The Ultimates #24 Review

As the Ultimate Universe comes to an end, writer Deniz Camp, artist (and fellow Argentine!) Juan Frigeri, and colorist Federico Blee conclude their anthology with a well-deserved victory for their network of super-powered revolutionaries amidst World War III in The Ultimates #24.

The Ultimates‘ narrative deviates from conventional superhero team approaches by placing less emphasis on individual members and more on the collective, highlighting the dynamics of this formidable network as it evolves and expands in response to the imperative for authentic transformation on a global scale.

 In summary, while Al Ewing’s Ultimates symbolized the ultimate resolution to cosmic challenges beyond Earth, Camp’s Ultimates exemplify the paramount solution to the social and political dilemmas of our tumultuous era. This solution defies many expectations of the superhero genre by sharply criticizing the fascist undertones Camp attempts to counteract. This world began with the arrival of a man in a tight suit with superpowers who proclaims his mission to create a better world. He won over the people with his actions and abilities, lulling them into complacency. After all, why lift a finger if someone else is going to do it?

This is also reflected in the global government of the Ultimate Universe, as the seven territories that comprise it are essentially governed by Ubermenschen, special individuals. Among the array of world leaders, beyond the Maker, none embodies this concept more profoundly than Hulk, reimagined here as a Buddhist monk who wields control over China through a religious cult known as the Children of the Eternal Light and illegitimate bearer of the Iron Fist.

This Bruce Banner exemplifies cultural appropriation and white colonialism, as he exploits the knowledge he gained from enlightened masters to gain self-control, distilling their teachings into a philosophy of peace through strength, from which he benefits. He transformed Heaven, divesting it of its cultural essence. He is a man of few depths, espousing peace while harboring violent desires. He poisoned an entire nation with his Westernization. After all, he is a living atomic bomb—a weapon invented by the Western world to subjugate others (Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the subsequent Occupation of Japan ring a bell?) In his very own words: “My power does not descend from the people! The people’s power—what little I allow them—descends from me.”

This type of character usually defines the superhero genre, albeit with a more positive outlook. They are all-powerful beings who have come to change the world. Ultimates usually counters this with collectivism: one person cannot change the world, and no one should be above others. In this issue, which serves as a conclusion to issues 3, 6, and 15, victory is not achieved through collectivism but by holding on to your culture and what it has taught you.

This objective is achieved through the efforts of She-Hulk (Marshaless Lejori Joena Zakaria), who was empowered by gamma radiation, and Shen Qi, the resurrected Eighth Iron Fist. Although they are both victims of Westernization at the hands of the Hulk, they confront his dual chi- and gamma-powered nature in different ways.

Despite having been deliberately sidelined since her debut in Issue 3, and having been compelled to prioritize the needs of others over those of her people despite the unfulfilled promises of her peers, which culminated in her reaching her breaking point in Issue 19, Lejori regains her prominence as she embarks on a solo mission to liberate her subjugated people of Gamma Island. Although she initially wanted to eliminate gamma radiation from her atoll, she has now accepted it completely, becoming intrinsically connected to her mutated “lamoran,” or ancestral land, ordering the flora and fauna alike to destroy any technological weaponry or obstacle that stands in her way. Lejori’s ability to connect with her environment is a key strength in reclaiming what was taken from her, a quality that the Hulk does not possess in Heaven.

Similarly, Shen Qi’s actions are driven by his desire to reclaim his birthright. As a representative of the K’un-Lun people, he is determined to put an end to the Hulk’s reign of terror in Heaven and restore it to its former glory. However, he favors a more peaceful approach. Even in the midst of confrontation, the enlightened martial artist does not seek to cause harm; rather, he seeks to demonstrate his superiority over Hulk’s violent desires masquerading as righteousness and strength. He abstains from delivering the coup de grâce. In an implicit gesture of solidarity from one victim of Westernization to another, Shen Qi exiles Hulk to Gamma Island, fulfilling Lejori’s wishes.

While the initial pages of the book, particularly the segment featuring Lejori’s confrontation with Crane Mother of the Bomb and the subsequent duel between Shen Qi and Hulk, stand out as some of the finest works of the Frigeri-Blee partnership, it is the battle against Hulk in Gamma Island that truly exemplifies their exceptional skill and pushes the limits to create a truly exhilarating finale. The force of every punch, kick, and martial arts move is palpable to the reader as these gamma-powered giants engage in combat. This palpability is due in large part to Frigeri’s artwork, which, to me, has come to define the characters Deniz has created for the series over the past two years more than any guest artist’s interpretation, and is greatly complemented by Blee’s vibrant and luminous colors.

Once Lejori emerges victorious from this final battle, the scene is set with a gory outcome, leaving the Hulk a bloody mess. Overall, a satisfying conclusion to the two-year series. However, the story isn’t over yet. There’s no time to waste before Ultimate Endgame #5. Then comes Finale. As previously stated, The Ultimates defies the conventional superhero team narrative structure. The approach taken by Deniz, Frigeri, and Blee over the past two years is highly memorable to me, with many stand-out issues. It is a series that will always have a special place in my memory and heart, and I will deeply miss the monthly anticipation of where it would go next.