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Ultimate Comics: New Ultimates #1-5
Ultimate Comics: New Ultimates: Thor Reborn
If only a few super heroes survived Ultimatum - who is left to become the next super powered team to be reckoned with? The NEW Ultimates! With Thor gone, Loki takes his revenge unleashing the worst of Asgard on Earth. Iron Man must gather the heroes for their biggest Ultimates adventure yet. But who has made the final cut? And who can't be trusted? The Ultimates face evil once again and you'll never guess the new enemies they'll find...or should we say old friends?
Collecting: New Ultimates 1-5
Collecting: New Ultimates 1-5
186 pages, Hardcover
First published April 6, 2011
About the author
Jeph Loeb
1,518 books1,252 followersJoseph "Jeph" Loeb III is an Emmy and WGA nominated American film and television writer, producer and award-winning comic book writer. Loeb was a Co-Executive Producer on the NBC hit show Heroes, and formerly a producer/writer on the TV series Smallville and Lost.
A four-time Eisner Award winner and five-time Wizard Fan Awards winner (see below), Loeb's comic book career includes work on many major characters, including Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, Hulk, Captain America, Cable, Iron Man, Daredevil, Supergirl, the Avengers, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, much of which he has produced in collaboration with artist Tim Sale, who provides the comic art seen on Heroes.
A four-time Eisner Award winner and five-time Wizard Fan Awards winner (see below), Loeb's comic book career includes work on many major characters, including Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, Hulk, Captain America, Cable, Iron Man, Daredevil, Supergirl, the Avengers, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, much of which he has produced in collaboration with artist Tim Sale, who provides the comic art seen on Heroes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 3, 2021
I only bought this collected edition for one thing, Frank Cho's Hela. It did not disappoint.
This was a hard book to read, too many narration boxes crowding the panels, the first three issues at least. Cho could carry this story all on the strength of his art, with his signature T & A shots. But other than that, this was a forgettable story and its continuity ended a few years later. Though some lamented the loss of the Ultimate Universe, a lot of its innovations and characters folded into the main Marvel Universe as a result of Jonathan Hickman's Secret Wars.
This was a hard book to read, too many narration boxes crowding the panels, the first three issues at least. Cho could carry this story all on the strength of his art, with his signature T & A shots. But other than that, this was a forgettable story and its continuity ended a few years later. Though some lamented the loss of the Ultimate Universe, a lot of its innovations and characters folded into the main Marvel Universe as a result of Jonathan Hickman's Secret Wars.
June 21, 2014
Eh.
Did anyone else have a problem telling Enchantress, Carol Danvers, and Valkyrie apart when they were just showing a head shot?
Three blondes, with the same haircut (or veeery subtle differences?), and they all had the same face!
It's the little things, you know?
It was ok, I guess. Nothing spectacular to report.
No socks blown off or anything. Just a blandish story about Thor's return from the world of the dead.
This should have been a pretty easy win for Loeb, though.
If he'd focused the story on Thor.
But he didn't.
Instead, it's mostly a story about Valkyrie.
Psst...
She's LAME.
Carol and Hawkeye were the only remotely cool characters in the whole thing.
Tony acted like semi-pathetic pussy monster, Thor acted like a semi-pathetic rage monster, and Captain America acted like a semi-pathetic old fart.
Wah, wah, wah! I've been displaced in time. Wah, wah, wah! I miss record players and 25 year old virgins!
I say semi-pathetic, because it wasn't all bad.
It was esay to read, and it held my attention.
Disclaimer:
I read this to take a break from the GIANT edition of X-Men: Days of Future Past Omnibus that I'm trying to slog through.
Maybe anything would seem like a step up in terms of entertainment?
It's not what I'd call required reading, but it wasn't horrible, either.
Did anyone else have a problem telling Enchantress, Carol Danvers, and Valkyrie apart when they were just showing a head shot?
Three blondes, with the same haircut (or veeery subtle differences?), and they all had the same face!
It's the little things, you know?
It was ok, I guess. Nothing spectacular to report.
No socks blown off or anything. Just a blandish story about Thor's return from the world of the dead.
This should have been a pretty easy win for Loeb, though.
If he'd focused the story on Thor.
But he didn't.
Instead, it's mostly a story about Valkyrie.
Psst...
She's LAME.
Carol and Hawkeye were the only remotely cool characters in the whole thing.
Tony acted like semi-pathetic pussy monster, Thor acted like a semi-pathetic rage monster, and Captain America acted like a semi-pathetic old fart.
Wah, wah, wah! I've been displaced in time. Wah, wah, wah! I miss record players and 25 year old virgins!
I say semi-pathetic, because it wasn't all bad.
It was esay to read, and it held my attention.
Disclaimer:
I read this to take a break from the GIANT edition of X-Men: Days of Future Past Omnibus that I'm trying to slog through.
Maybe anything would seem like a step up in terms of entertainment?
It's not what I'd call required reading, but it wasn't horrible, either.
November 20, 2017
When Macbeth lamented, "It is a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury signifying nothing," he was speaking of life not Thor Reborn. Yet, that quotation succinctly captures my thoughts about this failed effort to reboot the Avengers and give us the "New Ultimates."
The plot's main stem has Loki working (for reasons not disclosed initially) to bring his brother, Thor back from the land of the dead. When that deed is eventually accomplished we have an insane Thor who only wants to battle and kill. (oops, if you are surprised at this, I am sorry)
The rest of this 2010 series of comics is taken up with petty romance and even more unbelievable grievances. The plot is confusing and there are definitely too many blond females for easy tracking of who is doing what with whom. If you just skip this effort you can avoid being confused.
Having said that, the artwork is top drawer though unfortunately employed in a unworthy effort. The graphics are beautifully rendered on my Kindle Fire. Even with that, I am glad that I got this at a "fire sale" price or I would be really disappointed.
The plot's main stem has Loki working (for reasons not disclosed initially) to bring his brother, Thor back from the land of the dead. When that deed is eventually accomplished we have an insane Thor who only wants to battle and kill. (oops, if you are surprised at this, I am sorry)
The rest of this 2010 series of comics is taken up with petty romance and even more unbelievable grievances. The plot is confusing and there are definitely too many blond females for easy tracking of who is doing what with whom. If you just skip this effort you can avoid being confused.
Having said that, the artwork is top drawer though unfortunately employed in a unworthy effort. The graphics are beautifully rendered on my Kindle Fire. Even with that, I am glad that I got this at a "fire sale" price or I would be really disappointed.
Shelved as 'completed-series'
December 16, 2016It's starting to get late in the 'evolution' of the Marvel Ultimate Universe, and it shows here in Thor Reborn. Plots and subplots are twistier, and there is less interest by the writers in showing us, Dear Reader, what has come before.
Suffice it to say, Thor has gone on to Valhalla, although the Ultimates just appear to believe he is missing. Can he be brought back? And will the world survive his return?
Suffice it to say, Thor has gone on to Valhalla, although the Ultimates just appear to believe he is missing. Can he be brought back? And will the world survive his return?
July 10, 2020
A post Ultimatum earth has been decimated of many of its heroes, and all mutants have been criminalised! When Loki strikes, where and how can Iron Man find a new team of Ultimates to protect the masses? The title of this volume tells what's a crackin'. A solid 8 out of 12, this Thor kicks ass.
August 13, 2011
Thor's in Valhalla and Loki invades Earth (or New York which basically stands for Earth apparently) with an army of trolls. Enchantress plays her part by brainwashing the women heroes who take down the Ultimates.
Not the best setup given that it's expected that Thor returns and beats up the trolls, which he does of course far too easily.
I loved Mark Millar's run on the Ultimates and thought it was the best possible start a writer could give to Marvel, incorporating all of their beloved heroes in a fascinating storyline. That is, unless you give that promising storyline to a sub-par writer like Jeph Loeb who then proceeds to mess it up.
A large part of the book is given to repeating all that went on in Millar's Ultimates run which I felt was really redundant, then Loeb seems to not know what to do next so decides upon a stupid Loki scheme that's far too simplistic for this interesting character and is just catnip for Thor.
Loeb's storytelling approach is to have a character narrate their story whilst the current storyline plays over it. This is a really distracting technique as, for example, while you're being told Valkyrie's life story you see what she's doing in the present. It's a very sloppy way of telling a story and I for one really disliked it.
Frank Cho's art is so-so but he's far too fond of drawing women in barely any clothing and making them look like background dancers in a rap video.
Overall it's a very weak continuation of the Ultimates storyline Millar started a few years ago. All you really need to know is Thor is Reborn, as the title says. I did think it was cool when Thor returned but he basically acted like the Hulk only with thunder, though his peacenik demeanour in Millar's Ultimates books is explained here.
Reading the book is just a formality for anyone wanting to continue with the series as it has little ingenuity, no real flair in the way the story is told, and nothing memorable being told to the reader. Fans only, this is definitely a missable comic book.
Not the best setup given that it's expected that Thor returns and beats up the trolls, which he does of course far too easily.
I loved Mark Millar's run on the Ultimates and thought it was the best possible start a writer could give to Marvel, incorporating all of their beloved heroes in a fascinating storyline. That is, unless you give that promising storyline to a sub-par writer like Jeph Loeb who then proceeds to mess it up.
A large part of the book is given to repeating all that went on in Millar's Ultimates run which I felt was really redundant, then Loeb seems to not know what to do next so decides upon a stupid Loki scheme that's far too simplistic for this interesting character and is just catnip for Thor.
Loeb's storytelling approach is to have a character narrate their story whilst the current storyline plays over it. This is a really distracting technique as, for example, while you're being told Valkyrie's life story you see what she's doing in the present. It's a very sloppy way of telling a story and I for one really disliked it.
Frank Cho's art is so-so but he's far too fond of drawing women in barely any clothing and making them look like background dancers in a rap video.
Overall it's a very weak continuation of the Ultimates storyline Millar started a few years ago. All you really need to know is Thor is Reborn, as the title says. I did think it was cool when Thor returned but he basically acted like the Hulk only with thunder, though his peacenik demeanour in Millar's Ultimates books is explained here.
Reading the book is just a formality for anyone wanting to continue with the series as it has little ingenuity, no real flair in the way the story is told, and nothing memorable being told to the reader. Fans only, this is definitely a missable comic book.
October 8, 2012
Hmmm... let's see the back cover here for a moment: "Thor Reborn is an epic tale of betrayal, loss, and wild adventure". Epic? Not so much. Wild adventure? Meh. What we have here is 3 or 4 issues' worth of story stretched into 5 parts (mercifully not more) with *seemingly* a lot happening, but in reality quite the opposite.
Here's a quick recap of the WHOLE story:
#1-Ultimate Defenders tussle with the New Ultimates and steal Mjolnir; Hela wants an heir from Thor; Tony Stark and Carol Danvers are knocking boots; Loki (with Mjolnir) shows up to stir up some $*#%.
#2-Enchantress "turns" Zarda, Valkyrie, and (seemingly) Carol Danvers against the New Ultimates, who are later subdued by these 3 ladies; Ka-Zar, Shanna, and Black Panther fight some dragons and trolls - mostly off-panel. That's their big contribution.
#3-More fighting; Hela is pregnant with Thor's baby; Loki kills Valkyrie and resurrects Thor in the process.
#4-Thor's back, but extremely sore that Valkyrie's dead, and starts fighting everyone, even the good guys; Hela makes Valkyrie a real, um... Valkyrie; Thor finds (and takes down) Loki.
#5-Thor's not done. He's aaaangry. He fights the New Ultimates. Again; Valkyrie kills Loki as he's about to whack Thor with Mjolnir; Valkyrie tells Thor to love mankind just like he loved her. His tantrum over, Thor's all calm now. Ka-Zar, Shanna, and Black Panther pack up and move to L.A.; Zarda goes back to her own dimension. Loki befriends Thor's young son. [cue ominous cello]
So, yeah. Award for most useless character in this story? Three-way tie between Ka-Zar, Shanna, and Black Panther. There are moments where Jeph Loeb is going for "over-the-top" but doesn't quite get there. Also, it was hard for me to place this story at a specific point in Ultimate continuity in relation to Mark Millar's run on Ultimate Avengers, since Hawkeye and Captain America both appear in both series (same goes for Tony Stark and Carol Danvers). And how did Loki end up with Mjolnir in issue #1?
On the plus side, we get some background on Valkyrie, and the art is simply gorgeous to look at (and no, I'm not [just] talking about the women). Frank Cho's art is crisp and clean and... BIG (I don't know how else to describe it, and - again - no, I'm not [just] talking about the women).
This book could've been shorter and certainly more "epic". Definitely NOT "the most mindblowing Thor saga of them all". 3 stars.
Here's a quick recap of the WHOLE story:
#1-Ultimate Defenders tussle with the New Ultimates and steal Mjolnir; Hela wants an heir from Thor; Tony Stark and Carol Danvers are knocking boots; Loki (with Mjolnir) shows up to stir up some $*#%.
#2-Enchantress "turns" Zarda, Valkyrie, and (seemingly) Carol Danvers against the New Ultimates, who are later subdued by these 3 ladies; Ka-Zar, Shanna, and Black Panther fight some dragons and trolls - mostly off-panel. That's their big contribution.
#3-More fighting; Hela is pregnant with Thor's baby; Loki kills Valkyrie and resurrects Thor in the process.
#4-Thor's back, but extremely sore that Valkyrie's dead, and starts fighting everyone, even the good guys; Hela makes Valkyrie a real, um... Valkyrie; Thor finds (and takes down) Loki.
#5-Thor's not done. He's aaaangry. He fights the New Ultimates. Again; Valkyrie kills Loki as he's about to whack Thor with Mjolnir; Valkyrie tells Thor to love mankind just like he loved her. His tantrum over, Thor's all calm now. Ka-Zar, Shanna, and Black Panther pack up and move to L.A.; Zarda goes back to her own dimension. Loki befriends Thor's young son. [cue ominous cello]
So, yeah. Award for most useless character in this story? Three-way tie between Ka-Zar, Shanna, and Black Panther. There are moments where Jeph Loeb is going for "over-the-top" but doesn't quite get there. Also, it was hard for me to place this story at a specific point in Ultimate continuity in relation to Mark Millar's run on Ultimate Avengers, since Hawkeye and Captain America both appear in both series (same goes for Tony Stark and Carol Danvers). And how did Loki end up with Mjolnir in issue #1?
On the plus side, we get some background on Valkyrie, and the art is simply gorgeous to look at (and no, I'm not [just] talking about the women). Frank Cho's art is crisp and clean and... BIG (I don't know how else to describe it, and - again - no, I'm not [just] talking about the women).
This book could've been shorter and certainly more "epic". Definitely NOT "the most mindblowing Thor saga of them all". 3 stars.
June 17, 2012
I bought this for less that half the cover price, and I'm not sure it was worth it. Well, I should probably explain.
I like Frank Cho's art a lot. Actually, I *love* Frank Cho's art. And he's actually (in my opinion) getting better with each of these projects. Yes, it's slick and highly commercial, especially his women (his true area of expertise), but it's also very pleasing to the eye, and the compositions are becoming more dynamic as he goes along. Compare this to, say, his work with Bendis on Avengers a few years ago and you'll see what I mean.
But.
I used to like Jeph Loeb's writing a lot, maybe a decade or so ago. Two decades? Anyway, it used to be something I would look forward to. But he's really fallen off his game, and this collection is really dreadful. Where Loeb used to shine was in originality and wit and panache, but now, he writes like a guy with an outline in thick Magic Marker in front of him, looking forward to his next paycheck.
This collects five issues, and each one is written from the perspective of a different character in the story, but their monotonous whining makes them all sound exactly alike, so that it takes a while to figure out whose whining you're following. It's really brutal.
I'll probably keep this around for the art, but I don't think I could re-read this as a story if my life depended on it.
I like Frank Cho's art a lot. Actually, I *love* Frank Cho's art. And he's actually (in my opinion) getting better with each of these projects. Yes, it's slick and highly commercial, especially his women (his true area of expertise), but it's also very pleasing to the eye, and the compositions are becoming more dynamic as he goes along. Compare this to, say, his work with Bendis on Avengers a few years ago and you'll see what I mean.
But.
I used to like Jeph Loeb's writing a lot, maybe a decade or so ago. Two decades? Anyway, it used to be something I would look forward to. But he's really fallen off his game, and this collection is really dreadful. Where Loeb used to shine was in originality and wit and panache, but now, he writes like a guy with an outline in thick Magic Marker in front of him, looking forward to his next paycheck.
This collects five issues, and each one is written from the perspective of a different character in the story, but their monotonous whining makes them all sound exactly alike, so that it takes a while to figure out whose whining you're following. It's really brutal.
I'll probably keep this around for the art, but I don't think I could re-read this as a story if my life depended on it.
October 10, 2014
Mixed bag. The art wasn't bad (though the number of @ss shots of the ladies in thongs and skintight suits was ridiculous). I was a bit disappointed that in a graphic novel titled "Thor Reborn" there wasn't more Thor. Kinda weird how Thor has this Eternal Love (though I didn't read the comics where she was properly introduced, so I probably shouldn't judge this aspect too harshly). Definitely not a fan of the monologuing. Wasn't necessary to the story, didn't really develop the character, and tended to go on waaaaaaaaaaay longer than necessary.
August 24, 2023
Oh, so this is how Valkyrie obtained her powers in the ‘Ultimate Universe’.
Another direct sequel to ‘Ultimatum’ (perhaps meant to be read alongside ‘Ultimate Avengers’), now we’re seeing the perspective of the remnants of the former team members of ‘The Ultimates’. Apparently, ‘Valkyrie’ wasn’t killed in ‘Ultimatum’ (I thought she was slaughtered by Magneto in the final issue), but she’s being left without ‘Thor’, who is still trapped at Valhalla under the captivity of ‘Hela’, the Goddess of Death. But things are about to go down with the return of Thor’s half-brother, ‘Loki’, the God of Mischief, and former enemy of ‘The Ultimates’. Not only that, but Thor himself has been offered a “unique” way to leave ‘Valhalla’ for good.
This is entirely the arc that’ll work towards the return of ‘Thor’. Essentially, a pretty similar (in spirit) version of ‘Thor Reborn’, the post-Civil War arc in the regular ‘Earth-616’. In here, of course, it’ll work mostly to the purpose of answering a couple of questions from the early series of ‘The Ultimates’. As I said, this is where we’re answered about Valkyrie’s source of her powers, alongside her former group of clandestine heroes: ‘The Defenders’. All of them now have super-powers of their own, just like her, which makes the team suspicious about her past, and her current allegiances. Enters both, ‘Loki’, and ‘Amora’, this universe’s version of ‘The Enchantress’, a former ‘Thor’ rival from ‘Asgard’, who together are planning a new attack against New York, just like the one from ‘The Ultimates 2’, but ‘Loki’s’ purpose will remain unknown until the very last issue in this volume.
I was surprised to know Jeph Loeb wrote this. Yes, it is in tone with the rest of his work previously, but he seemed interested in delivering a story that is not mainly focused on excessive violence, and explicit content just for the sake of it. Sure, there is violence, blood, and even partial nudity in it, but in general, the main focus, the way it moves forward, and the way it goes back in “flashback way” to certain moments in ‘The Ultimates 2’ are well thought out, overall.
While the title refers to the returning of ‘Thor’ from ‘Valhalla’, the general story focuses- mostly- on the character of Barbara Norriss, the ‘Valkyrie’ of the ‘Ultimate Universe’ who suddenly appeared with superpowers, like the ones of ‘Thor’ during the ‘Ultimates 3’ series, also by Loeb. A considerable amount of time passed between her appearance in these comics, and this one, but we finally have an answer for her sudden change of character. As for ‘Thor’, ‘Hela’ offers one more chance for him to return to ‘Midgard’, only under the condition that he grants her an “heir”.
Other characters have a certain approach to themselves; Captain America is facing a struggle debate about his purpose in this world, Tony is insightful about his own cancerous condition (with the reveal he and Carol Danvers are having an affair), and Hawkeye remains as cold, and doubtful of the way the world is working around him, just as always. All this before the inevitable cataclysm the God of Mischief will unleash amongst them.
In general, I did enjoy this one. To be honest, I was fearful of Loeb’s return to the ‘Ultimate Universe’, but he really delivered a competent and serviceable story, that mostly is centered about ‘Thor’, and his beloved one, ‘Valkyrie’, but as a continuation of the events of his infamous ‘Ultimatum’, this one feels as a relief from a narrative perspective. Yeah, still has his “meanspirited” tendency of treating characters too harshly, to the point of almost cruelty, but there was a proper balance in the script, and the meaningfulness wasn’t gratuitous, or lazy. Although, he still couldn’t help but to add here and there a couple of noticeable plot-holes, and narrative conveniences. Characters in here have a reason for doing the things they do, and the centerfold of the story proposes a mythical take not necessarily seen here before. ‘Valkyrie’ improves as a character, and knowing about her origins adds to her growth, especially after going full circle, in the end. Thinking about it, her entire character has a certain tragical take to her, but it is also depicted in such an epic way, it really does feel like a part of a mythological take of a normal girl who suddenly has the powers of a God, only to face tragedy because of it. ‘Thor’, on the other hand, is revealed for what he truly is; turns out, his “hippie” and “humanist” side was all deeds from Odin and being locked down at ‘Valhalla’ for such a long time eventually gave him his truest self as a natural born warrior, with divine lust for blood and fight. A nice twist that takes him back to the basic ‘616’ concepts behind the character’s original nature and adds a gigantic climatic value to the final issue in this.
The highlight must be the art department. I don’t know if Frank Cho also illustrated another ‘Ultimate’ title before this, but his style benefits for the “sexiness” of the female characters. Carol Danvers, Zarda, Valkyrie, Hela, Amora, they all look gorgeous, incredibly attractive, and provocative at their best. No wonder why Cho was chosen for this, since the story has a certain “femme fatale” factor to it, and there’s even an imposing “girl moment” half-way through the five issues. Visually, is an eye-candy of a comic, perhaps a little “scandalous” for the modern reader, but keep in mind, this is entirely an ‘Ultimate’ entry, so is either this, or blood and explicit violence. At this point, I’d settle for the two traits in a same title… just take care of the story and don’t make them the main attraction.
I’d say, this is a decent post-Ultimatum installment in the ‘Ultimate’ library. In fact, I’ll go as far as to say this is an improvement over some of ‘Ultimatum’s’ worse elements. Nothing spectacular, but visually pleasing, narratively engaging, and redeeming for Jeph Loeb’s past sins. Some care is given about its characters, and some interesting decisions made, I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying this for what it is. Extra points for the mythological Norse approach given to the ‘Thor’ lore, not really that exploited before.
Another direct sequel to ‘Ultimatum’ (perhaps meant to be read alongside ‘Ultimate Avengers’), now we’re seeing the perspective of the remnants of the former team members of ‘The Ultimates’. Apparently, ‘Valkyrie’ wasn’t killed in ‘Ultimatum’ (I thought she was slaughtered by Magneto in the final issue), but she’s being left without ‘Thor’, who is still trapped at Valhalla under the captivity of ‘Hela’, the Goddess of Death. But things are about to go down with the return of Thor’s half-brother, ‘Loki’, the God of Mischief, and former enemy of ‘The Ultimates’. Not only that, but Thor himself has been offered a “unique” way to leave ‘Valhalla’ for good.
This is entirely the arc that’ll work towards the return of ‘Thor’. Essentially, a pretty similar (in spirit) version of ‘Thor Reborn’, the post-Civil War arc in the regular ‘Earth-616’. In here, of course, it’ll work mostly to the purpose of answering a couple of questions from the early series of ‘The Ultimates’. As I said, this is where we’re answered about Valkyrie’s source of her powers, alongside her former group of clandestine heroes: ‘The Defenders’. All of them now have super-powers of their own, just like her, which makes the team suspicious about her past, and her current allegiances. Enters both, ‘Loki’, and ‘Amora’, this universe’s version of ‘The Enchantress’, a former ‘Thor’ rival from ‘Asgard’, who together are planning a new attack against New York, just like the one from ‘The Ultimates 2’, but ‘Loki’s’ purpose will remain unknown until the very last issue in this volume.
I was surprised to know Jeph Loeb wrote this. Yes, it is in tone with the rest of his work previously, but he seemed interested in delivering a story that is not mainly focused on excessive violence, and explicit content just for the sake of it. Sure, there is violence, blood, and even partial nudity in it, but in general, the main focus, the way it moves forward, and the way it goes back in “flashback way” to certain moments in ‘The Ultimates 2’ are well thought out, overall.
While the title refers to the returning of ‘Thor’ from ‘Valhalla’, the general story focuses- mostly- on the character of Barbara Norriss, the ‘Valkyrie’ of the ‘Ultimate Universe’ who suddenly appeared with superpowers, like the ones of ‘Thor’ during the ‘Ultimates 3’ series, also by Loeb. A considerable amount of time passed between her appearance in these comics, and this one, but we finally have an answer for her sudden change of character. As for ‘Thor’, ‘Hela’ offers one more chance for him to return to ‘Midgard’, only under the condition that he grants her an “heir”.
Other characters have a certain approach to themselves; Captain America is facing a struggle debate about his purpose in this world, Tony is insightful about his own cancerous condition (with the reveal he and Carol Danvers are having an affair), and Hawkeye remains as cold, and doubtful of the way the world is working around him, just as always. All this before the inevitable cataclysm the God of Mischief will unleash amongst them.
In general, I did enjoy this one. To be honest, I was fearful of Loeb’s return to the ‘Ultimate Universe’, but he really delivered a competent and serviceable story, that mostly is centered about ‘Thor’, and his beloved one, ‘Valkyrie’, but as a continuation of the events of his infamous ‘Ultimatum’, this one feels as a relief from a narrative perspective. Yeah, still has his “meanspirited” tendency of treating characters too harshly, to the point of almost cruelty, but there was a proper balance in the script, and the meaningfulness wasn’t gratuitous, or lazy. Although, he still couldn’t help but to add here and there a couple of noticeable plot-holes, and narrative conveniences. Characters in here have a reason for doing the things they do, and the centerfold of the story proposes a mythical take not necessarily seen here before. ‘Valkyrie’ improves as a character, and knowing about her origins adds to her growth, especially after going full circle, in the end. Thinking about it, her entire character has a certain tragical take to her, but it is also depicted in such an epic way, it really does feel like a part of a mythological take of a normal girl who suddenly has the powers of a God, only to face tragedy because of it. ‘Thor’, on the other hand, is revealed for what he truly is; turns out, his “hippie” and “humanist” side was all deeds from Odin and being locked down at ‘Valhalla’ for such a long time eventually gave him his truest self as a natural born warrior, with divine lust for blood and fight. A nice twist that takes him back to the basic ‘616’ concepts behind the character’s original nature and adds a gigantic climatic value to the final issue in this.
The highlight must be the art department. I don’t know if Frank Cho also illustrated another ‘Ultimate’ title before this, but his style benefits for the “sexiness” of the female characters. Carol Danvers, Zarda, Valkyrie, Hela, Amora, they all look gorgeous, incredibly attractive, and provocative at their best. No wonder why Cho was chosen for this, since the story has a certain “femme fatale” factor to it, and there’s even an imposing “girl moment” half-way through the five issues. Visually, is an eye-candy of a comic, perhaps a little “scandalous” for the modern reader, but keep in mind, this is entirely an ‘Ultimate’ entry, so is either this, or blood and explicit violence. At this point, I’d settle for the two traits in a same title… just take care of the story and don’t make them the main attraction.
I’d say, this is a decent post-Ultimatum installment in the ‘Ultimate’ library. In fact, I’ll go as far as to say this is an improvement over some of ‘Ultimatum’s’ worse elements. Nothing spectacular, but visually pleasing, narratively engaging, and redeeming for Jeph Loeb’s past sins. Some care is given about its characters, and some interesting decisions made, I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying this for what it is. Extra points for the mythological Norse approach given to the ‘Thor’ lore, not really that exploited before.
July 7, 2013
Obviously this Ultimate Marvel world is different than the regular Marvel Universe, but in this one, there aren't many heroes left at all. The New Ultimates are the only real team left (Cap, Iron Man, Hawkeye, Black Panther, Valkryie etc.) In this world, Thor is dead, but Loki is up to his tricks, and we still see what Thor is up to in Valhalla. What will happen when the God of Thunder returns from the dead? Who will be safe and who will be targeted? Everyone is kind of an asshole in this book, even Cap comes across like a whiny bitch. The asshole part works fine on Tony Stark, but everyone else is just a little ridiculous. An interesting story, but not essential in any way.
May 17, 2011
Seldom have I read a more pointless story. Only slightly enlivened by multiple superheroines with large breasts...
April 7, 2012
Loeb wrote this? Did somebody put a gun to his head? Reads like it.
February 16, 2021
The first book of the New Ultimates series set in the aftermath of 'Ultimatum'.
Despite a certain amount of disillusionment among its members, Tony Stark reforms the Ultimates and they soon have to go into action against a group of wannabe heroes calling themselves the Defenders. However, a far greater threat emerges when Loki and Enchantress unleash an army of trolls in New York.
This book has a lot of colourful superheroes and supervillains battling across New York and also features Thor's return from Valhalla to confront his trickster brother.
Strangely, despite all of that, I found the whole thing pretty boring. There's really nothing particularly new or interesting here and even the various characters involved all feel flat and muted.
I can't place exactly why this book failed to grab my interest (perhaps it's that the Ultimate Universe is inherently less interesting to me) but I can't help but feel that a book involving heroes making love, heroes dying and one of Marvel's greatest heroes making a dramatic return should have engaged me more than this did.
All that said, seeing Ka-Zar, Black Panther and two sabretooth tigers fight the troll army was pretty cool.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com *
Despite a certain amount of disillusionment among its members, Tony Stark reforms the Ultimates and they soon have to go into action against a group of wannabe heroes calling themselves the Defenders. However, a far greater threat emerges when Loki and Enchantress unleash an army of trolls in New York.
This book has a lot of colourful superheroes and supervillains battling across New York and also features Thor's return from Valhalla to confront his trickster brother.
Strangely, despite all of that, I found the whole thing pretty boring. There's really nothing particularly new or interesting here and even the various characters involved all feel flat and muted.
I can't place exactly why this book failed to grab my interest (perhaps it's that the Ultimate Universe is inherently less interesting to me) but I can't help but feel that a book involving heroes making love, heroes dying and one of Marvel's greatest heroes making a dramatic return should have engaged me more than this did.
All that said, seeing Ka-Zar, Black Panther and two sabretooth tigers fight the troll army was pretty cool.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com *
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May 25, 2023I can't even comment on the story by Jeph Loeb because all of my attention is on the art by Frank Cho. Specifically, the gratuitously sexist nature of said art: this is what happens when an adult doesn't curb Cho's baser impulses. A few examples should do the trick. First, why is Hela, Norse deity of Hel, wearing a thong? On a battlefield? And of course Cho must draw her from the rear; there was clearly no other option. I mean, he's not even attempting to conceal his preoccupations. Second, we get a random drawing of superhero-wannabe Barbara Norriss drawn from the rear. And what's she wearing? Did you guess thong underwear? Correct! Why? Because Cho wanted to draw her that way, narrative be damned. Finally, when Norriss dies and is reborn as the Valkyrie, how does she appear, this avatar of warrior life? Why, in a one-piece thong, what else?! This sort of dreck would be at least somewhat understandable if the character in question was known to use charm and sexual attraction to their advantage, but a Valkyrie?! That's just stupid.
March 13, 2022
This must be some alternative world version of the Marvel Universe. The Avengers are under the auspices of SHIELD. Early on they face off against the Defenders for some reason I failed to understand. These Defenders are only partially recognizable variations of Power Man, NightHawk, HellCat, Damion Hellstrom, and Valkyrie.
This version of the Defenders was a bunch of actors cosplaying at being superheroes and who later underwent a supersoldier treatment to gain immense power. I somewhat disliked this version of the Defenders, but I didn't really care for this particular version of the Avengers, either. In this take on the Marvel Universe, few of the characters are particularly sympathetic.
The only thing that made this comic book readable was the fantastic artwork by John Cho. I wanted to like this comic book but it's probably better enjoyed by looking at the artwork without reading the story.
This version of the Defenders was a bunch of actors cosplaying at being superheroes and who later underwent a supersoldier treatment to gain immense power. I somewhat disliked this version of the Defenders, but I didn't really care for this particular version of the Avengers, either. In this take on the Marvel Universe, few of the characters are particularly sympathetic.
The only thing that made this comic book readable was the fantastic artwork by John Cho. I wanted to like this comic book but it's probably better enjoyed by looking at the artwork without reading the story.
March 23, 2017
Many heroes dead, including Thor. Tony's drunk and has cancer and is banging Carol Danvers. Steve is having an existential crisis (when isn't he?). Clint is pissed at everything. And the ladies seemingly in charge are hyped up on anger and apparently steroids that make them physically indiscernible from one another.
Meanwhile, who's the one person who knows Thor being dead is a thing that should be fixed and actually does something about it? Loki. Who's the one who gets skewered in the end for actually bringing his brother (and thus, some balance) back to the universe? Loki. Who doesn't bang the goddess of the underworld, thus producing a god-hell spawn, in a lame (and vain) attempt to escape being dead? Loki.
He may be dramatic and exhibiting more Slytherin tendencies than the entire Malfoy family, but Loki knows how to get shit done, which is more than can be said for literally every 'hero' in this particular series.
Meanwhile, who's the one person who knows Thor being dead is a thing that should be fixed and actually does something about it? Loki. Who's the one who gets skewered in the end for actually bringing his brother (and thus, some balance) back to the universe? Loki. Who doesn't bang the goddess of the underworld, thus producing a god-hell spawn, in a lame (and vain) attempt to escape being dead? Loki.
He may be dramatic and exhibiting more Slytherin tendencies than the entire Malfoy family, but Loki knows how to get shit done, which is more than can be said for literally every 'hero' in this particular series.
April 1, 2022
Apparently The Ultimates will accept just about anyone in the team with zero background checks.
Captain America kicks a teenage girl in the pussy.
Orcs invade New York. Yes, orcs, you read that right. And the Ultimates mow them down with machine guns akimbo lol.
Just think about how unhinged the average New Yorker has to be by now with exctintion event every two days or so.
Some idiotic nonsense where Thor goes berserk.
Better than Ultimatum but still pretty dumb.
Captain America kicks a teenage girl in the pussy.
Orcs invade New York. Yes, orcs, you read that right. And the Ultimates mow them down with machine guns akimbo lol.
Just think about how unhinged the average New Yorker has to be by now with exctintion event every two days or so.
Some idiotic nonsense where Thor goes berserk.
Better than Ultimatum but still pretty dumb.
June 2, 2024
I guess that since I didn't read the entire ultimate universe there are pieces missing from the puzzle for me. I. like the art and Loeb got Loki right as the good of mischief and lies. Some of the other b personalities seemed forced and weird, but again it may be my spotty knowledge of the ultimate universe.
I blame it on Marvel continued cross title stories and need to only print number ones. Greed over story and universe that they claim to keep consistent....not really though.
I blame it on Marvel continued cross title stories and need to only print number ones. Greed over story and universe that they claim to keep consistent....not really though.
July 29, 2024
Big and bombastic, with signature Frank Cho art (huge muscles and zero body fat for the dudes, huge boobs and round butts for the ladies) and a story that zooms along asking little of the reader but to take it all in. Was it high art? Nope. Was it a great, unforgettable story? Not really, no. But I enjoyed it nonetheless, as I needed some big dumb fun. Sometimes it’s all you really need. 3.5 stars.
April 21, 2019
Finally the mystery of the Defenders having powers is solved! Thor is coming back! And Iron Man is desperately trying to hold the Ultimates together after losing so many members, only to find Loki attacking New York while his brother is away. And what does Amora the Enchantress have to do with all this?
Good story- ties up a lot of loose ends and gives the Ultimates a new direction.
Good story- ties up a lot of loose ends and gives the Ultimates a new direction.
August 14, 2023
3.5 stars for the art
2/2.5 stars for the writing
Cinematic art from Frank Cho with the fights depicted in an over the top panopticon style, centering (mainly) on a resurrected Thor, but basically all it boils down to is him having a hissy fit, in what is frankly a massively over-egged, over-stuffed over-populated mess. I mean, there's Kazar
2/2.5 stars for the writing
Cinematic art from Frank Cho with the fights depicted in an over the top panopticon style, centering (mainly) on a resurrected Thor, but basically all it boils down to is him having a hissy fit, in what is frankly a massively over-egged, over-stuffed over-populated mess. I mean, there's Kazar
July 18, 2017
While I give the first issue in this collection some credit as it is clearly a love letter from Jeph Loeb to his late son (and an effort on his part to work his grief out), the rest of the comic plays like the Avengers by way of series one TORCHWOOD. That isn't a good thing.
October 18, 2019
A new version of the Avengers,where we have a female Thor and a few other new characters.
Plus,Tony Stark is dating Carol Danvers!
The original Thor is in Hela's realm and has to pay a price to be released while his brother Loki is wreaking havoc in New York.
Plus,Tony Stark is dating Carol Danvers!
The original Thor is in Hela's realm and has to pay a price to be released while his brother Loki is wreaking havoc in New York.
August 10, 2023
Jeph Loeb's post ultimatum Ultimate Comics X (the post ultimatum naming is really clunky) was an introspective story of survival. This tries to do the same, but instead of using the narration to compliment the story, he uses it to often tell a different story, which could work but doesn't.
August 8, 2017
How much does Jeph Loeb suck at writing?
Read this book to be surprised at the depths he can go!
Read this book to be surprised at the depths he can go!
February 23, 2018
The art and story made me want to pick up the trades which come before this book, but I'll have to wait until I can find them cheap.
April 29, 2018
Enjoyed this Ultimates trade paperback, tells a good story, albeit with some lulls at times. I love Fran Cho's art so that was a huge upside. Good Read and addition to the collection
April 29, 2019
What happened when Thor stayed in Hel is answered.
November 7, 2021
Una muy entretenida historia al estilo Ultimates a cargo de Jeph Loeb acerca de la vuelta del Thor de este universo. Frank Cho es disfrutable a mas no poder con sus dibujos.
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