Ultimate Six #2

Background

The Green Goblin, Electro, the Sandman, Kraven and Doctor Octopus have all been captured and are being held by SHIELD in the same facility...

Story Details

The Green Goblin, Electro, the Sandman, Kraven and Doctor Octopus are having a group therapy session with Henry Pym. Pym is focusing on Norman Osborn. Norman gets upset and tries to turn in the Green Goblin and escape. His collar electrifies him and then Pym smacks him down after turning into Giant Man.

Later, Norman is brought back to the cells. Agent Carter teases Electro by pretending to comply with his wish to see her topless. Norman and Octavious exchange some meaningful looks. Octavious then tells the guards that he wants to talk... Octavious is then brought before Pym alone and says that he is repentant and wants to help...

Over to the Triskelion and the Ultimates. Fury tells the Ultimates about the villains he has in the facility and introduces the idea of using Doc Ock. They're a bit uneasy, but ok with it. Cap asks Fury if any those incarcerated are the way they because of experiments commissioned by SHIELD. Fury pauses then tells him yes. Cap is visibly upset and walks off.

Back at the facility Doc Ock is being shown around some labs where he will be allowed to work. The scientists with him are interested in his mechanical arms and they show them to him. Doc Ock tells them about them and how after the accident he developed some sort of connection with them that went beyond science. Doc Ock uses his arms to kill those with him then disable the security systems. The others free themselves and Doc Ock returns. Osborne says that he and Ock are even now and that he plans to take on Fury and get his boy, Peter, back. Destruction ensues...

General Comments

As with most of Bendis' stories this one continues to slowly build. The slower pace does allow for some great dialogue and character developmen thought.

This issue Bendis plays a bit more with the Ultimates and makes them his own. He really does a top job with the charcters. I particularly like the moment when Cap confronts Fury with the origins of some of these 'illegal genetic mutations'. He even manages (with Haisine's considerable help) to blend in the style of the Ultimates with a dramatically placed splashed pages that highlight the characters super powers.

Another thing that Bendis does very well is make the villains seem more creepy and mentally disturbed in a way that's hard for someone who isn't on the same wave length as them to understand. The disturbingly intimate conversation between Doc Ock and Norman on the final pages is a prime example of this. This is easily one of the best takes on these villains and builds up the Sinister Six premise alot better than it ever was in the mainstream series.

Spidey still hasn't appeared yet, which is a bit of a dissapointment. Norman's revealed plan at the promises that he should be brought in soon. I can't wait!

Overall Rating

This really is a great series!