REVIEW: Ultimate Invasion #3

Marvel’s latest major event continues its time-hoping and mind-bending epic-ness in Ultimate Invasion #3. Has The Maker met his match in a man or a god?

A very much alive and in-charge Howard Stark is retelling his meeting with The Maker to a young and no-so bossy Tony Stark. This flip on their dynamic is so interesting. There’s an undertone of that infamous Stark family tension but there is care, collaboration, and even love there as well. Howard is hanging out with The Maker’s secret cabal that really runs Earth 6160, highlighted by The Hulk who is more Maestro than Banner. Most of the issue is good ‘ol fashion political intrigue like a superhero Cold War flick from the 90’s. There’s actually no fighting at all. But this is no sleeper of an issue thanks to Jonathan Hickman’s writing. Howard and Tony are strategizing the moves that will be made the rest of the series, and both a third and fourth-party enter the fray near the end that could turn the entire series upside down.

With a lack of action and a focus on dialogue, the art is all about the characters. Young Tony Stark looks green yet determined. Howard looks worn out yet even more determined. The characters truly emote in the panels. The Hulk is the story (visually) here though. He’s almost unrecognizable in his first panel. Far from the traditional green gamma beast, he looks like a giant man with his bald head and greyish/brownish skin tone. This could be a divisive look but it’s a bold alternate multi-verse version of one of the most recognizable characters in all of popular culture. Kudos to Bryan Hitch, Andrew Currie and Alex Sinclair for taking a bold risk. Also, the two secret characters that appear look absolutely fantastic in their designs. There may not be a lot going on, but it is still a very interesting comic to look at.

Great dialogue combined with some interesting (and informative) world-building help keep Ultimate Invasion #3 moving at a brisk pace. It’s a comic featuring the likes of Iron Man, the Hulk, and Mr. Fantastic that manages to be incredibly intriguing and engaging without any of the aforementioned doing anything “cool.” Which is a direct result of excellent writing and art coming together. And again, the final few panels alone look to shake up the entire series and set the stage for a very wild ride to come. This is highly recommended reading material.

Writing – 4.5 Stars
Art – 3.5 Stars
Coloring – 4 Stars

Overall – 4 Stars

Written by; Jonathan Hickman
Art by; Bryan Hitch and Andrew Currie
Colors by; Alex Sinclair
Letters by; Joe Caramagna
Published by; Marvel Comics

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Christopher R. Ford

Writer, author, and blogger. Published author of three children's books and also writes for the boy Creators For The Culture. Part-time sneaker head, full time nerd.