The revolution is here, and writer Deniz Camp makes sure you know it. The Ultimates #21 is the latest in his politically charged series for Marvel, and doesn’t shy away from taking on real-world issues. Framed by Pere Pérez’s ruthless art, he shows the costs of rebellion and what it takes to fight back in the Ultimate Universe.
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The Battle for North America Against the Maker’s Council
The Ultimates are moving to seize control of North America from Maker’s council member, Emmanuel De Costa. Intense battles mingle with moments of Luke Cage and his allies helping out in the aftermath. These scenes may be quiet, but they say a lot. The Ultimate Universe’s evil version of the Defenders soon confronts them, resulting in a brutal fight. Pérez doesn’t spare any gore, showing bodies erupting in a spray of blood and guts on a shocking page fifteen. The sound effects echo the carnage, as letterer Travis Lanham punctuates each death with a sickening SPLURCH.
Pere Pérez Delivers Brutal Action and Visceral Carnage
Their confrontation delivers, and the Defenders are more than a match for our heroes. Chaos reigns as they trade blows, lose limbs, and pummel each other. Colorist Federico Blee bathes the combatants in deep red blood, as bright oranges and yellows explode around them. It looks like the Ultimates are heading for defeat before getting backup from an unlikely place. The people they’ve inspired fight back, helping them turn the tide. Pérez masterfully depicts the elation of the Ultimates’ triumph on page twenty-seven, showcasing the inspiring sight of ordinary individuals standing proudly alongside superhumans.
Emmanuel De Costa and the Power of Superhero Propaganda
Camp isn’t subtle about his political leanings, and this book is a damning indictment of our current landscape. He portrays De Costa as a terrifying, calculated villain who knows he doesn’t have to win a physical battle as long as he controls the flow of information. De Costa’s Defenders are the pinnacle of his propaganda machine. Each team member is provided a relatable history and eye-catching superpowers, with the directive to stay as apolitical as possible. In De Costa’s mind, people don’t actually want change; they just want the illusion of it.
Luke Cage Defines What It Means to Be a Hero
Cage is the best character in this issue. As the primary narrator, he gives us a look inside his mind. What we find is a compassionate man who just wants to make the world a better place. He asserts true heroes are those who refuse to forget their humanity, and it’s not until after the battle that their real work begins.
Why the End of the Ultimate Universe Feels Premature
My chief complaint is the same one I’ve had since Marvel decided to end the Ultimate Universe. There’s more I want to see. This book includes the Ultimate versions of Wingspan, Cloak, Deadpool, and Ghost Rider, all with their own unique wrinkles. It’s disappointing we won’t explore more of these characters and the distinct challenges they could face in an alternate universe.
The Ultimates #21 brings the revolution to life. Camp pits De Costa’s propaganda against Cage’s humanity, while Pérez captures the violence in vivid detail. This series is ending too soon. The revolution may not be televised, but it thrives in the pages of The Ultimates.
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‘The Ultimates’ #21 | All Power to the People
The Ultimates #21 brings the revolution to life. Camp pits De Costa’s propaganda against Cage’s humanity, while Pérez captures the violence in vivid detail. This series is ending too soon. The revolution may not be televised, but it thrives in the pages of The Ultimates.
