Robb Ghag reviews Age of Ultron #1…
“For years the heroes of the Marvel Universe have lived in fear that the artificial intelligence known as Ultron would one day evolve to fulfill its desire to wipe out all organic life and take over the Earth – that day has arrived.“
I just purchased the Skottie Young Variant cover of Age of Ultron #1. The work Scottie is doing in the Marvel U (Young Marvel Universe) is cute, funny and original. These days that’s saying a lot.
If you are familiar with the Marvel Universe at all, you’ll know that as soon as you open Spider-Man, X-Men or any other titles, there is typically a synopsis or back-story for the book you are about to read, but the first words read in Age of Ultron #1 are: “Hank Pym of the Avengers created the artificial Intelligence known as Ultron. It hates Humanity…And it has returned…”
An entry point as terrifying as it is enigmatic. Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man, House of M, Secret Invasion) and Bryan Hitch (The Ultimates 1 & 2) have teamed up to bring us the futuristic destructive force of The Age of Ultron. Starting (of course) in New York City, it’s clear this is not the city we are familiar with. Lightning streaks the skies and illuminates the remnants of mass destroyed NYC.
Hawkeye’s the main entry point into the story, looking as similar to the character design created by Hitch for The Ultimates 2. His attitude is similar as he isn’t the typical Avenger of old; this is the Hawkeye who kills. The story moves forward similar to one of Marvel’s “What If…?” or Age of Apocalypse storylines as unlikely villains have banded together.
The panels are written and drawn across both pages, starting with a great double splash page of the New York City skyline, with (what is presumably) Ultron’s ship hovering above the ruins. Be sure to download the Marvel AR app on your iphone, or android device, and scan the AR codes throughout the book. The art is gritty, and keeping perfectly in tune with the world Bendis has created.
Hawkeye attempts to rescue a beaten and tortured Spider-Man, and in the process we see a dozen or so Ultrons hovering in the sky. The effects used are great as they simulate the shaking of the building, as Hawkeye and Spider-Man make their escape. As they enter an underground safe house, we see She-Hulk and Luke Cage who clearly aren’t taking any chances when they see their two fellow Avengers. Fearing Ultron has infected them, Tony Stark has created a device which can analyze people to determine if they have been infected by Ultron. Both Hawkeye and Spider-Man pass, but tensions are high and morale is low as Hawkeye attempts to rally the surviving Avengers. It’s clear these heroes are struggling, and have no plan of attack. The book ends with a splash page of the ultimate Avenger Captain America, hunched down in the corner, with his hands on his knees looking very battle worn.
It’s a great entry point and a great way to start the series. Age of Ultron is reminiscent of the alternate reality Marvel titles, where Evil has triumphed over good, and good is biding its time surviving.
Robb Ghag works for an Arts & Entertainment Brokerage in Toronto Canada. An Animation and Film school graduate, he specializes in Risk Management of Animation and VFX studios throughout North America.
Originally published March 6, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
