Clearing out more of the backlog. This time, it’s last week’s
Ultimate X-Men. I hope to have the next
Ultimate Spider-Man reviewed tomorrow.

General Information

Title: Ultimate X-Men #36

Author: Brian Michael Bendis

Illustrator: David Finch

Original Publication Date: August 13, 2003

Cover Price: $2.25 US, $3.75 Can

Premise

Wolverine leaves Spider-Man behind while running from his
attackers,
and meets up with Ultimate Daredevil.

High Point

“I’ve heard enough. Get out of my Kitchen.”

Low Point

This was a really fast read. It just seems like there should be so
much more here.

The Scores

We’re starting to learn more about these villains, although most
of
that seems to be learning about what they’re not. I really like this
bunch. As original as they feel, I’m starting to
wonder if
we haven’t met the Ultimate Silver Sable. I give it 4 out of 6.

The artwork is still excellent. I really like David
Finch’s
art, and it’s a perfect fit to this story. I give it 6 out of 6;
there’s not one panel I’d want to see changed.

The story is shaping up, both with the unexpected
guest star
(unless you looked at the cover) and the new information about
the
hunters. It also ends with the promise to see Ultimate Daredevil
really cut loose for the first time next issue, which is something
I’ve been dying to see. In terms of plot in just this issue, not much
happens, but the little that does happen seems to include some
pretty
big pieces of the larger puzzle. I give it 4 out of 6.

The characterization of Spider-Man and Wolverine
is
unchanged. The head villain and Daredevil are both very well
done,
showing the former losing her cool for the first time, and the latter
keeping his cool in a very intense situation. I give it 5 out of 6.

The emotional response this produced included
some chuckles
in the early pages, and then a building sense of anticipation in the
last few pages. The best parts seem to be those that promise
better
things to come. I give it 4 out of 6.

The flow was exceptional, which might actually
contribute to
the feeling that this story was a little short. It just flew by from
scene to scene, without allowing a breather for anyone involved.
I
give it 6 out of 6.

Overall, it’s an interesting addition to Bendis’ first arc
on
the title, but there doesn’t seem to be that much going on this
month. I give it 4 out of 6.

In total, Ultimate X-Men #36 receives 33 out of 42.