issue degenerating to a "slug fest". The artwork was praised with the reviewer stating that Bryan Hitch's "artwork has definitely been one of the main elements that will make this series memorable." <ref>{{cite web| last = Powers| first = Kevin| url=http://www.comicsbulletin.com/reviews/117952616766620.htm| title=Ultimates 2 #13| publisher=]| accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref> Denofgeek.com praised the artwork, with "Bryan Hitch doing some of the best work of his career", but was critical of the Millar's writing stating it had "no substance".<ref>{{cite web| last = Mclaughlin| first = Robert| url=http://www.denofgeek.com/comics/2060/ultimates_13_review.html| title=Ultimates 13: Review| publisher=denofgeek.com| accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref>

Critical reception to the drastic change in creative talent, combined with the general lack of continuity between it and the second volume, crippled the popularity of ''Ultimates 3''. IGN.com called the book a "reasonably decent experience" although the issue "falters on its own merits",<ref>{{cite web| last = George| first = Richard| url=http://au.comics.ign.com/articles/839/839841p1.html| title=Ultimates Vol. 3 #1 Review| publisher=IGN.com| accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref> only to later state while reviewing the third issue that "Behind the theatrics and swagger, there's just nothing there to draw me in. These are the characters that I used to enjoy in name only, hollow shells of what they used to be." <ref>{{cite web| last = Fuller| first = Kevin| url=http://uk.comics.ign.com/articles/853/853747p1.html| title=Ultimates Vol. 3 #3 Review| publisher=IGN.com| accessdate=2008-06-21}}</ref> Jon Judy, of Comicsbulletin.com, was more receptive of the comic, giving it four and a half bullets, and stated the new series is off to a "very, very good start". He praised most of Loeb's dialogue, and felt Madureira's art was "cartoony enough not to be a distraction but detailed and dark enough to fit the feel of the book."<ref>{{cite web| last = Judy| first = Jon| url=http://www.comicsbulletin.com/reviews/119726258485189.htm| title=Sunday Slugfest – Ultimates 3 #1| publisher=comicsbulletin.com| accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref>

Despite the ranking of preorder sales, ''Ultimates 3'' has declined in actual sales with each issue. The first issue of volume three ranked first in December 2007's Top 300 comics with preorder sales of 131,401.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/11939.html| title=Top 300 Comics Actual--December 2007| publisher=icv2.com| accessdate=2008-03-07}}</ref> Issue two dropped to number seven with 105,070 preorders.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/12096.html| title=Top 300 Comics Actual--January 2008| publisher=icv2.com| accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref> Issue three ranked better than its predecessor, falling at number five, but had a smaller number of preorders, totaling at 97,210.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/12242.html| title=Top 300 Comics Actual--February 2008| publisher=icv2.com| accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref>

==Characters==
{{main|List of Avengers members#Ultimates}}

==Headquarters==
The Triskelion is the main headquarters of the Ultimates. It first appeared in ''Ultimates'' #3. The Triskelion is a massive compound built by S.H.I.E.L.D. on an artificial island in the ]. It contains docking facilities for ships up to the size of aircraft carriers, airstrips, and several buildings, primarily a large three-winged tower from which the name Triskelion is presumably derived.

The Triskelion was planned by ] and houses a hospital facility, laboratories, barracks for S.H.I.E.L.D. troops, at least one squadron of fighter jets, and specialized holding facilities for superhuman prisoners.

Since the Ultimates have left the employ of the US Government, they have moved their headquarters to Stark Tower. However, the facility is still under construction.


==''Ultimate Avengers'' animated films== ==''Ultimate Avengers'' animated films==
{{main|Ultimate Avengers|Ultimate Avengers 2}} {{main|Ultimate Avengers}}
The ''Ultimates'' have also been the basis for two animated films, ] and ].
''Ultimates'' has been adapted into ''Ultimate Avengers'', a series of animated films released on DVD. Initially, the announcement came on ], ] that ] and ] would be producing '']'', which was then released on ], ]. Later the same year, the second film, '']'', was released on ]. The animated movies are not cannon due to small changes in story.


==Collected editions== ==Collected editions==
The series has been collected in 5 trade paperbacks and 2 hardcovers.


;Hardcover: Hardcover:

{| {|
|''Ultimates'' |''Ultimates''
Line 76: Line 59:
|} |}


;Trade paperbacks: Trade paperbacks:

{| {|
|''Ultimates Vol. 1: Super-Human'' |''Ultimates Vol. 1: Super-Human''
Line 99: Line 83:
|} |}


;Mass market paperbacks: Mass Market Paperbacks:

{| {|
|'']'' |'']''

Revision as of 10:18, 7 July 2008

The Ultimates
File:The Ultimates2 issue1.jpgCover to Ultimates 2 #1 (Dec. 2004) Art by Bryan Hitch.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
(Ultimate imprint)
First appearanceUltimates #1
Created byMark Millar
Bryan Hitch
In-story information
Base(s)Triskelion
Roster
See: Ultimate Members

The Ultimates are a fictional group of superheroes that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team first appear in Ultimates #1 (March 2002) and were created by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch. The team are a modern re-imagining of the team the Avengers.

Publication history

The first volume of the Ultimates, written by Millar and illustrated by Hitch, was published in limited series format and ran for twelve issues with production delays from March 2002 until April 2004. Writer Hitch commented: "We just set out with the basic idea: What would we do if we had to make The Avengers as a movie?... You have to approach it as though nothing has happened before and tell the story fresh from the start, find the current day relevance and the best actors. We had to get to the core of who these people were and build outwards, so Cap was a soldier, Thor is either a nut case or a messiah (maybe both, today we would treat them same way: a cult following and a spell in the loony house), Banner an insecure genius, and Fury the king of cool."

In a December 2004 interview with PopCultureShock, Millar talked about the comic, stating that Ultimates were indeed different from the Avengers (its mainstream Marvel sister title): "The idea behind The Avengers is that the Marvel Universe's biggest players all get together and fight all the biggest supervillains they can't defeat individually, whereas Ultimates 2 is an exploration of what happens when a bunch of ordinary people are turned into super-soldiers and being groomed to fight the real-life war on terror." He also defended the concept of putting controversial "indie" topics into a big mainstream comic like Ultimates, denying he had "sold out". He said: "There's a funny snobbery from people as regards the worthiness of indie books... The nice thing about hitting your thirties is realizing it's often all pose and 90% of indie books are as shit as 90% of mainstream books. There's good and bad on both sides and no inner-dignity to not selling well."

Popmatters.com praised Mark Millar's writing in the opening eight issues of volume one, stating the writer "is able to walk a very fine line of keeping the story measured yet entertaining". Comicsbulletin.com in the review of the "Homeland Security" story arc states the artwork is "visual magnificence" however is concerned about the dark writing of the characters stripped of their "super-heroic nobility" and was "disheartened by the book’s tone and cynicism".

A second series, also by Millar and Hitch and with similar production delays, was released as Ultimates 2 and ran for thirteen from December 2004 to May 2007. Hitch has described completing the final issue of Ultimates 2 by saying, "The bane of my life for the last five years is gone from my day to day routine." He describes the job as difficult, but stated that no prior job in his then-twenty years in the business was "so creatively rewarding, so time-consuming and so fulfilling".

This was followed by the Ultimates Saga, which was published in 2007 and was a compilation of the events of Ultimates and Ultimates 2. A third series titled Ultimates 3, written by Jeph Loeb and illustrated by Joe Madureira, premiered in December 2007.

Plot

Ultimates

General Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D establishes a strike force of government-sponsored metahumans which includes Captain America; scientist couple Henry and Janet Pym (Giant-Man and the Wasp); Bruce Banner (the Hulk) and Tony Stark (Iron Man). Together they are based at the S.H.I.E.L.D facility the Triskelion. When Banner injects himself with the super-soldier serum goes on a bloody rampage as the Hulk, he is eventually stopped by the other metahumans with the aid of Thor. The team then join forces with the mutants Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch and agents Hawkeye and Black Widow against the alien shape-shifters the Chitauri. After a final climatic battle the alien Chitauri are defeated.

Ultimates 2

One year later public opinion turns against the team when it is discovered that Bruce Banner is in fact the Hulk and was responsible for hundreds of deaths. The team is undermined further when Thor is accused of being an escaped mental patient and is incarcerated. This is the doing of his brother Loki, who also facilitates the creation of a new team of anti-American multi-nationals called the Liberators. With the aid of the Black Widow - who betrays the team to the Liberators - the Ultimates are captured, but eventually escape and battle the Liberators to the death. With the aid of Asgardian warriors, the Ultimates defeat both Loki and the Liberators.

Ultimates 3

File:Ultimates-20070724055637699.jpg
Cover art to Ultimates 3 #1.

The Ultimates, now disassociated from S.H.I.E.L.D, operate from Tony Stark's mansion, are dealing with the ramifications of a sex tape depicting Stark and the Black Widow that has been leaked to the media. The Wasp assumes leadership of the team when Stark succumbs to alcoholism due to the scandal. Thor begins a relationship with the adventuress Valkyrie, while the Scarlet Witch is assassinated by a sniper when out on a date with her brother Quicksilver. After being advised by the mutant Wolverine that the villain Magneto has taken the Scarlet Witch's corpse to the Savage Land, some of the Ultimates begin pursuit.

Ultimate Avengers animated films

Main article: Ultimate Avengers

The Ultimates have also been the basis for two animated films, Ultimate Avengers and Ultimate Avengers 2.

Collected editions

Hardcover:

Ultimates (ISBN 0-7851-1082-8) collects Ultimates #1-13
Ultimates 2 (ISBN 9780785121381 ) collects Ultimates 2 #1-13 and Ultimates 2 #1 Variant Sketch Edition

Trade paperbacks:

Ultimates Vol. 1: Super-Human (ISBN 0-7851-0960-9) collects Ultimates #1-6
Ultimates Vol. 2: Homeland Security (ISBN 0-7851-1078-X) collects Ultimates #7-13
Ultimate Annuals Vol. 1 (ISBN 0-7851-2035-1) includes Ultimates 2 Annual #1
Ultimates 2 Vol. 1: Gods And Monsters (ISBN 0-7851-1093-3) collects Ultimates 2 #1-6
Ultimates 2 Vol. 2: Grand Theft America (ISBN 0-7851-1790-3) collects Ultimates 2 #7-13

Mass Market Paperbacks:

Tomorrow Men (The Ultimates) (ISBN 1-4165-1065-6) Michael Jan Friedman
The Ultimates: Against All Enemies (ISBN13: 9781416510710)(ISBN10: 1416510710) Alex Irvine

References

  1. Evans, Sam. "Bryan Hitch: The Ultimates Visionary". Comics Bulletin.com. Retrieved 2008-06-30.
  2. ^ Estrella, Ernie. "Mark Millar Interview". popcultureshock.com. Retrieved 2008-03-20.
  3. Konczal, Michael. "THE ULTIMATES #1-8". popmatters.com. Retrieved 2008-03-20.
  4. Dallas, Keith. "The Ultimates Vol. 2: Homeland Security TPB". comicsbulletin.com. Retrieved 2008-03-20.
  5. Ong Pang Kean, Benjamin (2006-11-12). "HITCH: DONE WITH ULTIMATES 2 #13". Newsarama. Retrieved 2008-04-08.

External links

Avengers
Affiliated teams
Locations
In other media
Television
Film
Video games
Attractions and
experiences
Related
Ultimate Marvel
List of publications
Earth-1610
Ongoing series
Ultimate Comics
Universe Reborn
Limited series
Ultimate Comics
Universe Reborn
Storylines
Story arcs
Ultimate Comics
Characters
Spider-Man
Ultimates
X-Men
Other
Other media
Miscellaneous
Categories:
Ultimates: Difference between revisions Add topic