Ultimate Six #1

Background

Over time, a few of Spidey's enemies have been captured and incarcerated. These include the Green Goblin, Electro, the Sandman and Doctor Octopus...

Story Details

Alot happens this issue, but I'll try and summarise.

Basically, Spidey's villains are gathered together by SHIELD and kept in one installation. Nick Fury tells them that they illegally modified their genetics and thus have no rights. They're his prisoners, and he's got a plan for them. The issue starts off with the Green Goblin, Electro, the Sandman and Doctor Octopus in the facility. But, after a humourous scene, the Ultimates also capture Kraven. Kraven, since his last appearance, has made some genetic modifications of his own.

The issue ends with Norman Osborn sitting in his cell wondering for what exact purpose does Fury have all six of them gathered together. Doc Ock reminds Norman that there are only five of them. Norman ominously replies that there will be six and the issue ends.

General Comments

This is basically a set-up issue where most of the six are brought together in a believable way. There are a couple of mysteries set-up. Like what does Fury really want them for? And how could he possibly control and trust them if he does want to use them for some covert ops? Also, it's still unclear who the sixth character will be.

The five of the six characters introduced this issue are fleshed out well. Each of them is made distinct and interesting. Norman, in particular, is portrayed in a very creepy and intelligent fashion. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of him. In his previous Ultimate Universe appearances I haven't felt that his intelligence and manipulative abilities have really come across well. So far, this series seems to be rectifying that.

By far the best part of this issue is where the Ultimates capture Kraven. It's really funny. Especially the way Cap keeps asking Thor to do stuff and Thor refuses. The bad thing about this, though, is that even though Kraven has been genetically souped up since his last apppearance, he still doesn't seem a credible threat.

In the art department, we have Joe Quesada and Trevor Hairsine. Joe's contribution is great and Trevor's is even better. It's detailed and conveys as much about the characters as the text does. Especially in Kraven's interview, the way Kraven is drawn really brings out Kraven's sense of superiority. Norman Osborn also comes ascross as slimy, manipulative and dangerous in his depiction. A top notch job.

Overall Rating

This is only the beginning, but it's a great beginning. I'm really looking forward to the rest of this mini.