The Ultimates, Vol. 1

Book Description

A teenager is climbing walls in Manhattan. Mutants are attacking the White House. Nick Fury, head of the elite espionage agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., knows the only way to combat these strange new threats is with a team of hisown superhumans. Backed by a billion-dollar budget, Fury recruits Giant Man, the Wasp, Iron Man, Captain America and Thor. And while the team is strong enough to engage in a ferocious battle with the Hulk, will they implode under the weight of their internal conflicts? Rising above their own agendas, the Ultimates forge ahead with the introduction of new allies and face a major global threat. Collects THE ULTIMATES VOL.1: SUPER-HUMAN and THE ULTIMATES VOL. 2: HOMELAND SECURITY. PLUS: A hefty helping of DVD-Style extras!

Customer Reviews:

NOT BAD-NOT AMAZING.......2007-09-11

I wish i could say this was amazing but in such a thick book i found that i wanted more action.it covers a lot of characters so it is fair that it isnt fighting for 300 pages.(the cover mentions spiderman, he plays NO part in this story)there were a lot of cool moments but at the half way point of this book i just wondered how much i could sell it for!Apon a reread i may love it but it did feel a little slow for a bit too long.All that said when the PLOT actually came around to giving the ULTIMATES an enemy to fight i couldnt put it down.I will not be selling this book now.The final scenes(chapters)unravels the battle that i had waited for and i was amazed (finally) at how long it continued.The team showed their best in their own ways and left me waiting for december when the next heavy H/C edition comes out.As for the characters being rehashed my feelings were that they were all as they should be if remaking the avengers.Shame though that IRON MAN was such a softy boozer after reading civil war where i first really got to see him.The Hulk was great,crazy,out of control and nearly unstoppable.All in all im becoming a Millar fan even if the POP CULTURE jokes do sometimes feel a bit like your dad trying to be cool in front of your friends.In that they may fit the story but sometimes just feel arkward.If you like that side of this story read WANTED.I give this book 4 stars coz 3 1/2 cant be done.

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

The Ultimates takes more of a right-wing riff on where the Authority had gone before, as the Avengers become a military unit, of sorts, and proceed to dysfunctionally bicker their way through lots of destruction, death, and mayhem, often caused by their own members.

Wife beating, alcoholism, double agents, are all minor when the Hulk goes on a people slaughtering rampage, I suppose.

Every Hero needs a beginning..........2007-08-16

Thor. Hulk. Iron Man. Captain America. These are all names that should be synonymous with the concept of hero. Films have been made, Saturday Morning cartoons have been developed, toys are carried in nearly every child's arm across America, but these mild mannered superheroes have been around longer than this critic cares to say. They are the pioneers of pop culture, with references being made towards them in nearly everything that we see, hear, and smell. The screens have made them popular again, but it is in the comic form that these superheroes breathe, fight, and squander in their own world. I must admit, I am not a comic reader. I do occasionally pick up the issue or two whenever I find something that catches my eye, but I am not someone that knows every story arc with every character in the esteemed Marvel Universe. There was once a time where I would say to the common reader that I didn't have a preference as to the Marvel Universe or the World of DC. I loved the darkness and rage behind the Batman character, yet I loved the childlike behavior of Spiderman (sans the Sam Raimi revision). I had no preference, until that is, I read both "Ultimates: Volume 1" and "Ultimates: Volume 2". Suddenly, before the colorful images of the page, I became a Marvel man. This series lead me into a slippery slope of voracious reading which included "Earth X", "Doc Ock: Year One", as well as a new found subscription to the "Incredible Hulk" single issues. A child has been reborn in me, but these aren't childish stories I am reading - this is the rebirth of the "Ultimates".

Marvel has done something that Hollywood has had no problem doing year after year. They have taken an original idea and gave it new color, new design, and new stories with fresh artists breathing onto the page. I wasn't familiar with the old concept of the Avengers, or the Ultimates, or Marvel's superhero line-up, but a friend suggest that this would be a good place to start. Within the first couple of pages, alas, I should say the first couple of frames, I was hooked and this unique story line never let me go. From these glossy pages I watched Captain America come back from a frozen state of animation, Tony Stark get wealthier and powerful throughout the pages, the Hulk became a dominate force - threatening both civilians as well as his enemies, Thor struggled with the truth of his existence, and Pym fought not only with his wife, but also with the realization that his ideas were being ignored by the leader of this group, Nick Fury, head of S.H.I.E.L.D. The story for this first volume is simple, re-establish the team, build credibility among the people of the United States, and subdue a threat or two which would prove that this world needs humans of mass destruction. Fury has the plan, in fact, I should say he never falters from the plan, but instances arise and he is asked to make sure promises are kept.

Without giving the story away for this amazing first Volume, Hulk gets into a bit of trouble that could cost Bruce Banner his livelihood, Pym crosses a line that separates him from nearly everything he loves, and Cap - well, he is Captain America. Struggling to live in a world that doesn't quite fit with the way he remembers the world. He is ready to defeat any enemy, big or small, without remorse or without thought. His goal is to make right anyway he can, which may cause problems for him in his future storyline. Needless to say, this comic has everything you need from drama, horror, suspense, humor, and TWO amazing drop down, knock around, blow them down fights that came out of nowhere and seemed more real that anything Spielberg could create. Mark Millar's writing coupled so well with Bryan Hitch's design that for the most part you don't feel like you are reading a comic, but instead watching these events unfold on the big screen. There is the obvious use of Sam Jackson, Freddy Prinze Jr., and Shannon Elizabeth with secondary cinematic finds throughout the story. This comic will literally blow your mind and take your breath away - everything from the story, to the visuals, to the commentary following this edition is superb. It is nearly perfect, but not quite...

Having read the second Volume already, I have a favorite, and alas this first Volume is not as strong as the second. While there is plenty of amazing elements going for it, I do have to admit the ending left me desiring more. I don't think I was quite ready for the surprise visits at the end of the first Volume. I wanted more development of the characters, with such strong writing; I wanted to see these guys compete internally before instantly becoming a team. I think that is why I love the second Volume so much better, but I will have to discuss that further in that review. With that small negative gem there, I cannot say anything else bad about this Volume. I was impressed, and will continue to suggest this to friends who love comics to those that are a bit hesitant to jump into the genre. This is a redefinition of the classic superhero dealing with elements in a modern day setting. I loved everything, and while I try to contain the drool coming from my mouth, I just cannot. This was near perfect - only because Volume Two comes closer with a stronger story, powerful enemies, and chapters that make you want to jump into the next without stopping. Who could ask for better literature?

Thank you Marvel, for making me a believer again - and renewing my kid license that I thought I lost a long time ago!!

Grade **** ½ out of *****

Bravo!.......2007-07-19

Comic dreambook. Very contemporary storytelling-only Mark Millar can pull off. Bryan Hitch provides breathtaking artwork. Hardcover provides magnificient info on creative process. Worth every dollar!

Why Comics Are Good For You.......2007-05-25

The reason why comics are everywhere now is because a lot of people who read comics 20 years ago, and stopped reading 10 years ago, started reading comics again BECAUSE OF THIS BOOK.

6 years later, the authors have just finished the second volume.

Alan Moore does art.

Millar and Hitch do epic.

Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1: Power and Responsibility

Average customer rating:

Graphic SF Reader
Ultimate Spider-Man
fun, diverting update of the story: nothing revolutionary
Outstanding
good spider-man collection...

Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1: Power and Responsibility
Brian Michael Bendis
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 078510786X

Book Description

The comic book publishing event of 2000 is coming to your bookstore.

Ultimate Spider-Man received extensive press coverage and was the highest selling comics launch of the year. It is the reinterpretation of Spider-Man's origin, updated for today's tweens and teens. Starting over at the beginning, the story of how a tortured teen is imbued with startling powers, has been completely re-imagined to appeal to the hi-tech, media savvy youth of today.

In the process, great steps were taken to make the unfolding saga reader-friendly to the non-comics reader. "Our characters have been around for almost 40 years," explained Bill Jemas, Marvel`s President of Publishing and New Media, explaining the reasoning behind Ultimate Spider-Man. "It's great that our comics are so rich that storylines run forever, but we want the Ultimate books to be accessible to the first-time reader. Someone will be able to pick up an issue of Ultimate Spider-Man and have enough information to understand and appreciate it."

An outsider even amongst his own peers, high school student Peter Parker is a young man at the crossroads of destiny. Orphaned as a youth and raised by his Uncle Ben and Aunt May, Peter finds himself the target of a constant barrage of pranks perpetrated by school jock Flash Thompson and his burly bud, nicknamed Kong. After Peter is bitten by an experimental spider from the laboratory of Osborn Industries, industrialist Norman Osborn takes a deadly interest in this development. Will Peter be able to avoid a violent case of corporate downsizing? When backed into a corner, will our hero learn that with great power there must come great responsibility?

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

A Spider-Man reboot. A young Spidey gains his powers by being bitten by an enhanced Spider on a tour of Osborn Industries.

Otherwise, this is mostly the same, except for Peter has a girlfriend to start with who thinks he is hot, and Norman Osborn, trying the process that made Peter Spider-Man, turns himself into a monster.

Ultimate Spider-Man.......2007-08-06

This is great book. I recently got interested in comics, and I thought I might give this one a try. I read through it and by the end I knew I needed to get vol. 2 Learning Curve. Although it's not my favorite Ultimate Spider-Man, it's definitely a ggreat start. I would reccemend this book to new comic book readers who are looking for a place to start.

fun, diverting update of the story: nothing revolutionary.......2007-07-17

This isn't exactly your parents' Spider-man: no radioactive spider, yes internet, Uncle Ben has a ponytail. But in general, it's the basic Spider-man origin story: bitten by Mr. Osborne's experimental spider, Peter Parker develops the skills. Mr. Osborne injects himself with something and turns into a Goblin. Fight.

Even though this isn't going to turn your ideas of Spider-man upside down (like Batman: The Dark Knight Returns did), the art is good and the story is engaging. I haven't read the original Spider-man, but the story here largely parallels that of the Tobey Maguire movie. I totally look forward to reading Volume 2.

Outstanding.......2007-05-13

If you love The Amazing Spider-Man, or you are just looking to get into spiderman comics, then you will love this. I couldn't help but read it in one sitting, and once i finished it, i wanted the second volume right away. Im not really a big, buy every issue of a comic book, thats why these volumes work extremely well.

good spider-man collection..........2007-01-21

1. i don't like the ultimate universe idea at all. i dislike the infinite earths dc junk also. when you have iconic characters i don't think it's good to confuse the average non-comics fan (or even the average comics fan) with earth-2 superman, superboy prime, ultimates nick fury, etc. they water down the legacy and the impact of the great classic storylines and characters.
2. despite the above, this is a pretty nice comics collection. it's a good read, but just don't confuse the alternative ultimate universe with the real 616 universe.

Invincible: The Ultimate Collection, Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

Worth It!
Excellent Choice for my First Comic
Probably Most Definitely One Of The Greatest Superhero Comics Ever
Step 1 of the "How to like superhero comics again" handbook
One of the best superhero comics, EVER

Invincible: The Ultimate Collection, Vol. 1
Robert Kirkman , Cory Walker , and Ryan Ottley
Manufacturer: Image Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 158240500X

Book Description

Get in on the ground floor! This massive hardcover collects the first 13 issues of Robert Kirkman's Eisner-Nominated super-hero, along with all the extras from the first three trade paperback volumes and even more on top of that! Invincible: The Ultimate Collection, Volume 1 is a can't-miss for anyone who's wanted to start reading Invincible, but needed an easier way to start from the beginning.

Customer Reviews:

Worth It!.......2007-10-11

If you are a fan of Invicible the series. Or you like anything that Image comics puts out, by this! The best series i have read in a while, and the best super hero series i have read in years!

Excellent Choice for my First Comic.......2007-06-20

I didn't read comics as a kid, but I have always been fasinated with superheroes. After consulting several recommendations lists and reading lots of reviews, I chose Invincible as my first comic. I wasn't disappointed. It has everything I expected from a comic - a larger than life hero, lots of action, excellent artwork, and easy to read. It also had things I hadn't expected - the hero has more than one dimension and story is mature enough to hold an adult's attention. I read a wide variety of genres from classics to biographies, from fiction to science fiction, and this was just as enjoyable to read. I'm looking forward to getting volumes 2 and 3!

Probably Most Definitely One Of The Greatest Superhero Comics Ever.......2007-03-05

I picked this up without reason, I'd long since outgrown Comic Books and was really only drawn to the image on the cover and thought it might be interesting for the little boys I work with. I, personally, did not have any interest in it myself. But then the boys didn't care, it wasn't Batman or Superman and so it wasn't interesting.
It sat around for some time just looking like a big giant book until I had to take a long trip and needed something with more than just words to pass the time.
I was hooked.
As soon as I got home, I went right to the store and started buying back issues and trades to catch up.
This is one of the best modern superhero stories out there, it's a wonderful collection of great writing (kirkman's other series The Walking Dead is also great)and amazing graphics. The story lines are compelling, and I always want more at the end of an issue. In fact, I am always digging through old issues and climbing the walls waiting for new issues.
If You're looking for a new hero, Invincible's the guy. The series is terrific, it's just what I was looking for, serious reading for a serious reader with pictures.
It's worth the investment.

Step 1 of the "How to like superhero comics again" handbook.......2007-02-15

Long ago there was a young lad who fell in love with superhero comics. He dabbled in Spider-man, voraciously followed Superman and awed at the grim adventures of Spawn. Then one day he stopped reading them altogether. They all became boring. Why? Because superheroes are just too superheroic and not fun. Sure they can save the world from extradimensional rips in space and the odd underwater zombie, but were they fun to read? Did you even care about the consequences and outcome of each adventure? Both are answered with an emphatic "no".

That young lad...was me. I quit reading superhero comics and decided not to come back for a long, long time (I personally blame the Spiderman Clone saga). Invincible brought me back to the fold and hooked me good. The book is a tongue in cheek sort of retelling of many superhero conventions: the main hero is the son of an alien sent to defend earth, he has social problems, his dad may or may not be a mass murderer...wait, what? Exactly! The book always keeps you on your mental toes, never giving away anything but always baiting you with more. It was finally FUN to read a superhero comic again. The Ultimate collection volume 1 collects 1 whole year's worth of Invincible's adventures and includes some nifty developmental art as well.

There are a lot of books out there that are great for beginner collectors and old jaded ones to delve into like Powers and the like, but this you'd be hard pressed to find a gem like one and is a great way to dip your proverbial toe in the comic book pond.

One of the best superhero comics, EVER.......2007-02-14

A simple premise, what's it like to be the son of Superman (or Omniman as the case may be).

Memorable characters, wit, charm, realisitc problems, drama and excellent pacing.

The best comic I've read in years.

Average customer rating:

A Fresh Start
plah!
Seriously, seriously disappointed
Poor writing and characterization really hurt this one.
Cinematic

Ultimate X-Men, Vol. 1
Mark Millar
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0785110089

Customer Reviews:

A Fresh Start.......2007-04-14

I must say I'm surprised at the harsh criticism that is directed at the Ultimate X-Men series and this volume in particular. I was a skeptic when the whole "Ultimate" non-continuity line was announced a few years ago, but at this point Ultimate X-Men is the only X-title I bother with aside from Joss Whedon's excellent Astonishing X-Men series.

Ultimate X-Men is about more than just jettisoning 40 years of continuity and starting over. It's about a fresh start for our favorite characters. The X-Men always worked best as troubled teenagers and hated outcasts, and that part of the characters has been lost in the "real" titles in favor of complicated crossovers and constantly killing (and reviving) classic characters. I'd challenge anyone to drag your reprints off the shelf and re-read X-Men #1 and Giant Sized X-Men #1. The spirit of those two monumental X-Men issues flows through the pages of Ultimate X-Men. Criticizing Millar's writing style or Kubert's art is one thing, but I can't see how any objective reader can challenge this title's spirit or heart.

On to the actual stories collected in this volume:

The Tomorrow People starts much like Giant Sized X-Men #1 did, with the individual X-Men being identified and drafted to Professor X's cause. The team is redefined as a group of teenagers, just as Lee and Kirby's originally intended. This lends the characters some wild energy and emotional volatility that keep even the most mundane situations interesting. The other interesting revamp is casting Magneto and his Brotherhood as terrorists rather than just super-villains. Sure, Magneto has always been a terrorist, but more on a "steal some nukes" scale rather than "bomb government buildings and kill civilians". In a post 9-11 world, this type of character is all the more frightening. Magneto's cause is no longer the grand Evil of super-villainy, but rather the more insidious evil of racism and exclusion that can so easily ensnare even the most well-intentioned.

Return to Weapon X is even more fun than The Tomorrow People. Right off the bat, Xavier and company are kidnapped by SHIELD agents whose goal is to exploit mutants for military purposes. Among their past victims - Wolverine. The way these kids are treated - not just the X-Men, but the other Weapon X captives as well - makes for some incredibly compelling reading, as does the introduction of the Ultimate version of Nick Fury, one of the best characters in the Ultimate Universe. This storyline is high on action as well as character development, and is quite simply one of the best X-Men stories I've read in a long time.

I can see that Mark Millar's story and writing style have taken a lot of criticism here, but I found it completely enjoyable and completely refreshing. The X-Men all show strong personalities, as do Magneto and some (though not all) of his Brotherhood. The plot is solid and the dialogue is smart and edgy and so much more interesting than what has been recycled in Uncanny X-Men over the past two decades. Millar has successfully reinvented the X-Men with both a modern look and feel, and a true appreciation for the original X-Men stories that made these characters shine in the first place.

The artwork for this series is as solid as you'd expect from the Kuberts. I've never really been a fan of either Kubert brother's style, but they have come a long way and their art absolutely enhances the overall storytelling.

I highly recommend Ultimate X-Men, not only to new X-fans who might be bewildered by the continuity of the older series, but to old school X-Men fans like me. If you keep an open mind, you should find this book quite enjoyable.

plah!.......2006-08-31

Since I don't want any confusion I did not give it 5 stars I it more than generously deserves only 2. Someone else was using my account and I haven't figured out how to change the star rating yet. Stupid b*st*rd slandering my good name.

Seriously, seriously disappointed.......2006-08-18

The Ultimates blew me away. I was hooked after just a handful of pages. Millar's Ultimates script has been intelligent, suspenseful, and naturalistic. There was no unnecessary exposition, no contrived exchanges, etc... It read like a well-written film. I bought this book blindly after hearing it was also written by Millar. I expected comparable writing. What I got honestly feels like Millar dug into his old diary and pulled out a script he'd written when he was twelve. This is not hyperbole, and I regret having to say that since I'm a great admirer of his Ultimates work. Do yourself a favor and browse through the first ten pages in an actual bookstore, and you'll see what I mean. Here's a sampling of how the writing is simultaneously expository AND juvenile:

Ahmed the arms merchant says: "A little birdy informs me that every cent you're paid by the Russian mafia gets wired back to your impoverished family in Siberia, Mr. Rasputin." Rasputin's response: "Just shut up and check the merchandise before I kick you so hard you'll be gulping with THREE adam's apples, Ahmed."

Jean Grey to a desk officer in the city jail, who's just asked her "What's up?" Jean: "Well, despite the fact that I'm an attractive young girl, what your brain is actually registering at the moment is a middle-aged federal agent with all the relevant identification. Now let's stop wasting my time AND yours and take a look at this MUTANT you boys said you found." Now what's the point of having her describe herself as an attractive young girl if the artwork already communicates that? Why not just SHOW her and then visually contrast that with what the officer sees? And why does she have to hold up a fake FBI I.D. if she's manipulating his mind?

If this kind of thing were only occasional, that would be forgivable. But there are similar "why'd they write that?" moments on every single page, and on many of those pages, it's in every single panel.

In The Ultimates, Millar allows us to discover who the characters are. Here, he spells out everything from their demeanor to their physical attributes to their horrible childhood traumas -- and he does it constantly. On every page. Even in the midst of a desperate battle against the murderous Sentinels. For instance:

Colossus: "Colossus to Beast - you still need that backup?"

Beast (carrying Bobby Drake): "Actually, everything's pretty much under control again now that I'm accustomed to Bobby's extra hundred and thirty pounds. You might want to lend Jean a hand, though. She looks pretty STRESSED for such an easy-going girl."

Bobby: "What? We're the ones who're completely SURROUNDED."

Beast: "Take it easy, Bobby. I've been getting shot at since my old man used to come home drunk and take potshots at me when I was sleeping in my CRIB."

That's just an example of how the book is filled with characters telling what the book should have been showing -- *and* telling it at the most inappropriate - the most unbelievable - moments. The dialogue is so dry and descriptive that after just a few pages, I stopped caring about whatever it was they were describing. I simply can't believe this kind of storytelling came from Millar during the same period he was producing a masterpiece in The Ultimates.

Sure, the artwork's uneven in places, as others have noted, but the real problem here is the writing. It's a big disappointment, especially coming from such a talented writer. It's stunningly bad.

Poor writing and characterization really hurt this one........2006-07-09

As a fan of both the X-men and Marvel's Ultimate line, especially Ultimate Spiderman, I was really looking forward to this title. Unfortunately, the book is plagued by bad writing and murky characterization. Storm, for example, is portrayed as nothing more than a cowardly thief. Beast is only memorable for feeling like he's fat, and Marvel Girl is nothing more than a sex object for Wolverine and the reader to drool over.

Readers familiar with the idea that Wolverine can and should solve all problems will enjoy this series, as the character receives at least twice as much screen time of any other character. After changing sides from villain to hero due to his desire to have sex with an 18 year old girl, Wolverine goes on to become the plot solution every dilemma calls for. If you enjoy writing that is character focused, instead of plot focused, stay away from this product.

It is an action packed romp through the first year of continuity, which is great. The more action the less bad dialogue. Explosions and laser light shows dazzle the reader continually through the book, even though the destruction often feels pointless and forced.

Finally, the competing philosophies and occasional "moral dilemmas" just don't make any sense in the series. Every character has extremist views with no room to compromise with anyone. This leads to very uninteresting scenes where the characters "consider" the enemy philosophy.

Ultimate X-Men is uninspired, badly written, and only rehashes familiar stories that were done better decades ago.

Cinematic.......2006-06-30

I'm not that much of a comics geek. In fact, I mainly got interested in the whole deal through Wikipedia. But, after recieving this for a birthday gift, I understand what all the fuss is about. The collection, and the comics within, have a certain epic quality that I wouldn't have expected in the least. They very much fit the description of a page turner. Frankly, these would have been better stories to base the new X-Men movie on. There's action, deception, snarkiness and claws, claws, claws. This really is a great way to start an obsession with the series, or to bring yourself mostly up to date if you've been down in your basement staring at your mint copies of Amazing Fantasy #15 (or was it 13?) for the past 20 years or so.

Average customer rating:

vols 1 and 2 were very good, 3 was awful and ruined it all...
Favorite mini series
A good read... nice addition to the "Ultimate" storyline
Creepy and really well done but a tad slow
The Ultimate imprint delivers again

Ultimate Galactus Vol. 1: Nightmare
Warren Ellis , and Trevor Hairsine
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0785114971

Book Description

Superstar Warren Ellis teams with hot newcomer Trevor Hairsine (Ultimate Six) to tell a story of international intrigue that shakes every Ultimate book to its core! As world communications systems break down, the source of the anomaly is revealed as Tunguska, Russia. Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. leads a force comprised of Captain America, Black Widow, and Sam Wilson to investigate, while, simultaneously, Charles Xavier of the X-Men dispatches his own team consisting of Jean Grey, Wolverine, and Colossus. And what they discover there - and what happens next - defies belief!

Customer Reviews:

vols 1 and 2 were very good, 3 was awful and ruined it all..........2007-02-14

in vol 1, a team of x-men and a team of ultimates investigate an underground russian bunker from which a bizarre worldwide broadcast is emanating. other than the x-men and avengers spontaneously fighting each other for no good reason other than because the writer and artist wanting it to happen, vol 1 was very good.
however i would not recommend this trilogy because vol 3 is so incredibly awful it made reading the first two volumes a waste of time.

Favorite mini series.......2006-06-23

If you follow Ultimate Marvel, this series is a must have!

I love this series.

Ultimate Secret, the 2nd volume of this series is even more amazing.

A good read... nice addition to the "Ultimate" storyline.......2006-05-13

This was a fine read, with some very effective sequences... The story starts with Earth being bombarded by an intergalactic SOS signal which depicts the annihilation of a highly civilized alien species. Images of their destruction, with corpses piled high in a manner reminiscent of the Holocaust, flood the planet, taking over every broadcast device on the world. Not only do the images interrupt out lives, so does the emotional content of their mass death, with their anguish and fear broadcast on every frequency known to man. A wave of fear and suicidal depression follows, prompting a response by Nick Fury's SHIELD and Professor Xavier's X-Men, with both groups being clueless about the real cause of the "attack." The story unfolds gracefully, aided by striking, hyper-realistic artwork. Best of all, I thought, was the cold, lethal efficiency of the SHIELD agents, which may take some readers by surprise. I found this book thoroughly entertaining... definitely worth checking out!

Creepy and really well done but a tad slow.......2006-04-20

I liked Ellis's work on Ultimate Fantastic Four and I liked the teams being used here (a small squad each from the X-men and the Ultimates) so I picked this up. The writing is very well done and there's a classic horror movie/sci-fi vibe to it that builds up to a nice climax. With a nice small team each of the characters gets a few moments; I particularly like the interaction of Logan and Jean Grey and Falcon and Captain America. On the down side its just a little slow (decompressed style) and there quite a few pages thrown away story-wise.

However the art is excellent and apart from a few scenes makes all the superfluous splash pages worth it. I'd never heard of Trevor Hairsine before but he works really well with the mood of the story, from the creepy red/dark tunnels in Russia to the wide open shots of Falcon in the jungle or Helicarriers in transit. It all looks damn good. My only complaints are that Jean Grey's hair isn't colored red very well at all throughout most of the book and Logan looks a bit too much like a shaggy dog, but those are minor nitpicks.

Well worth picking up for any Marvel fans interested in a sci-fi/horror adventure and a great take on Galactus.

The Ultimate imprint delivers again.......2006-02-25

One of the greatest things about the Ultimate universe is the way old and venerable characters and storylines are treated with a 21st century sensibility, and that they are almost totally devoid of "filler" the way Marvel's 616 (or "regular") universe has been throughout the years.

"Nightmare" gives us the best of what we've become used to in the Ultimate universe - gritty, realistic characterizations, and compelling, suspenseful storylines - while touching on territory that is so far unexplored in this imprint... the coming of Galactus. It also gives a weight and a mystery to Galactus (or Gah Lak Tus, in this incarnation) that was not present in it's original incarnation.

The book itself is very suspenseful and reads like a horror story, and is compelling enough to hook even someone uninitiated to these characters at all. Best of all, at the end, the reader is left wanting more, and looking forward to the next two installments in this series.

The Ultimates 2, Vol. 1: Gods and Monsters

Average customer rating:

Graphic SF Reader
The best of Ultimate Marvel
great tpb...
Ultimates 2 With Ultimate Consequences
Another bold & unique reinvention of the classic Avengers

The Ultimates 2, Vol. 1: Gods and Monsters
Mark Millar , and Bryan Hitch
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0785110933

Book Description

It's been one year since they stopped an alien invasion, and now things get hard. New members, new costumes, and 12 months of gossip to catch up on! Who's getting married? Who's divorced? Who's gone nuts since we last saw them? Why, just in this first story, we see Ultimate Hulk and the secret origin of Ultimate Thor, and get a look at the entire Ultimate Universe as drawn by Bryan Hitch! It's guest-stars galore - featuring the X-Men, Daredevil, Captain Britain, and even the Defenders! Collects The Ultimates 2 #1-6.

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

More of the entertaining destructive and self-destructive antics of the Ultimates. The general public now know that Banner is the Hulk, and his trial demands capital punishment.

Giant-Man is Ant-Man, Iron Man is married. There is the aftermath of the alien invasion to deal with, and now, Loki.

The best of Ultimate Marvel.......2007-05-08

In a nutshell, "the Ultimates" AKA the Ultimate Avengers is far and away the best of Marvel's Ultimate titles, as evidenced by its top-rating among all of Millar's books. Interestingly, it rates higher than his other Ultimate titles...I think in general the tone is the most adult and most serious of the Ultimate books - closer to the new Battlestar Galactica or Season 5 of 24 than than to its comic peers.

While I liked Ultimate Fantastic Four, Ultimate X-men, etc - this is the standard bearer of the line - even if you don't follow the avengers, this is an easy to grasp title. And Volume 2 is far better than volume 1!

great tpb..........2007-02-08

i hated the ultimates 1 vol 1, the ultimates 1 vol 2 was a lot better but still not great.
the ultimates 2 vol 1 however is great. i still hate the idea of bruce banner being a scumbag, and there are a bunch of other ultimate universe things that carry into this that i don't like. but overall this is a great tpb and highly recommended.

Ultimates 2 With Ultimate Consequences.......2006-10-11

This one is set one year after the original storyline ends with The Ultimates now under public scrutiny after it is mysteriously leaked to the media that Dr. Bruce Banner is The Hulk and that The Ultimates were behind the cover-up! Now, the public is calling for Banner's execution!

Captain America and The Wasp have been in affair while Giant-Man has been outed from The Ultimates due to the domestic problems between him and The Wasp and the P.R. mess it made. Still, The Wasp still shows some mercy towards her former husband though she hasn't shown any interest in hooking back up with him. This hasn't made old-school gentleman Cap happy at all.

Getting back to the leak on the Hulk, it may be coming from none other than Thor himself, who was already not very well trusted to begin with! Plus, we discover some new revelations about this Thunder God!

All in all, a good follow up to the original Ultimate storyline!

Another bold & unique reinvention of the classic Avengers .......2006-10-08

After I finished this chapter in the continuing "Ultimates" saga, all I could do was shake my head and go "wow". I have never seen or read anything like this, and that is high praise. The last volume was absolutely incredible and really set a high bar for realistic characterization and incredible battles in this series. What comes about in this volume is the near-disintrigation of everything that was built up in the earlier volumes. There is not one legitimate villain to fight in this story: no rampaging Hulk, no alien invasion, no Nazis, no Kang, Magneto, Galactus or any other uber-villain one would expect Ultimate Marvel's team of "persons of mass destruction" to face. Their biggest enemy at this point is themselves. Giant Man no more, wife-beater Hank Pym (now old-school Ant Man) is a pathetic mess in this volume who joins a group of superhero wannabes (the Defenders; originally an actual Marvel superteam -albeit a 2nd rate one- who are reduced to incompetent posers in this version) in what proves to be an amusing but ultimately annoying chapter after what proves to be the main attraction here: the arrest of the mighty Thor, who resigns from the team, believing SHIELD's secret agenda is to use them to attack foreign countries . After Thor's anti-war activism goes too far, the Ultimates are grouped with their fledgling European counterparts to take the god of thunder down in what proves to be a battle of epic proportions. Thor is clearly portrayed as a Christ-like figure here in spite of his apparent mental illness (but is he actually insane as his origin -finally revealed- insinuates, or is his brother Loki truly "shuffling reality" and poisoning the Ultimates against him?) and several shots in the sequence are difficult to look at as he battles his own friends. The fact that you truly don't know whether a classic character like Thor is insane in this re-imagination or if his classic nemesis Loki is a figment of his imagination is a true credit to the writing here. Kudos. The trial of the Incredible Hulk, which commences after Bruce Banner is outed by an unknown traitor as a member of the team, proves to be an interesting but too brief episode with a memorable and unexpected finale. More kudos. So far, "The Ultimates" has kept me rivetted and while this volume has much going for it, I hope for a return to the more simplistic awesomeness of "Homeland Security" in future volumes because all of this infighting, while brilliantly executed, takes away from what I really want to see: Earth's Mightiest Heroes battling the most powerful villains around. Also, the political commentary is getting a bit out of control at this point too. We're all tired of the war in the Middle East, and this issue aims this team of classic heroes in a corrupt, fascist direction that could soon border on villainy. It's a bit depressing to imagine the Avengers as government lapdogs fighting for imperialist interests. Will then next chapter have me rooting for the traitor in SHIELD's ranks? And, on a lighter note, Quicksilver gets his moment to shine here, but would it kill them to give the Scarlet Witch something to do besides look hot and hang on her brother's arm suggestively? When you look at every panel they appear in together, their relationship seems a bit creepy to say the least. I keep waiting for Tony Stark to make an Angelina Jolie remark at their expense. However, there is one line Quicksilver delivers to his sis involving one of Hank Pym's new creations that is quite humorous if you know your Avengers lore, so I'll let this stuff slide....this time. But Scarlet Witch's only moment of note in the big battle is threatening to create a reality where Thor is a baby seal getting clubbed before she gets promptly clobbered herself. Come on, Wanda, do something cool! I also wasn't thrilled about Iron Man's birthday present to fellow Ultimate and current lover, Black Widow; her very own custom-made supersuit. Personally, I loved her just the way she was before. Iron Man has a habit of making other characters clones of himself and it's a bit annoying in a title where a diverse array of superheroes is the big draw. Minor fanboyish complaints aside, "Gods and Monsters" proves to be a shocking and unique continuation of an already bold new take on a classic comic franchise. I've honestly never seen anything quite like it and I'd highly recommend picking this one up after catching up on the past volumes of this increasingly intriguing saga.

Average customer rating:

Great book (with at least one very kid-unfriendly selection)
Well Done, Easy to Follow and Play Rock Sampler
great tab book for a great price!

The Ultimate White Pages Guitar Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Warner Bros. Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0757914144

Product Description

Larger than "the largest" collection of Authentic Guitar Transcriptions ever published before! Over 230 songs, in complete authentic tabtranscriptions. Well over 1000 pages! This is a self-contained complete guitar reference library spanning the classic rock era right through the modern rock era. Everything from the Beatles to Limp Bizkit.

Customer Reviews:

Great book (with at least one very kid-unfriendly selection).......2006-12-13

This (same ISBN, same selection of songs) book is now titled The Ultimate White Pages Guitar Vol. 1 instead of The Greater Guitar White Pages. (I've bought a copy under each name, and compared the song list on the back cover with the corresponding Amazon image.) It has 230 songs, many of them great, from five decades of rock, shown in musical notation and (depending on the song) tab or chord notation.

Selections chosen at random: "All Star"; "California Dreamin'"; "Good Golly Miss Molly"; "I Wanna Hold Your Hand"; "The James Bond Theme"; "Layla" (both versions!); "Miserlou" (that surf song that briefly cuts into "Hava Nagila"); "Rock & Roll Band"; "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around"; "Wanted Dead or Alive".

We gave a copy to a 16 year old with fairly liberal parents; he played it almost nonstop for three days. We then bought a copy for a 14 year old with fairly conservative parents, and only then noticed Sublime's "Date Rape" on the list; still haven't decided what to do about that.

For adults I'd rate it 5 stars out of 5.

Well Done, Easy to Follow and Play Rock Sampler.......2006-09-03

First the quality: very good, with chord diagrams, notation and tabulature. It's a clear and easy way to learn the songs. Lyrics are easy to find and though small, the typeset is pretty easy to read. It is an eclectic sampler of every decade of rock since the 50's including Fats Domino, Korn, Van Halen, the Eagles, Pantera, Don McLean and Sheryl Crow. Really good songs cover most rock styles...and that's where it shines.

great tab book for a great price!.......2005-05-06

This is probably the best rock tab book I own. The tabs are detailed but not so much so that they are confusing. Most of the strums are notated as slashes instead of showing every single missed note in the chord. You can't beat the song selection for the price. For the most part it is very accurate. Of course it doesn't have EVERY great guitar song, but it's pretty comprehensive, especially with the Warner Bros catalog.

Ultimate X-Men Vol. 1: The Tomorrow People

Average customer rating:

Graphic SF Reader
The beginning of legends
A Fresh Start
The only graphic novel I have read
All i can say is WOW!

Ultimate X-Men Vol. 1: The Tomorrow People
Mark Millar , Adam Kubert , and Andy Kubert
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0785107886

Book Description

Collects Ultimate X-Men #1-6.

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

For an X-Men reboot aimed at younger readers, it doesn't look like it is aimed at kids. Professor Xavier is as much of a smartarse as his teenaged students, and is more than willing to do a bit of mindwiping and mind controlling, even of his own charges, when it suits him.

The US government has a Sentinel fleet that slaughters mutants in the street, and doesn't mind if a few humans die in the process.

Magneto is not a big fan of this, and runs terrorist bombings as a counter, kidnapping the President's daughter, which the X-Men expose.

In a final battle, Magneto, wounded, looks to launch every nuclear weapon in the world, and the X-Men have to try and stop him. Pretty hardcore.

The beginning of legends.......2007-06-20

Volume 1 really starts of the series with a bang. I loved the writing, story, art, and character development. I cannot wait to continue reading the series. Excellent buy. Returned me to reading comics.

A Fresh Start.......2007-04-14

I must say I'm surprised at the harsh criticism that is directed at the Ultimate X-Men series and this volume in particular. I was a skeptic when the whole "Ultimate" non-continuity line was announced a few years ago, but at this point Ultimate X-Men is the only X-title I bother with aside from Joss Whedon's excellent Astonishing X-Men series.

Ultimate X-Men is about more than just jettisoning 40 years of continuity and starting over. It's about a fresh start for our favorite characters. The X-Men always worked best as troubled teenagers and hated outcasts, and that part of the characters has been lost in the "real" titles in favor of complicated crossovers and constantly killing (and reviving) classic characters. I'd challenge anyone to drag your reprints off the shelf and re-read X-Men #1 and Giant Sized X-Men #1. The spirit of those two monumental X-Men issues flows through the pages of Ultimate X-Men. Criticizing Millar's writing style or Kubert's art is one thing, but I can't see how any objective reader can challenge this title's spirit or heart.

The Tomorrow People starts much like Giant Sized X-Men #1 did, with the individual X-Men being identified and drafted to Professor X's cause. The team is redefined as a group of teenagers, just as Lee and Kirby's originally intended. This lends the characters some wild energy and emotional volatility that keep even the most mundane situations interesting. The other interesting revamp is casting Magneto and his Brotherhood as terrorists rather than just super-villains. Sure, Magneto has always been a terrorist, but more on a "steal some nukes" scale rather than "bomb government buildings and kill civilians". In a post 9-11 world, this type of character is all the more frightening. Magneto's cause is no longer the grand Evil of super-villainy, but rather the more insidious evil of racism and exclusion that can so easily ensnare even the most well-intentioned.

I can see that Mark Millar's story and writing style have taken a lot of criticism here, but I found it completely enjoyable and completely refreshing. The X-Men all show strong personalities, as do Magneto and some (though not all) of his Brotherhood. The plot is solid and the dialogue is smart and edgy and so much more interesting than what has been recycled in Uncanny X-Men over the past two decades. Millar has successfully reinvented the X-Men with both a modern look and feel, and a true appreciation for the original X-Men stories that made these characters shine in the first place.

The artwork for this series is as solid as you'd expect from the Kuberts. I've never really been a fan of either Kubert brother's style, but they have come a long way and their art absolutely enhances the overall storytelling.

I highly recommend Ultimate X-Men, not only to new X-fans who might be bewildered by the continuity of the older series, but to old school X-Men fans like me. If you keep an open mind, you should find this book quite enjoyable.

The only graphic novel I have read.......2007-04-13

I love this graphic novel. It looks great, and has a good story.

All i can say is WOW!.......2006-11-04

This is definitely one of the most interesting series i have come across. I think back to reading the other titles of X-men and seeing this product where it is geared to mature adults, i think gives it a better if not realistic out look to world views and such.

Average customer rating:

pretty good...
THE FANTASTIC have arrived among the ULTIMATES . . .
A major disappointment.
The Fantastic Four....Cool?
Not a Bad Recreation At All

Ultimate Fantastic Four, Vol. 1
Brian Michael Bendis , Mark Millar , Warren Ellis , Adam Kubert , and Stuart Immonen
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0785114580

Book Description

In The Fantastic, witness the beginnings of the Four - Reed Richards, Johnny Storm, Susan Storm, and Ben Grimm - super-hero icons for the new century! When high-school genius Reed enrolls at a secret government-sponsored school for the most gifted minds in the world, he unwittingly embarks on the journey of a lifetime! In Doom, Reed and his friends must learn to adapt to their amazing new situation. But before they can even begin to get accustomed, former classmate Victor Van Damme - who was transformed by the same experiment as the Fantastic Four - returns to exact his revenge!

Customer Reviews:

pretty good..........2007-01-18

1. i don't like the ultimate universe idea at all. i dislike the infinite earths dc junk also. when you have iconic characters i don't think it's good to confuse the average non-comics fan (or even the average comics fan) with earth-2 superman, superboy prime, ultimates nick fury, etc. they water down the legacy and the impact of the great classic storylines and characters.
2. this is nowhere near as good as the lee/kirby fantastic four.
3. despite the above, this is a pretty good comics collection. it's not mindblowing like the lee/kirby ff, and it's a totally different ultimate universe take on the greatest team in comics. it's still a good read though. but just don't confuse the alternative ultimate universe with the real 616 universe.

THE FANTASTIC have arrived among the ULTIMATES . . ........2006-02-25

Thanks to Brain Michael Bendis, and . . . Mark Millar, The Fantastic Four gets a the long expected upgrade it needed for those who never had the chance to read the various recreations of the "Greatest Super hero [family]" created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The characters are thankfully teenagers around my age, so I suppose I could connect a lot better with these carnations as opposed to the original. Reed Richards, a character I could never bring myself to like in the original FF, is humanized by Bendis and Millar with a background story that resembles to a point, Peter Parker's. While granted it is the usual stereotype-character story, I didn't mind it at all. Richard's father this time around his a big hairy-armed brute and his mother is typecast as the mother who would no nothing to oppose her raging husband. Thrown into the mix are two ignorable younger sisters; Enid and a nameless baby girl. Reed is basically the misunderstood family member and longs for the fatherly affections his father gives his best friend Ben Grimm.

After a mishap at home with one his experiments, several years later Reed is inducted into a "Think Tank" program in which the government enlists the brightest children ever to grace the earth and put them all into the Baxter Building. There he meets Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Victor Von "Damne" (Doom if your wondering) a bit later. In the usual Bendis style, the writer takes his time introducing you to the characters before throwing them into their life changing event, crafted in an interesting way. When they do of course get to this point, the drama and action really pick up in the final pages of the TPB. The Fantastic Four are nicely developed in "THE FANTASTIC" story arc. From Reed to Ben, they are very reminiscent of their counterparts to a point, only younger, much less mature and knowledgeable in other things aside from their specified field of expertise. The introduction of the Mole Man as the villain was a nice starter, you could really detest this man and not feel sorry for him. Victor Von "Damne(?)" was nicely characterized, and is even better in VOL. 2.

To make a long story short, Bendis and Millar craft an intelligent retelling of the fantastic four. To be frank it won't please everyone, especially not the HARD-CORE Fantastic Four fans. There are indeed glitches in the writing concerning the age of Reed and Ben, but it something that's gonna have to be looked over. The artist, Adam Kurbert I believe, was an excellent choice for this starting of the series (better than Jae Lee). Each frame of action is described excellently and art in and of itself (most of the time) is a splendor to behold. His description of facial expressions (I.E, Johnny discovering his arm is on fire and he tries to put it out) are priceless and genuinely funny to boot. There are some problems in the drawing, such as the constantly pointed out size difference of Ben Grimm and Reed Richards during their childhood. Another gripe: Reed doesn't have the trademark gray sideburns in his hair (sighs dejectedly). All in all ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR volume one is a great way to start up the series and in my opinion a good way to introduce these "superheroes" to a younger audience. Highly recommended. ------ [a 5 out of 5]

A major disappointment........2005-11-17

Like I've said in some of my eariler reviews, sometimes this is just no fun at all. Whilst it's always funny to rip into, say, Pop Idol or something, here it's just... sad.

The Ultimate series of Marvel comics was a potentially awful idea done to surprisingly awesome effect. Taking the well worn ideas and characters from the Marvel Universe, going straight back to square one and re-imagining the origins and original characters could well have blown up in the writers faces. But not so. The writing in some of these books is simply superb, and sometimes makes the impossible seem scarily possible. Ultimate Spider-Man, of course, is a constant delight, with top class banter, witty one-liners and some brutal action (with the exception of the heartbreakingly average Venom and Carnage re-do's), and then there's the Ultimates (the Avengers) and... oooh, oodles more. Like I said - top idea.

But not here. Again, the characters are made teenagers, which is fine for, say, Spidey, who WAS a teenager in the first place, but a sixteen/seventeen year old Ben Grimm just doesn't cut it. Also, the script lacks major bite. After what we've seen with Spidey et al, we really do need something special to warrant another spin on the Marvel franchise (especially for its oldest family) and there's nothing here that excites or, crucially, convinces. In short, it just makes you pine for the original books.

The most galling thing though, is the sham that is Dr Doom (or, I'm sorry, Dr Damme). Change what you like from the original comics guys; the crummy banter, some dodgy storylines, but DO NOT REPLACE the original character names. So, what, a guy called Victor Von Doom isn't realistic, but having a THIRTEEN YEAR OLD BOY design and build the Fantasti-Car, an interdimensional rocket ship, is?? As the Human Torch himself said, "dude.. that's Fantasti-crappy."

I won't be buying THIS junk anymore.

The_Curmudgeon_Hates_You@yahoo.co.uk

The Fantastic Four....Cool?.......2005-09-29

Can it be that someone actually made the Fantastic Four cool? Before reading Ultimate Fantastic Four, I would have said that it was an impossible feat. Characters like Wolverine, Ghost Rider, Daredevil, and the Punisher are cool, but the Fantastic Four? With those outfits, the out of this world science and Reed's graying temples? Aside from the Human Torch (who's cool due to the fact that he's on freaking fire), Reed Richards and company have always seemed like the reigning dorks of the Marvel Universe.

Enter Marvel's Ultimate line, where the best writers and artists in the industry are allowed to throw decades of continuity out the window and reinvent classic characters. Ultimate Spider-Man and Ultimate X-Men were huge hits, and the Ultimates is probably the best comic on the market right now. So when Marvel announced plans for an Ultimate Fantastic Four series, I had to at least consider the possibility that it might not suck. When I heard that Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Millar, and Warren Ellis were all involved, I knew I had to at least give it a try. After all, they are collectively responsible for almost all of the best comic storylines of the past decade.

Following the Ultimate trend, the writers made the Fantastic Four quite a bit younger than their regular Marvel Universe counterparts, with Reed Richards and Sue Storm as a pair of science prodigies. This development works surprisingly well, and it gives the writers plenty of opportunities to work in younger dialogue and pop culture references. Johnny Storm trying to convince a girl that he is Justin Timberlake is one priceless example. Adam Kubert's artwork is excellent as always, and while I'm not a huge Stuart Immonen fan, I will admit he has a very distinctive style.

The bottom line is that this is a good book. Fans of Marvel's Ultimate line will no doubt love Ultimate Fantastic Four, though it is bound to give some traditional FF fans fits. FF skeptics (like me) should take a chance on this one. Look at the creative team involved. They don't often let readers down, and Ultimate Fantastic Four is definitely no disappointment.

Not a Bad Recreation At All.......2005-09-04

I opened the Ultimate FF with trepidation...I've loved the original characters since their inception and was loathe to see them tampered with. But tampering like this I can certainly live with! I would never want to see the originals replaced, but this newer version is also fun to read. The dialogue is up-to-date and geared towards a more adult audience (did they remember those of us who were reading in the sixties, after all?). The art work is stunning, and the "how the Four got their powers" story works better than the original; their reactions as each of them discover their new found abilities is a hoot. I like the interaction between Sue and Reed in this version, and, as in the originals, Torch and Thing baiting one another is a great deal of fun. My one bone of contention: Did they HAVE to make Reed look like Harry Potter?? Tsk.

Ultimate Fantastic Four Vol. 1: The Fantastic

Average customer rating:

pretty good...
Best Ultimate Series
ultimate fantastic four vol.1: the fantastic
This is truly fantastic!!!
Not bad

Ultimate Fantastic Four Vol. 1: The Fantastic
Brian Michael Bendis , Mark Millar , and Adam Kubert
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0785113932

Book Description

The World's Greatest Comic Magazine - and subject of the upcoming blockbuster motion picture - at long last makes its long-awaited debut in the Ultimate Marvel Universe! Witness the beginnings of the Four - Reed Richards, Johnny Storm, Susan Storm and Ben Grimm - super-hero icons for the new century! When high-school genius Reed Richards enrolls at a secret government-sponsored school for the most gifted minds in the world, he unwittingly starts himself and his friends on the journey of a lifetime! A story about science, adventure, and above all else family, set in the most dynamic and unpredictable universe in the comic-book world! Collects Ultimate Fantastic Four #1-6.

Customer Reviews:

pretty good..........2007-01-18

1. i don't like the ultimate universe idea at all. i dislike the infinite earths dc junk also. when you have iconic characters i don't think it's good to confuse the average non-comics fan (or even the average comics fan) with earth-2 superman, superboy prime, ultimates nick fury, etc. they water down the legacy and the impact of the great classic storylines and characters.
2. this is nowhere near as good as the lee/kirby fantastic four.
3. despite the above, this is a pretty good comics collection. it's not mindblowing like the lee/kirby ff, and it's a totally different ultimate universe take on the greatest team in comics. it's still a good read though. but just don't confuse the alternative ultimate universe with the real 616 universe.

Best Ultimate Series.......2006-06-23

I have ever single Ultimate Marvel book and my favorite of them all is The Fantastic 4.

each volume has a new artist and the story lines are awesome with great dialogue.

If you are a comic fan this series is a must have!

btw: I was not a Fantastic 4 fan until reading this series.

worth the buy!

ultimate fantastic four vol.1: the fantastic.......2006-01-29

It was really good according to my 7 year old. very quick delivery and a good experience in general ordering.

This is truly fantastic!!!.......2005-09-02

I like this one. I got it today and I have already read it 3 times. The art is beutiful, the storyline is great and the dialouge is fresh, funny and comedic. My fav dialouge is this:

Reed: What's up, Johnny?
Johnny: You like my sister?
Reed: Sue? Yes, yes I do.
Johnny: Like that?
Reed: Like what?
Johnny: You know... like that? Do you like her like that?
Reed: ...
Johnny: You guys have been working together for like a billion years. I'm just saying you should tell her. If you told her, she would be respective. If you know what I mean.
Reed: ...
Johnny: *winks*

I had a laugh there. I mean: Do you like her LIKE THAT? Hee hee... Well the new designs for the FF were great and I have some opinions.

Reed Richards
Reed as a teen??? Umm... Reed has lost his dark brown hair and got all light brown instead whilist also losing his grey parts. He also got glasses. 7/10

Sue Storm
You know what I am gonna say, eh? She is hot. Not as hot as Jessica Alba from the FF movie (It rocks go see it) but still hot. 8/10

Johnny Storm
Now THAT is what I call quality work. He got great looking blond hair (Really, REALLY blond) and blue eyes. Also, look out for the "Ultimate Johnny Storm designs by bryan Hitch" at the end of the comic. They look great. 10/10

Johnny Storm "Flamed on"
Basic human torch. Nothing to report. 8/10

Ben Grimm
He looks great as a normal being. Good design, nice hair, good outfit. 9/10

Ben Grimm "The Thing"
Looks like always. 8/10

Good designs, good dialouge, good everything! Get this now! And while your at it, see the movie, it rules.

Not bad.......2005-08-09

As another reviewer said, I'm not a kid (not by a long shot!), and I'm female which makes me a unique customer, I think. I was thrilling to The Fantastic Four at the age of ten, way back at the dawn of time -- at least FF's dawn...I was there at the beginning. I read their adventures until I was fifteen when it was too humiliating for me to be seen buying comic books! Didn't see the FF again until the movie came out and old appetites were revitalized. I was curious to see where Marvel had taken my guys (and my gal)nearly forty years later. I like the revamp, although Reed as a young upstart bugs me a bit. Reed is the father figure, the "daddy" of the group (yeah, I even thought that Sue thought of him that way most of the time). I can live with a younger Reed if I must, however, and I like what they've done with Johnny. Ben hasn't changed much! So, from an original fan, thumbs up.

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