Writer: Deniz Camp
Illustrator: Chris Allen
Colours: Federico Blee
Letters: VC’s Travis Lanham
Cover: Dike Ruan & Neeraj Menon
Cover B: Taurin Clarke
Cover C: Inhyuk Lee
Cover D: Gleb Melnikov & Edgar Delgado
Published by: Marvel Comics
– A broken system VS an unbreakable hero
The new Ultimate Universe launched by Marvel hasn’t been perfect, but issue 9 of The Ultimates is another positive step for the spin-offs, continuing to develop the strengths of theseries while building up the universe and its cast of characters.
The biggest upside the new Ultimate Universe has going for it is the changes and differences made to heroes and their lives in comparison to the main 616 Universe that Marvel tends to focus on. We’ve had the harrowing (both the tragic backstory behind Ultimate Doom and the impact Gamma radiation had on those around She-Hulk as she became stronger), as well as the uplifting and unique nature of Peter Parker and his family in Ultimate Spider-Man and this latest issue of Ultimates proved to be no different, focusing on Carl Lucas and his rise to becoming Luke Cage.
Focusing on a broken prison system run by corporations focused purely on profit (and, as described by one character in the issue, “slave labour”), Deniz Camp’s brilliant writing and stellar art by Chris Allen highlights how Cage began his sentence as a child, assured he would only serve one year – before cutting ahead to see him still incarcerated 20 years later. Flicking from past to present, the issue showcases his development through beatings at the hand of prison guards and the friendships he makes in the prison system – especially one with a “Danny Rand”, better known to Marvel Comics fans as Earth-616’s Iron Fist – before culminating in a prison break.
Being written as a revolutionary, Cage/Lucas frequently shows his value to the Ultimates with his resolve, refusal to submit and his tactical genius – with Cage masterminding the prison break with other inmates, beautifully meshing with other panels showing how Cage inevitably gets his unbreakable skin and increased strength.
With an appealing explanation of why the constant flashes between past and present, as well as using Cage and his struggles to add another layer of humanity to the Ultimates and highlight how monstrous the new world of the Maker truly is, the continued excellent writing from Camp and fantastic artwork from Allen make this issue a must-have – and the The cliffhanger ending will have readers coming back for future issues.
Overall: 9/10
A former journalist and law student, Daniel grew up immersing himself with pop culture – especially anything with a cape and cowl. Currently training to be a chef, he loves to showcase what he believes are the most interesting comics, films and more (much to the annoyance of his friends and family!)
