Review — ‘Ultimate Invasion’ #3 Is Full Of Interesting Ideas And Not Much Else

Ultimate Invasion has already hit its penultimate issue, and it’s a lot of interesting. But does much happen inside?

Jonathan Hickman, Bryan Hitch, Andrew Currie, Alex Sinclair, and Joe Caramagna set up the end of the beginning.

Obidiah Stane is dead, murdered at the Maker’s public unveiling of the City. Howard Stark now had two choices. Does he join the shadow society that rules the world, or does he fight back against the Maker’s maniacal plans? And who is the figure at the end of time waiting for the right moment to destroy him?

This would be a perfect mid-series issue. However this series is running four issues, not five or six. That means that it’s ultimately pretty unsatisfying as a lot is set-up by Hickman for a whirlwind remainder to the event. Unfortunately, I don’t know how the Illuminati, rebellion, Earth-6160’s Reed Richards and Kang’s invasion could all be resolved by the end of the next issue. It is all fantastic set-up, but knowing it’s all in the penultimate issue does take it down several notches.

Hitch’s storytelling chops don’t get to be flexed much in this issue. It’s largely a decompressed talking story. They do a great job at keeping it visually dynamic with a camera that’s perpetually moving around with figures that are always exaggerated and grand on page. What I really like about the art here though is Hitch and Currie playing with the familiar designs. Every one of the characters here are recognizable (except Howard Stark, who needs a few more hallmarks of past designs). However, Hitch takes that, twists it a little and gives each one new identities that are familiar but new.

Sinclair’s colors look great, almost photoreal. He has a layer of polish that’s complex without looking rubbery. Caramagna makes the letters a part of the story, incorporating them into the art, and making the script come to life.

Ultimate Invasion #3 is available now from Marvel Comics.