Hawkeye101 said:
My entry on the Ultimates 2 #7 forum shares my view on what will happen. Which shows no possibility of a Red Skull, but Ultron could be worked into it.
Short version: Loki has caused the traitor to do what he's been doing and after offing the extras (i.e. the giantmen, seasons, unions) banner (who is still alive) will release Thor and Thor will battle Loki into reality so the Ultimates can see that he exsists. The traitor will realize what he/she has done and re-join the team. Thor, Hulk, and everyone will battle Loki and the traitors men (which could include Ultron since the Traitor has been in talks with Hank Pym). Which leaves no room for Ultimate Red Skull.
God if thats how it turns out I'll start buying Ultimates for toilet paper and kindling. Sorry, just really dislike that theory.
Ummm, you did read the first Ultimates series right? You notice how it was broken into two arcs? The conclusion of the first arc had them fighting Hulk, and the conclusion of the second had them fighting the Chitauri Invasion. Now the Hulk (as Hulk, not just Banner) didn't first show up in the first arc until issue #5 (barring the one-panel flashback to the UMTU #2-3 in Ultimates #2) and the Chitauri didn't make an appearance until #10.
Now lets look at Ultimates 2. The first arc basically covered the Trial of the Hulk and Thor's capture. The big battle took place between Thor and the Ultimates at the end of the first arc in Ultimates 2 #5. Now, given the past story structure Millar seems to use for this title, its entirely feasible Ultimate Red Skull and Ultron don't show themselves as enemies until at least Ultimates 2 #10, thereby leaving at least a couple issues for the climactic fight-scene. I'm thinking the rest of the arc will shape up like this:
#8 - The traitor is revealed
#9 - The traitor's motivations, and possibly allies (Red Skull/Ultron) are revealed
#10 - If they didn't show up in #9, Ultron and Red Skull will almost definitely appear in this issue
#11-#12 - Big honking fight scene and resolution to the story.
In conclusion, your argument about Red Skull not showing up due to "lack of room" holds about as much water as a bucket with holes in it.