The Ultimates 2, Volume 1: Gods and Monsters The Ultimates #3 Ultimate Marvel Universe #44

Oh that’s good.

Finally, it comes out that Hulk is still around. After murdering hundreds. And now Thor is off the team (by choice) and it’s less clear than ever if he’s Thor—or a meta human with some serious psychiatric issues.

I love seeing the relationships in the series. Cap and Janet are great—I’m enjoying the slightly more unhinged / human Cap. Pym and Banner as science Bros with issues. Iron Man and Black Widow.

All of it great.

More of this please.

Onward!

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Throne of Jade Temeraire #2

“Those men want to take Laurence from me, and put him in prison, and execute him, and I will not let them, ever, and I do not care if Laurence tells me not to squash you," he added, fiercely, to Lord Barham.

Laurence and the British Government may think that Temeraire was won fairly under the articles of war… but the Chinese aren’t so sure. In an effort to appease them, off Temeraire and Laurence go, halfway around the world to see if they can’t convince them otherwise.

There are a number of parts to really like about this book: Getting to travel the world is neat. The difference of Chinese culture, especially around dragons is fun. I like the idea of basically a Napoleonic era aircraft carrier for dragons. There are other related big beasties in the world as well!

The discussions about slavery, the differences in culture between the British and Chinese, and what that might mean for dragons were fascinating. Especially having read A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians not that long ago, it was interesting to see another take on the same period–especially when we randomly get news that Pitt has died.

And of course, the aforequoted relationship between Temeraire and Laurence. That’s really a great part of the book.

On a downside, it’s a bit less action packed than the first book. We get a couple of big fights, don’t get me wrong, but it’s got a low slower pace. A bit jarring.

Worth a read.

Onward!


Ultimate Vision Ultimate Marvel Universe #43

The idea of Vision is pretty cool. One to remember and to warn.

The idea that no one else has beaten Galactus is… nonsensical? Bit comics.

Vision… with a rather female form is an interesting choice. No reason not to choose either over the other when approaching Earth. But I expect that’s not why they (the writers/illustrators) did it…

So now we get a quick aside with A.I.M. and a left behind splinter of Galactus. Neat story, if likely inconsequential to anything else.

Onward!


Ultimate Galactus, Volume 3: Extinction Ultimate Galactus Trilogy #3 Ultimate Marvel Universe #42

And so it ends. Galactus is here, ready to destroy the Earth and everything on it. It’s going to take Ultimates, Fantastic Four, and X-Men alike to save the day.

But at what future cost?

A bit sudden of an end and in prefer the setup of the previous two volumes, but it’s still solid.

There are a number of potential far future issues laid out here. Curious what comes back to bite humanity’s collective behind.

Onward!

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