ULTIMATE POWER

By: Kurt Amacker
Review Date: Saturday, October 14, 2006

For years, readers have asked when Marvel would finally cave in and cross over the regular 616 universe and the Ultimate Universe. Oddly enough, the first crossover with the latter occurs not with the old-school Marvel Universe, but the revamped Squadron Supreme universe adapted by J. Michael Straczynski from Mark Gruenwald's landmark 1980s limited series. And, while this first issue feels a bit brief no real surprise Bendis wisely opens with a cliffhanger akin to that of the first issue of INFINITE CRISIS. He withholds explanations when the Squadron Supreme arrives in the Ultimate Universe. But, they don't look happy. You'll have to wait until next month to learn why.

Bendis opens the story with the Fantastic Four and a familiar angle Reed Richards's quest to cure Ben Grimm of his monstrous form. While fighting the Serpent Squad, Grimm sheds one of his orange plates. Throughout the issue, he drops a few more and the team worries he may experience further mutation or, worse, die. Richards asks S.H.I.E.L.D. to fund further research to cure Grimm under the auspices of researching other dimensions for informational purposes. Nick Fury sees through to his intentions and forbids it. Reed continues his experiments in private, the consequences of which, presumably, include the Squadron Supreme.

Bendis peppers the issue with his usual one-liners and clever exchanges, but most of the propulsive, story-oriented dialogue tanks. See if you can read this without laughing: "We are the Serpent Squad and we are here to take back what's been stolen from us! Y'all best not get in our way, or I swear to God..." That's wretched even by comic-writing standards. I know Bendis can write better. He just seems to forget that cute banter about the difference between 1980s superhero action figures and contemporary ones only carries a story so far.

The art outclasses the dialogue in this issue by leaps and bounds. Greg Land ran to the end zone, through the stadium, and into the parking lot, where there was a car full of hot chicks waiting for him. This is almost reference-quality work, on par with Steve McNiven's on CIVIL WAR. Matt Ryan's inks and Justin Ponsor's colors illuminate Land's spectacular pencil-work. ULTIMATE POWER is simply a gorgeous book.

This could be better. Bendis seems to just spin the wheels in some places, though it shows promise. But, the art alone may justify a purchase.


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