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albertico66's review
3.0
Interesting background to what happened during Civil War II. I questioned during the main event why a group of such intellects would follow a prediction-based crime fighting. This answers it - somewhat.
unladylike's review
4.0
This horse continues to be one of the strongest and most interesting in Marvel's stable from recent years. I loved the introductory volume so much, but was wary of the second since it had the Civil War II name on it, and those events (the details of which I never cared about and have already forgotten) are typically the killers of otherwise-great storylines and creative momentum.
Vol. 2 has some awkward and choppy scenes that play out like a highlights reel of confusing events that, I guess, have already happened around the same time in other parts of this Event? I sort of rolled my eyes and had to say "Whatever" to myself and move forward since I really like these characters and the ideas and shifts in the cosmic entities that Ewing has been establishing. Thankfully it regains its footing, and I got to see Thanos up close and using his powers in ways I've never seen before.
I expected/hoped to see more of Galactus the Life Bringer, and more Spectrum/Monica Rambeau here, but they remain in the background for the duration of this volume. The way the last couple issues go, I was absolutely sure that the story itself was telling the reader, "Sorry! This title is totally getting cancelled, so we're going to just give them a somewhat gracious, believable ending." I even started writing this review as if there's no chance of an imminent follow-up. But LO, reader! I stopped and googled "Ultimates Ewing cancelled" and instead what I got was some CBR articles about events in the series that made me scratch my head and wonder, "What book were THEY reading?!" Well, it turns out (because I don't follow monthly releases, and prefer to wait for several trade paperbacks to be at the library before getting into a series) there's hope! Apparently [b:The Ultimates 2, Volume 1: Troubleshooters|32941138|The Ultimates 2, Volume 1 Troubleshooters|Al Ewing|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1479947916s/32941138.jpg|53562756] follows this! Which makes sense, considering they introduce this whole new team of untested (to my eyes, and to Galactus) agents of the NSA that look eager to have their own stories told. So, if that whole side narrative is continuing alongside the various unified and estranged trajectories of our Fab Five (I'm calling them that. Deal with it.), I am so in it and eager to see where this goes!
Vol. 2 has some awkward and choppy scenes that play out like a highlights reel of confusing events that, I guess, have already happened around the same time in other parts of this Event? I sort of rolled my eyes and had to say "Whatever" to myself and move forward since I really like these characters and the ideas and shifts in the cosmic entities that Ewing has been establishing. Thankfully it regains its footing, and I got to see Thanos up close and using his powers in ways I've never seen before.
I expected/hoped to see more of Galactus the Life Bringer, and more Spectrum/Monica Rambeau here, but they remain in the background for the duration of this volume. The way the last couple issues go, I was absolutely sure that the story itself was telling the reader, "Sorry! This title is totally getting cancelled, so we're going to just give them a somewhat gracious, believable ending." I even started writing this review as if there's no chance of an imminent follow-up. But LO, reader! I stopped and googled "Ultimates Ewing cancelled" and instead what I got was some CBR articles about events in the series that made me scratch my head and wonder, "What book were THEY reading?!" Well, it turns out (because I don't follow monthly releases, and prefer to wait for several trade paperbacks to be at the library before getting into a series) there's hope! Apparently [b:The Ultimates 2, Volume 1: Troubleshooters|32941138|The Ultimates 2, Volume 1 Troubleshooters|Al Ewing|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1479947916s/32941138.jpg|53562756] follows this! Which makes sense, considering they introduce this whole new team of untested (to my eyes, and to Galactus) agents of the NSA that look eager to have their own stories told. So, if that whole side narrative is continuing alongside the various unified and estranged trajectories of our Fab Five (I'm calling them that. Deal with it.), I am so in it and eager to see where this goes!
brandonadaniels's review
3.0
A solid second arc. It manages to stay the course even though it gets pretty involved in Civil War 2 . I haven’t read that, and I was still able to follow this fine. The real problem is the inconsistency of the art. Kenneth Rocafort’s distinctive art was one of the best parts of this series. Djibril Morissette’s fill in pages are not up to par, and the decision to have Rocafort do a few pages throughout just draws more attention to the disparity. Christian award does the final issue, and it’s much less jarring. His work was more rushed and less developed here, but it’s still solid.
aeazel's review
3.0
As others have stated, this suffers by being derailed by the Civil War II event. Given Carol's involvement, it may have been inevitable, but I haven't (nor do I have plans to) read the event, so many of the references fall flat.
There are moments of true intrigue in this book: galactic ramifications continued from the first volume, shadowy US politics, and a through line with Conner Sims.
There are moments of true intrigue in this book: galactic ramifications continued from the first volume, shadowy US politics, and a through line with Conner Sims.
dryden's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
mjfmjfmjf's review
3.0
Yeah whatever. This was an okay book. But I don't buy the setup or the team. And I'm tired of the Civil War concept. And I don't like the one-sided thinness of Captain Marvel. The bit where America and Carol go to the future to see Future Justice in action - that could have been a whole good book with a lot of character development and conversation. I am happy that Galactus is no longer swallowing worlds. The writing and art were okay and it didn't drag. But wanted better.
snazel's review
2.0
Seriously, everyone in this book needs therapy. Grief therapy, PTSD therapy, longstanding trauma therapy, "you have a stressful job" therapy, anger therapy, etc. Honestly the military would have someone check up on you if say, your significant other was killed in front of you. The fact that NO one does this in this universe, and you are the one in charge of talking to your SO's family and friends about your lover's death-- honestly that's one of the least realistic parts of a SUPERHERO comic and it really annoys me.
AND STRUCTURALLY this comic is hamstrung because it's part of a convoluted ongoing story where not all of it takes place within the same series, as a blatant attempt to get people to buy more issues of their stupid convoluted ongoing story. There were whole main characters killed and like, huge structural changes (possibly a government fell?) between issues. A serious shame because the parts that were allowed to work without editorial edicts like "no one is allowed to get help for their issues" and "massive stuff has to happen off screen that we react to only despite being major players in the conflict"-- the stuff that worked between those edicts-- was really good!
It's just the rest of it that reminded me why I dropped all my comics subscription. Side note: I dropped every single one of my ongoing marvel subscriptions when they told us what the big summer event was going to be, and BOY HOWDY I made the right choice. This comic has CAROL DANVERS telling off her team members because they're trying to stop the violent arrest of someone who's been accused of pre-crime. So clearly a hamhanded story "we have to make these powerful people fight" and just so stupid and not true to any of the work that's been done on the character.
AND STRUCTURALLY this comic is hamstrung because it's part of a convoluted ongoing story where not all of it takes place within the same series, as a blatant attempt to get people to buy more issues of their stupid convoluted ongoing story. There were whole main characters killed and like, huge structural changes (possibly a government fell?) between issues. A serious shame because the parts that were allowed to work without editorial edicts like "no one is allowed to get help for their issues" and "massive stuff has to happen off screen that we react to only despite being major players in the conflict"-- the stuff that worked between those edicts-- was really good!
It's just the rest of it that reminded me why I dropped all my comics subscription. Side note: I dropped every single one of my ongoing marvel subscriptions when they told us what the big summer event was going to be, and BOY HOWDY I made the right choice. This comic has CAROL DANVERS telling off her team members because they're trying to stop the violent arrest of someone who's been accused of pre-crime. So clearly a hamhanded story "we have to make these powerful people fight" and just so stupid and not true to any of the work that's been done on the character.
pickett22's review
2.0
Well, what can I say? Civil War II was shit, but you've heard that from me already. The last issue in this bind up was really good. It was Ewing cleaning up after the summer cross over crap. He's really, really good. And I hope he gets a chance to write another really good book, like the first one was.
groovyterminus's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
letsgolesbians's review
4.0
I know I'm biased, but this series severely underused America. She appears more in the last issue (to set up what happens next, if the spoilers I've read are correct), but there was a lot of focus on men when America and Monica could have been used more.
Also, do not show me Kate quoting "you're not that straight" and not finish the conversation. And I know this Lisa girl is probably fine but I'm an Amerikate shipper until I die.
Also, do not show me Kate quoting "you're not that straight" and not finish the conversation. And I know this Lisa girl is probably fine but I'm an Amerikate shipper until I die.