Read or Die: Book Reviews by Emily

Text

“The Ultimates: Ultimate Collection” written by Mark Millar, art by Bryan Hitch

(Grade 10 and up) The world has never been a stranger or more dangerous place, which is why the government has authorized S.H.I.E.L.D., led by Nick Fury, to assemble a group of exceptional people to defend us from creatures and forces that normal humans can’t hope to combat. Among those chosen for the group, dubbed “The Ultimates” are Hank and Janet Pym, a husband and wife team with amazing abilities and fantastic scientific expertise; Tony Stark, Iron Man himself and a man wealthy enough to fund some of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s more outlandish projects; Thor, possibly a god, possibly a madman, but powerful either way; and Captain America, invited to join the Ultimates after his body was found frozen in the Arctic Circle, perfectly preserved after his final successful mission near the end of World War II. With super assassins Black Widow and Hawkeye, as well as occasional assistance (and interference) from Dr. Bruce Banner, AKA the Hulk, the Ultimates are a force to be reckoned with, but do they have what it takes to save the world?

“The Ultimates” is, in point of fact, ridiculously amazing. Excellent art, fantastic writing filled with drama, humor, and heart, this is one of the best collections of comics I’ve ever read. Joss Whedon wrote the introduction to this book back in 2002, and I just WISH I had a time machine to go back and drop some hints about a future “Avengers” film. :) Favorite scene: all the action sequences here are extremely well done, but my favorite scene involved Nick Fury, Cap, and the Pyms hanging out and discussing who should play them in an “Ultimates” movie. There’s also a dig at Robert Downey Jr. that damn near killed me, and SPOILER ALERT, Nick Fury thinks that Tony Stark should be played by Johnny Depp in the aforementioned movie. Yes. This really happened, and when I read that, I laughed so hard my chest hurt. Avengers fans, read this right now! (5 out of 5 stars)