THE ULTIMATES #8 REVIEW

[Omar A. Safi]

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/ultimates-08.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/ultimates-08t.jpg" align=left alt="The Ultimates #8 preview"></a>Reviewer: Omar A. Safi, safi@sbcglobal.net
Quick Rating: Great!
Story Title: The Experts

Black Widow and Hawkeye are introduced in an action-packed raid on two New York offices!

Story by: Mark Millar
Pencils by: Bryan Hitch
Inks by: Paul Neary
Colors by: Paul Mounts
Letters by: Chris Eliopoulos
Associate Editors: C.B. Cebulski and Brian Smith
Editor: Ralph Macchio
Editor in Chief: Joe Quesada
President and Inspiration: Bill Jemas
Publisher: Marvel

The time has come again and another issue of The Ultimates is upon us. The Ultimates #8 introduces the team’s next threat while being surrounded by misconceptions from the public fandom.

In the beginning, writer Mark Millar knocks the reader out with an ultra-cool volatile presentation of just exactly what S.H.I.E.L.D.’s black ops division really does. Finally, Black Widow and Hawkeye take the spotlight in leading an assault on two New York buildings. In a scenario similar to that of the movie version of Resident Evil, tons of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents storm the floors of the buildings taking no prisoners and gunning everyone down. Although, the reader begins to ask, why would members of an organization like S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Ultimates kill seemingly innocent lives merely working in their daily routine? Well, let’s not be so quick to judge since Millar interestingly answers these questions later in the issue. The first misconception of this issue is the first full appearance of Hawkeye a.k.a. Clint Barton. Most people had already made the Ultimate Hawkeye out to be a Bruce Willis or Kevin Costner roughneck type of character, judging by preview images and news. Instead, Mark Millar and artist Bryan Hitch give us a younger and leaner Colin Farrell badass type of character. This misunderstanding is definitely not bad though. The composed and cool attitude of Hawkeye as the various teams swarm the floors of the building was simply fun to watch. Black Widow a.k.a. Natasha Romanov is an equally entertaining character. Her expertise in combat and willingness to put herself in jeopardy was admirable. With most of the Ultimates team in discord, Hawkeye and Black Widow are two new recruits who I look forward to seeing especially because of their ability to cooperate in a team.

After completing the mission, S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury briefs the Ultimates team on their new global-scale nemeses at the Triskelion, or the Ultimates headquarters in New York. He also states that Black Widow and Hawkeye will be promoted to public status after excelling as leading agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. In this meeting, the second misconception involved in this issue is the long-awaited arrival of Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, children of Magneto and formerly members of the Brotherhood of Mutants, to The Ultimates. It was rumored and believed that this issue would present the brother and sister as having an incestuous relationship. Their behavior towards one another did not display any sexual attraction or love other than what the common brother and sister would display together. Perhaps the editorial team has restricted Millar to include this edgy situation. Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch (a.k.a. Pietro and Wanda Maximoff respectively) are currently within the Shadow Team of the Ultimates because of their previous association with terrorists. The division of teams in S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Ultimates is fascinating and logical when considering everything. Also, during this meeting Fury explains the presence of numerous alien species on Earth. Now it is the Ultimates’ duty to eliminate these extraterrestrial invaders, which some creatures were operating from the buildings which were attacked by Black Widow and Hawkeye. It seems like this dilemma from outer space might be a little too over-the-top but if anyone can pull if off it is Millar. In addition, these new anarmorphic alien species created by Millar, particularly the Chitauri, perhaps have taken the place of the Skrulls, which were supposed to appear in this arc.

The winding suspense of Captain America’s (a.k.a. Steve Rogers) hunt for Giant Man (a.k.a. Dr. Hank Pym) because of Pym’s brutal abuse to his wife, the Wasp (a.k.a. Janet Pym), is delved into. Cap’s intentions of what actions he will take to bring Pym to justice are unclear yet Fury gives Cap some surprising orders. It will be interesting to see what ensues with the pair.

Millar and Hitch deliver again yet have some mistakes. The issue itself is paced quite slowly when considering its place in the arc. Besides the beginning action scene, the rest of the issue merely introduces a plot and more for the reader to contemplate about. Millar’s first arc took twists and turns with brilliant characterization matched by few. Second, the meeting at the Triskelion had a few confusing discussions which I believe referred to events in Ultimate War. A reader like myself who has not caught up with the events of Ultimate War would probably be slightly lost. Besides these criticisms, Millar crafts another excellent story.

Bryan Hitch’s pencils never cease to amaze me. Although it is his duties that is causing The Ultimates to be late for quite some time, Hitch still manages to give his fans a pleasant helping of his art in return for the wait. Hitch does an impressive job during the battle scene, showing the frustration of the situation and the destructive environment, which seemed quite difficult for any artist. The couple of splash pages in this issue were extraordinary like the explosion at the office and Captain America confronting Giant Man, leaving a shocking cliffhanger. Panels like a close-up on Fury’s face or freakishly cool decaying Chitauri corpse are also incredible. A mention should be given to the colors by Paul Mounts adding lighting effects which only benefit the total art package. The only feature of The Ultimates I at times do not enjoy are the covers which feature characters who are better placed on another issue. For example, the Hawkeye cover would be more appropriate for this issue than that of Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver.

The realistic and exciting feel of this book makes it one of Marvel’s best ongoing titles. The Ultimates #8 is a dynamic and entertaining story which can compete with even movies like The Matrix because of its slick and sensational appeal.


ART:
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STORY:
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OVERALL:
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Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=76&cat=ULTIMATES)

[exile2387]

a scene from Resident Evil?! i think martix is a much more obvious "source."

[Omar A. Safi]

It wasn't the scene but just the feel and situation.

[Cobiatic]

Wonderful review, A+ :)

Loved the moments between Natasha and Pietro.

[Benjamin Ong]

Wonderful review! I can't wait to read this later!

The art sans dialogue on Hitch's site look really awasome!

[Mesran]

Great review Omar!

Now...I thought this was a pretty good issue (constant shallowness of the characters aside) and the art was reasonable.

Reasonable. Not SPECTACULAR, which is why, IMO, Hitch should get his butt thrown off the book for constantly making this title late. I mean come on, 3 months late? :rolleyes: It aint worth the wait.

[Benjamin Ong]

Originally posted by SMASH!
It aint worth the wait.

Well, at least it's still a shoter wait than Joss Weadon's Fray and Jenkins/Kuberts' Origin :p

[Omar A. Safi]

I think soon enough it'll get back on time. Hitch can't help it if life interferes.

[Brandon Yates]

Wow.

I want to complain so bad about this book being late but this was probably my favorite issue since #5, which was my favorite since #1.

The art was beautiful, the pacing was great, the dialogue hilarious... it almost baffles me that this is the same guy writing the Sometimes Good, Sometimes Not So Good Ultimate X-Men.

[Mesran]

Originally posted by Benjamin Ong


Well, at least it's still a shoter wait than Joss Weadon's Fray and Jenkins/Kuberts' Origin :p

It's close ;)

Originally posted by Omar A. Safi
I think soon enough it'll get back on time. Hitch can't help it if life interferes.

Well if he can't find the time or his personal life is too hectic he should step down and let another artist take his place.

[Zachary J. Morrison]

Great review, Omar. I really liked this issue. I definitely hope they don't delay the rest of the series...I was planning on getting this issue, because it had Wanda and Pietro, and when I read it, I loved how they were drawn...When The Ultimates debuted, I didn't plan on getting any of the issues because I didn't like how they were drawn in a sense that this is a Ultimate universe. However, having read the The Ultimates TPB, and I liked the writing from Mark Millar and the work from Wildstorm's The Authory, Bryan Hitch.

I also liked how the characters were written and drawn, including Cap. So I'm going to start getting Ultimates from now on. I have all issues ;)

[Benjamin Ong]

Never too late to start, Zach aka phoenx. Better things are on the way, I'm sure, as Millar plans to stay on this title for two years (okay, at least till issue #24, however long it might take :D )

[Andy James]

Wow this was so good.
you almost want to pick fault with the series for making you wait so damn long but with art and story like this who can complain???
the hawkeye and black widow scene screamed matrix and it was fantatsic complemented with hitchs superb art. i was actually kinda concerned why Clint and Tash were killing eveyrone before i read the explanation :clown:
the alien story is a little to sci fi for the ultimates IMO but it still should be exelent.
great review as well

[Rimpelwillem Returns]

This was indeed a great issue....

I was pretty shocked though seeing hawkeye and Widow just wiping all those people of the chart.... And I wonder what cap would think of this? Shouldn't he of all people have wanted a more peacefull resolution?

And I'm really looking forward to the big giantman - cap confrontation, Giant Man is so gonna kick Caps but... Oh yeah...
That's what weird peole do when they get drunk....

By the way... Did anybody notice the cover of issue 7 actualluy beeing part of the scene where Widow pops out of the elevator?

And on the cover of the last issue and this one, that Black Widow, the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver all have their own tags on their zippers? Tags with their own marks....
(I call em tags now, cause I can't come up with the word...)

But yes, a splended, almost worth the wait, issue...

[Rimpelwillem Returns]

AND I REALLY LIKED HAWKEYE TAKING DOWN THE BALD GUY AT THE FRONT DESK!

'now you don't cueball!'

now that's funny

though pretty violent, still funny...

[Radicals]

To be honest I was disapointed this issue, I've loved the Ultimates so far but I just found this issue blah.

I think what got on my nerves was the Matrix and Men In Black type references, it was very much on the verge between reference and being a blatent rip off.

I dont know, I just really dont think it was worth the wait.

MHO anyway.

[skankinwolvie]

I thought this issue was COMPLETELY worth the wait, one of my favorite issues so far. I know it's probably not such a great idea to bring aliens into the Ultimate universe at this time, but the way Mr. Millar is presenting it is just superb. Buy this book, Nuff' Said.

[Radiate]

I loved this issue.Loadsa uber action.Very MAtrix like.I wonder what Caps. gonna do to Pym?

RADIATE!

[Scott Williams]

Not a bad review, but I ask - why have a shadow team if you've got Norse Gods and Captains of America?

I did like seeing the payoff to the "Alien Technology" reference in #1. I had completely forgotten about it, and reading it I was like "Ohhhhhh!"

Worth the wait? Meh. I guess I can answer that question by saying that I bought it, but maybe I'd like the book a lot more if it came out on time. I know, I know... I've heard about how Bryan Hitch's personal life is impeding his schedule, but at least Quitely is decent enough to get fill-in artists. Maybe Hitch could learn a bit from Quitely and get a fill-in who is better at drawing people. I'll tell ya right now, I don't much care for Hitch's art, but Millar's story is a-ok with me.

This issue, for me, was about as good as the series gets. This, strangely enough, ranks in the top 3 issues of the series for me, as lackluster as it was.

But of course, my opinion is humble and all of this is in it.

I'm forecasting #9 for an April-May release. Stay tuned...

[x-man17]

i thought this issue was good, a bit slow with the pcing for the arc.

[Omar A. Safi]

Originally posted by Brandon Yates
I want to complain so bad about this book being late but this was probably my favorite issue since #5, which was my favorite since #1.

The art was beautiful, the pacing was great, the dialogue hilarious... it almost baffles me that this is the same guy writing the Sometimes Good, Sometimes Not So Good Ultimate X-Men.
My favorite was probably #6. I agree with you on Millar. I don't even bother to read Ultimate X-Men but Ultimates has to be the best of the Ultimate line.

Originally posted by SMASH!
Well if he can't find the time or his personal life is too hectic he should step down and let another artist take his place.
There's not too many artists who can match the quality of Hitch.

Originally posted by SewermanLives
Not a bad review, but I ask - why have a shadow team if you've got Norse Gods and Captains of America?

I did like seeing the payoff to the &quot;Alien Technology&quot; reference in #1. I had completely forgotten about it, and reading it I was like &quot;Ohhhhhh!&quot;

Worth the wait? Meh. I guess I can answer that question by saying that I bought it, but maybe I'd like the book a lot more if it came out on time. I know, I know... I've heard about how Bryan Hitch's personal life is impeding his schedule, but at least Quitely is decent enough to get fill-in artists. Maybe Hitch could learn a bit from Quitely and get a fill-in who is better at drawing people. I'll tell ya right now, I don't much care for Hitch's art, but Millar's story is a-ok with me.

This issue, for me, was about as good as the series gets. This, strangely enough, ranks in the top 3 issues of the series for me, as lackluster as it was.

But of course, my opinion is humble and all of this is in it.

I'm forecasting #9 for an April-May release. Stay tuned...
You should have a Shadow Team when your Cap is after a man capable of turning into a giant and has just beat his wife, another member of your team. Or how about when the scientist of your team is imprisoned becuase of his rampage on New York? Or when your billionaire member is more interested in his profits?

Marvel and editorial gets the fill-ins, not the artist themself. Also, Marvel requested the team of Millar & Hitch so they want Hitch to do all the work himself, uninterrupted. Why are the best artists always late? Oh well.

[tormented_spawn]

Originally posted by SewermanLives
Not a bad review, but I ask - why have a shadow team if you've got Norse Gods and Captains of America?


Because unlike Thor and Cap, mutants like Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch are hated in the human population. Not just because their plainly mutants, it's because their known terrorists. So, I think being in the shadow team meaning they'll operate in more concealed fashion than the others. Hmm, Black Widow as Ex-KGB, well I guess both Wanda and Pietro are more recent criminals in the eyes of humans that I guess BW can have this publicity than the two.

My thoughts on the issue, it was good... glad that whole Nazi's techology is explained. I thought the Red Skull was part of it never thought it was aliens seeing as that Ulimates are more down to Earth compared to Avengers.

[Scott Williams]

Boy, I sure was glad to have not one, but TWO people offer me an explaination! That REALLY clears things up and gosh darn it, I feel better, too.

Ok, that there was unnecessary sarcasm. I just don't understand why Black Widow and Hawkeye wouldn't be a part of the main team, or, if they're the really good agents, why they bother with the rediculous public facade of the Ultimates in the first place. T_Spawn gave me a good explaination of why Quicksilver and Scarlet witch are there, but Black Widow and Hawkeye don't make sense to me.

I mean, if this is the shadow team, maybe it's just the shadow team Penumbra, and Shadow team Umbra consists of Ultimate Vision, Ultimate Stingray, Ultimate Black Knight and Ultimate D-Man? After all, they're the real superstars of the team. The heart and souls.

And Omar, I don't know why the best artists are always late. Seems to me the only really late artists are Quitely and Hitch. Which of the best artists are late? (Ha, sorry, I just had to.)

[Wolverine]

Great Review. Loved the issue and art:) :) :) :)

[Omar A. Safi]

Originally posted by SewermanLives
Ok, that there was unnecessary sarcasm. I just don't understand why Black Widow and Hawkeye wouldn't be a part of the main team, or, if they're the really good agents, why they bother with the rediculous public facade of the Ultimates in the first place. T_Spawn gave me a good explaination of why Quicksilver and Scarlet witch are there, but Black Widow and Hawkeye don't make sense to me.

I mean, if this is the shadow team, maybe it's just the shadow team Penumbra, and Shadow team Umbra consists of Ultimate Vision, Ultimate Stingray, Ultimate Black Knight and Ultimate D-Man? After all, they're the real superstars of the team. The heart and souls.

And Omar, I don't know why the best artists are always late. Seems to me the only really late artists are Quitely and Hitch. Which of the best artists are late? (Ha, sorry, I just had to.)
Black Widow and Hawkeye are becoming part of the public team. They weren't in the Shadow Team but S.H.I.E.L.D. members.

Quitely and Hitch are the best artists, to me anyways.

[tormented_spawn]

Originally posted by SewermanLives
Boy, I sure was glad to have not one, but TWO people offer me an explaination! That REALLY clears things up and gosh darn it, I feel better, too.

Ok, that there was unnecessary sarcasm. I just don't understand why Black Widow and Hawkeye wouldn't be a part of the main team, or, if they're the really good agents, why they bother with the rediculous public facade of the Ultimates in the first place. T_Spawn gave me a good explaination of why Quicksilver and Scarlet witch are there, but Black Widow and Hawkeye don't make sense to me.

I mean, if this is the shadow team, maybe it's just the shadow team Penumbra, and Shadow team Umbra consists of Ultimate Vision, Ultimate Stingray, Ultimate Black Knight and Ultimate D-Man? After all, they're the real superstars of the team. The heart and souls.


Sarcasm? Ahhh, I thought you were putting in a good word for both of us, oh well...

I think that BW and Hawkeye are in other part of the team because they work in the background that the normal Ulimates wouldn't touch because of their high profiles. I think the public wouldn't approve of Cap and the rest, gunning down civilians. (yes, in the eyes of the Ulimates they aren't but the public don't know that.)

If that doesn't explain it, well then... it's just cool to have Shadow Team and such... sorry that's the best I could do.

[manikz]

altho i haven't been reading the ultimates for too long i presumed the shadow team was a team that could get into situations and get their hands dirty without worrying about exposure and being recognised. If captain America had went up to the bald guy and asked for an appointment the guy wud have raised an alarm but hawkeye and widow look like normal ppl, or at least ppl who think they're neo and trinity (:D) he didn't care thus letting them get deeper into the lobey before alarm is raised. Thus for a public team its important to have an unknown shadow team who can do things the ultimates wouldn't but still need to be done and not get captain america and co's name all over it.

im really sorry if that was too obvious or uneeded just thought id ...you know...add my own two cents or whatever...thanks for listening

[WEAPONX7284]

Damn shame we only get one issue a' Ultimates every two months. I like where Miller is takin' this book. Hawkeye an' BlackWidow's introduction t'the Ultimates was real interestin'. Lookin' forward t'see 'im in future Ultimate books, when ever they come out.

[Anthony Zisa]

Mark's obsession with David Ickes rears its ugly head. Great ideas to chew on, although, despite Neary's inks, the art still doesn't look like the slick Hitch I'm used to. Still adjusting to that. Still the best straight-up superhero book out there.

--acz

[NateGrey65]

i really did like this issue but what i didn't like was the feeling that i got after finishing it. Normally, with the past 7 issues I was left with the feeling of "omigod I can't wait to find out what's next and it's a damn shame that i'll have to wait two to three months to find out" Examples are always helpful in illustrating a point (even if it does prove to be be a bit length)
End of Issue 1
I can't wait to see more of the team being formed and to find out what's going on present day
issue 2
Captain America is gonna be defrosted-What will he do/say
Issue 4
The ultimates are gonna fight the Hulk oh boy!
Issue 6
OH mY God-did Giant Man just Kill Wasp?! what happens next
Issue 7
Ooh-Caps gonna beat the snot out of Giant Man-can't wait

But with this issue I was left feeling more frustrated rather than anything else at the FLAGRANT plagarism of The Matrix-from Hawkeye's and Black Widow's outfits-to the storming of the building filled with seemingly normal looking people in suits but its okay to kill them because they're really "sleeperagents"(and on a similar note, how in the world does Hawkeye shoot so many arrows so quickly, He shoots like 5 at a time-and on a further note, how does he not run out of arrows?) Also, Black Widows Jump screamed of Trinity
I have more to say but I'll let people post on what I've said so far before I continue

[Omar A. Safi]

I didn't think it was that much of a rip-off of Matrix or MiB. If you looked into the suits, they aren't just black leather. Widow's is black and Hawkeye's is meant to be red, I believe. Also, they have small ridges and what not around the suit.

[gambitX]

I just went over it at the store and I was thinking... UGH!?!?!?!?!?!? MATRIX???

[Anthony Zisa]

Well, "The Matrix" plagerised heavily from <i>The Invisibles</i>, so it's not exactly like the idea of attacking a heavily fortified government building was exclusive to "The Matrix."

--acz

[Erwin Rafael]

Originally posted by gambitX
I just went over it at the store and I was thinking... UGH!?!?!?!?!?!? MATRIX???

LOL i hope when you see Claremont's first Shi-ar story line, you'd also say...UGH?!?!?!?! STAR WARS?!?!?! or if you read Frank Miller's Ronin, there would be this one scene where you'd say...UGH!?!?!?!?!? LONE WOLF AND CUB???

[gambitX]

I didnt read the first Shi;ar story line... but if there are lightsabres around, I would probably go UGH as well... who knows what Ronin is...

Your point is?

[Omar A. Safi]

Our point is that the scene wasn't as big of a "rip-off" that so many of you make it out to be. Honestly, I didn't see the Matrix besides the suits, which were still far from it. Aliens disguised as aliens from MiB was probably done better by Millar.

[Jackraow21]

I like the Ultimates, it's an exciting read and all that, but personally I'm getting kind of tired of the whole "government super-team" riff. This is something that seems to pop up all the time in modern superhero comics, and I think it's getting a little tired.

Personally I'd love to see Captain America, who is such an idealist, get fed up with taking orders from a bunch of greedy, fat-cat politicians in Washington and break away from SHIELD. With Tony Stark's financial backing they could become a private superhero organization, and instead of answering to the U.S. government they could become a UN-sanctioned team---thus they defend not only America but the whole world. They could then rename themselves the Avengers and...

Wait a minute. That IS the Avengers. My bad.

But it would be cool IMO if the Ultimates eventually evolved into the Avengers. Starting out as a group of flawed individuals working as government lackeys and then eventually becoming true heroes.

Besides, does it really make sense to anyone that Thor would take orders from the U.S. military? Or Tony Stark even?

[BenedictX]

I don't think Thor is really taking orders from the US Military. I thought issue # 6 made it clear he was only cooperating when he believed in what was going one. (Cap's comment: that means we get you for free.)

I really thought the action sequence was one of the best, most clear examples of storytelling I've ever seen in a comic, and cemented my opinion that no one should be allowed to touch this book but Hitch. I'm loving Ultimate War but it's been disconcerting seeing Bachalo's renditions, even if i do like them, of these characters. I gues i'm of the minority opinion that years frm now, when we look at the comics, we won't remember so much that it was late, we'll just enjoy the incredible work of these creators.

the wait is frustrating, though.

[Omar A. Safi]

Yeah, none of the team members take orders from the military but are willing to participate. They take orders from Fury though.

Yes, Hitch is the only artist for this title. I agree that years from now we won't remember if it was late or not, just that it was good.

[Shadowraven]

I liked this issue a lot myself. People give the Matrix more credit that it deserves. It's 'unique' action-packed feel was taken strait from comics and Anime movies in the first place. Heck, their have been quite a few regular movies with that level of action.

The only things that get blantantly ripped off from the Matrix on a regular basis are the slow motion bullet effects and some of the martial arts scenes.

As for great artists who are slow, add John Cassady, both Kuberts, Travis Charest, and a whole load of others to the list. Once the detail starts to go up, a monthly scedule is not longer possible.

People use JRJR and Mark Bagley as examples that it can be done. While they are good artists whose work I enjoy, you can't honestly look at the Art in Amazing or Ultimate Spidey, and then look at the Ultimates or Planetary and honestly say that the books all show the same level of detail.

Hitch should be the solo artist on the Ultimates for the same reason that Cassady should be the only guy doing regular Planetary issues (even if they're bi-annually these days), the books aren't nearly as good without them.

[citizenx]

I don't think Ultimates #8 was a rip-off of the Matrix. The only thing was the outfits and lets face it, people wore leather before the Matrix. Anyway Ultimates is way better than the Matrix as far as I'm concerned.......

[Omar A. Safi]

I agree with you two. Bagley's art is pretty lame to me and Romita Jr. is good but definitely not as detailed.

[Ricky]

Now come on!
The way they walk right into the lobby, the clerk realizing (or rather nor realizing anymore), what he is up to, that's just a matrix rip-off!
The same gos for the way, they stuffed themselves with weapons, even down to the bags they carry, both is pure matrix.
And still later on, the scene when Natasha jumps, I'd also say thats a close reminder, this time to the chase in the beginning.

And don't get me wrong, I do love the Ultimates. I still read them critically, though.
... Although, the Independance-day-twist from issue 11 just didn't get well with me...

[TheIronYuppie]

And let me just say, we are sooo glad to have finally heard your opinion on the issue almost an entire year after the fact! LOL!