Recently there have been complaints on this board that the ultimate Universe is in decline. What do you think is needed to be done to fix Ultimate Universe?
One suggestion I have, no more throw away characters, when they introduce new characters to the UU, they should take the time to introduce 616 characters properly.
That's such a loaded question. There's no quick repsonse. Each book is in need of different things.
UFF - The verdict is still out on this one. Millar's run was fantastic (no pun intended........or was it? :wink: ) but his arcs needed to be like 2-3 issues longer. Well we're getting that from Carey but there's more exposition than action. That's both good and bad. The story is being fleshed out more....but without some of the action--certain issues seem to drag.
Both Land and Ferry's art have been amazing. I do like Ferry's art a bit more because it seems to flow. Reed looks like a 19-21 year old as he should instead of the 26 year old Land drew. My only request is that Ferry try to blend his Johnny's look to Kubert/Immonen's look. I'm not digging the crew-cut look of Johnny at all.
UXM - It is my understanding that Kirkman was orginally signed on to create filler arcs until Singer could get around to his story. But with Singer's busy schedule and being more and more removed from the X-Men brand....who knows if we'll ever see that. Personally, I don't care. But Kirkman's arcs were horrible. I was this close to dropping the book. But then it seemed that he was staying on indefinitely. At that point he came out with Cable and was able to start laying down more permanent foundations and ideas for the title. Stuff he could build on later.
Kirkman's writing is solid. I was never a big fan of his work. But recently I've gone back and started re-reading his works. My opinions have changed. Cable was solid and it seems as if we're now getting some direction.
The one thing that DOES need to change on this book is the art. Since Kirkman's inception---he's gone back and forth between Raney and Oliver and now throwing Paquette in the mix. All 3 are wrong for this book. My opinion is that Kirkman should think about teaming up with his fellow "Invincible" artists and take on UXM. The previous 3 can't draw teens for crap. Raney is worse than Bachalo. Oliver is solid...but he tends to draw everyone the same. Paquette actually did ok...but he's drawing these kids in their 20s and making them mirror their older 616 counterparts. The art needs to change and they need to find someone who's gonna draw these teens as teens.
USM - O Sweet baby Jesus where to begin!??! This book is in dire need of fresh blood. Ok---first Bendis needs to get off the book. Like now! He's honestly run outta ideas. I can understand staying onboard to break the record....but the record is broken. Let it go. He's just hoarding the book and spewing out wastes of characters. There are plenty of rogues in Spidey's gallery to choose from. That doesn't mean you need to use them all in 3 arcs. He needs to spend a bit more time fleshing out some of the villians he's already got. Personally---I wouldn't hate to see another Kingpin arc. Or maybe another Venom. Bring back Osborn! Bring back Hobgoblin/Harry! Flesh them out a bit more! They mainly need to get rid of Bendis......but at that point it's a question of who do you bring in next? A lot of people would be thrilled with BKV.....as would I. But to be honest---I'd like someone else. A good idea would've been Palmiotti/Grey. They don't write anything deep.....but they have a great grasp on the young feel this book needs again.
And the art. I'm so glad Bagley is going. He needed to go. At one point his art was so stale that it hurt. But then around the Silver Sable arc---the colors seemed to change and be more crisper. That helped....but stale is still stale. I love that Immonen is coming onboard. If it was up to me he'd draw all the Ultimate titles! I'm that much of a fan. His vibrant style is desperately needed. Personally---when there were talks of who would replace Bags...the obvious choice seemed to be Brooks (the guy who does the Annuals). But myself and Proj were adamant about the wild, kick-*** artistic stylings of Skottie Young. Trust me.....they would've been awesome.
Ultimates - The book needs to actually come out more than once a quarter. Right now the book is perfect. But perfection can only last so long. I'm looking forward to the changes soon to come. I know Loeb is a great writer......so I have faith. He'll take the book into wild huge Avengers adventures territory instead of the politic heavy tone it has now. Faith.
The bringing on of Joe Mad is a decision that I'm hesitant about. I'm torn on whether to be excited or wary. But even his run on the book will end and then we get McGuiness! Teaming him back up with Loeb means nothing but good things for me. So the verdict is still out on this one. As long as the book comes out even bi-monthly I'll be happy.
Minis - Need to have more thought put into them. Especially with these big crossover ones. All the creative teams involved need to sit down with the book creators and flesh out some concrete timelines about the story. You can't have a character doing one thing in your mini....and then have them totally dismiss the event in thier respective books.
A big thing with them is that they're making minis outta whatever. Also...if they could NOT feature Wolverine in each of them....that'd be great. :wink:
............aaaaaaaand I'm spent.