Writer: Ron Zimmerman
Artists: Duncan Fegredo and Walden Wong
Publisher: Marvel
Although this issue of Ultimate Adventures is very likeable, it is overshadowed by the fact that it was written well before its time. I believe this was originally supposed to be part of story arc tying in with the Ultimate War, but because of the long delay it was simply turned into the Ultimates arbitrarily showing up at the Danner Mansion. Whether this will play a part in the future, I have no idea, but this issue loses points because of that waste of paper.
Now that that's out of the way, the main plot of the book is Woody's apparent call to duty as a superhero when his principal goes nuts in school. This is partially ironic, due to the fact that Woody finds some of the only support he can in protection from bullying at school. Ron Zimmerman's back with a penchant for good dialogue, and moving the story along when he should.
In addition, Mr. Zimmerman's name always sells a book for me, so I'm probably one of the few who actually still care about this delayed comic. While many thought it was offensive, I found Ron's Rawhide Kid to be an exceptional and humorous work. Ultimate Adventures has turned out to be a ill-fated miniseries, which stemmed from the nonsense of the U-Decide contest. I really like what Mr. Zimmerman's done here, even if it is a bit of a takeoff of the Batman-Robin concept.
Duncan Fegredo gets an inker other than himself this month in Walden Wong, and it's certainly a change for the better. Mr. Wong's inks remove some of the grittiness felt earlier in the book, and make the story's art more pleasing to the eye. I especially like Mr. Fegredo's interpretation of the Ultimates. Unfortunately, the main flaw of the book is the inconsistency with drawing faces.
This issue could've been a lot better if Marvel actually decided to market the Hawk-Owl vs. Captain America gig on the cover. At least it would sell a few more copies. I know that doesn't exactly fit in with the "in-your-face" cover policy, but it'd be a nice standout change.
Ultimate Adventures has a lot going for it; it's a shame it must be cancelled so soon. I guess that's what happens when you're a comic book born out of a mindless contest.
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