ULTIMATES ANNUAL #1
© Marvel Comics

Mania Grade: A+
Issue: 1
Authors: Mark Millar, Steve Dillon, Paul Mounts
Publisher: Marvel
Price: $3.99

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ULTIMATES ANNUAL #1

This first Ultimates annual nails it squarely on the head. It's clearly in-continuity (no Thor, for instance), but it's not essential reading. While it refers to the ongoing series, it serves best to flesh out the characters particularly Nick Fury for those already reading THE ULTIMATES 2. The main story tells of a long-retired assassin named Mister Nix called up to take out Nick Fury for the good of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the rest of the world. Only, his employer has a fantastic surprise waiting for him when he finally sets his sights on the man with the eye patch. This issue also offers a couple of nice subplots involving the reserve wing of the Ultimates and the ever-laughable Defenders (not together, mind you).

THE ULTIMATES succeeds in presenting politics without punishing the reader. It remains topical without becoming didactic. It works by presenting both sides of the culture clash in the United States, and with more sympathy for the pragmatic, security-oriented approach than most writers give. Millar portrays the debate, rather than hitting readers with an answer. The climax of this annual drives that point further than any comic I've ever read you see just what lengths Nick Fury will go to when defending the United States. This is a man not to be screwed with.

Steve Dillon needs a corner office as well. I've loved his art since PREACHER. He conveys emotion through priceless facial expression like few artists can. Examine the faces of the Ultimate Defenders closely and you can see the subtle mockery therein. The man never ceases to amaze.

Mark Millar offers a compelling read with THE ULTIMATES that raises issues without dictating, portrays involving characters without melodrama, and makes readers laugh at the right times. This annual is probably not the right place to start the series, but the back issues are out there and the search is worth it.